1Expanding boundaries: The conference has added Irondale and Spring Lake Park and split into two seven-team divisions. The North includes larger-enrollment schools such as Anoka and Blaine. The West has smaller schools, including Osseo and Totino-Grace. The most intriguing games feature Totino-Grace at Maple Grove on Sept. 26 and Osseo at the Crimson on Oct. 10.
2Featured backs: Running the ball usually equals success in Minnesota high school football, and the conference boasts several high-end backs. Irondale's Victor James, Maple Grove's Clark Weineke, Totino-Grace's Kez Flomo, Armstrong's Thomas Barber and Osseo's Prince Kruah are sure to move the chains.
DAVID LA VAQUE
