Packers are still king of the hill

The hiring of former Vikings quarterback Brooks Bollinger to coach Hill-Murray brings some interest to the conference, but overall it likely will shake out similarly to last year. One team to watch might be Richfield, which finished last in 2010 but brings back some solid seniors.HENRY SIBLEY WARRIORS

Coaches: Stan Eskierka and Tom Orth. 2010 record: 2-7.

• The Warriors return several notable seniors, including third-year starting quarterback Dante Grant, who has all-metro potential. But with solid competition in the conference, it's probably not enough to dig them out of the sub-.500 hole. Elsewhere, the team will look inexperienced.

HILL-MURRAY PIONEERS

Coach: Brooks Bollinger. 2010 record: 6-5.

• In his first year coaching at any level, Bollinger is trying to get a feel for where his talent lies in the framework of the Classic Suburban. The Pioneers' offensive and defensive lines look solid, and they should also have good leadership, boosted by a renewed excitement in the program with a new, high-profile coach. If they can be consistent, they could compete.

MAHTOMEDI ZEPHYRS

• Last year, the Zephyrs' identity was primarily forged through their offense. This year, look for a more defensive-minded look and perhaps a lesser season for Mahtomedi, which lost the bulk of its offensive weapons from the 2010 team that made it to the Class 4A state semifinals. While the quarterback job is still a battle between three candidates, third-year starting linebacker Ben McDonald will guide the defense.

NORTH ST. PAUL POLARS

Coach: Eric Longtin. 2010 record: 2-7.

• Look for another building year from the Polars, who graduated seven players from their struggling offense last year and are weak in numbers overall. Like last season, defense is still a plus -- Matt Shively runs the line -- but it won't be enough just yet.

RICHFIELD SPARTANS

• The Spartans have struggled in the past couple of seasons, but they have some solid three-year starters returning. Wide receiver/running back Erik Jimson should lead the offense and help Richfield put pressure on the middle of the conference pack.

SIMLEY SPARTANS

Coach: Rex King. 2010 record: 2-7.

• The Spartans have won only three times over the past two years, and this season might not be much different. King, moving to head coach this year, likes his 11 guys -- lots of speed here -- but with even lighter numbers than usual, most are playing on both sides of the football.

ST. THOMAS ACADEMY CADETS

• The Cadets tied with South St. Paul for first place in the conference last year but are looking at a younger team this season. Many key starters graduated, although the Cadets still have lots of promising but unproven players who could step into those roles. Expect a speedy team with some early mistakes.

SOUTH ST. PAUL PACKERS

Coach: Chad Sexauer. 2010 record: 10-1.

• With nine returning starters on offense and six on defense, look for South St. Paul -- which went 8-0 in the conference last season -- to again be among the top teams in the conference. All-Metro running back and conference offensive MVP Sam Sura is back, and he pairs with senior QB Harrison Rund on the Packers offense.

TARTAN TITANS

• The defense has a lot of speed, but it is new, as is the offense, with only two players back from the squad that made it to the section semifinals last year. The Titans will need to mature quickly to be in contention.

JIM PAULSEN

PREDICTION

1. South St. Paul

2. Mahtomedi

4. Hill-Murray

5. Tartan

6. Henry Sibley

7. Richfield

8. Simley