The four teams expected to finish near the top of the conference must rely on their different strengths. Osseo features elite playmakers. Continuity is key for Champlin Park. And Blaine and Maple Grove hope to make the most of a new quarterback and coach, respectively.ANDOVER HUSKIES
Coach: Rich Wilkie. 2010 record: 8-3.
• A 5-0 start last season was marred by two lopsided losses against Blaine's spread offense. And with all-conference DL Thomas Anderson suffering a season-ending knee injury, stopping teams will require new Huskies defenders to emerge. On offense, RB Cole Westerlund will be counted on to regain his pre-injury form.
ANOKA TORNADOES
Coach: Jeff Buerkle. 2010 record: 2-7.
• Two returning offensive linemen plus experience at running back and fullback give the Tornadoes the ability to control the clock and pound teams into submission. But questions about the QB position and the defensive front seven must be answered.
ARMSTRONG FALCONS
Coach: Ryan Bartlett. 2010 record: 2-7.
• With four returning offensive linemen and QB Earl Young, the offense could take off if young and athletic prospects emerge to make some plays. The defense is undersized but has veteran players anchoring all three levels.
BLAINE BENGALS
Coach: Shannon Gerrety. 2010 record: 10-1.
• QB Eric Kline, the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, graduated. So the Bengals' spread offense will look to The Duke. Not John Wayne but QB Duke Anyanwu. A conference coach considers the 6-4, 220-pound Anyanwu one of the state's top athletes.