CHARLIE MILLER
Totino-Grace, football
The senior wide receiver/defensive back remembers vividly one of the few times he and his Eagles teammates felt overmatched. It was last November, in their first year as a Class 5A team, when the Eagles were crushed by eventual state champion Eden Prairie 49-7.
"They were hungrier than we were," Miller said. "We remembered that all offseason. It was always in the backs of our minds. We had to get bigger and faster."
So far, that dedication has paid off. Last Friday, Miller used his 4.46 40-yard-dash speed on three touchdowns -- an 85-yard kickoff return, a 28-yard reception and a 20-yard run. Totino-Grace defeated Anoka 43-29 for the Eagles' third consecutive victory over a Class 6A team.
Miller also was a force on defense, making six tackles and knocking down two passes.
"I think I had a pretty good game, but it's really just about doing what I can to help the team," Miller said.
The offseason workouts, seasoned by the memory of last fall's drubbing, is paying off now, Miller said.
"We're a faster team than we were last year and that helps against the big schools. We have no fear right now. We believe we're good enough to beat anybody."
KAILEY BEATT
Maple Grove, soccer
Behind the play of the senior forward, the Crimson won three games and improved to 7-1-1 overall. Beatt scored in all three games, finishing with five goals and two assists for the week.
CLARISSA OBER
Glencoe-Silver Lake, volleyball
In a five-set, come-from-behind victory over Mound-Westonka, the senior middle hitter had 37 kills. Two days later, she had 30 kills in a victory over Dassel-Cokato.
JAMES ONWUALU
Cretin-Derham Hall, football
Getting untracked for the first time this season, the senior all-around athlete led the Raiders to a 27-13 victory over Stillwater. Onwualu had 213 total yards -- 174 yards rushing -- and scored two touchdowns.
NATHAN PRESTON
New Prague, football
The 6-2, 220-pound junior fullback had 247 rushing yards and five touchdowns (on runs of 36, 2, 4, 46 and 1 yards) in a 48-37 victory over Northfield.
NORA REED
Hopkins, volleyball
The Royals improved to 11-1 with victories over Benilde-St. Margaret's and 3A, No. 5 Wayzata. Reed, a senior middle blocker, was a force at the net with 21 kills, 3.5 blocks and a .558 kill efficiency.
ROXY ROEMER
Shakopee, soccer
The Sabers had a 3-0 week, largely because of the creative offensive play of the sophomore forward. She scored six goals, including a hat trick against St. Peter, and added an assist.
JIM PAULSEN