With enviable talent up and down its roster, no one is going to feel sorry for DeLaSalle.
But it was a rough two weeks for the Islanders, who lost two potential Division I football recruits to the allure of basketball.
Reid Travis, who quarterbacked the team last year and had been projected as a big-time college tight end, made a much-publicized decision in mid-August to focus on his basketball career.
A less well-known but no less detrimental blow was struck last week when James Lawson, a preseason Star Tribune Dream Team selection at wide receiver, also left the team with the idea of focusing on basketball.
DeLaSalle coach Sean McMenomy admitted it was disappointing to lose two players of that caliber but was pleased with the way his team responded, routing St. Croix Lutheran 40-8 Friday.
"It's tough losing two Division I recruits in two weeks," McMenomy said. "Those two guys have to do what's best for them, and we wish them well. And it opens up opportunities for other players. I thought our guys stepped up."
Metro Top 10
As selected by staff writer Jim Paulsen
