Sports

Lake Conference: Four things to know

August 27, 2013 at 10:42PM

Eden Prairie defensive end Nate Becker lined up for a drill during the first week of practice. The Eagles’ defense is considered one of the metro’s best. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

1 SIMPLY THE BEST

Lake Conference teams Eden Prairie, Wayzata and Minnetonka have combined to win eight of the past nine big-school Prep Bowl titles. Eden Prairie is favored to win its third consecutive big-school championship, which is unprecedented. Minnesota is known for its lakes, and the Lake Conference is known for ruling Minnesota football.

2 QUESTIONS AT QB

Even these top programs, drawing from five of the state's largest enrollments, must play the waiting game with inexperienced quarterbacks. This is one of those seasons. Graduation claimed veteran QBs from Eden Prairie, Edina and Hopkins while Wayzata hopes its quarterbacks take a step forward. Minnetonka holds the edge under center with the seasoned Nick Rooney.

3 SAVE THE DATE

Wayzata travels to Rosemount Thursday for a rematch of the 2010 Prep Bowl championship game. … Eden Prairie and Totino-Grace, two of the state's enduring football dynasties, will play Sept. 12 in Fridley. … The conference championship could be determined when Wayzata plays at Eden Prairie on Oct. 11, or five days later when Wayzata plays host to Minnetonka. … Also of note, each conference team has a bye week. Edina, Hopkins and Minnetonka must be idle for a week because they played a Zero Week game. Superpowers Eden Prairie and Wayzata could not find an eighth game.

4 PLAYERS TO WATCH

Eden Prairie's bruising running back tandem of Anthony Anderson and Dan Fisher will help the Eagles dominate defenses. Terrance Bowers is one of Hopkins' speedy skill players. Edina running back Kevin Placide, an all-conference selection last season, is a budding star. And Wayzata's Drew Greely is the Trojans' latest threat at defensive end.

DAVID LA VAQUE

Nick Rooney, running from the Eden Prairie defense during the Class 6A quarterfinals last year, returns at quarterback for Minnetonka. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)