South Suburban Conference preview

Coach: Mike Fritze

2011 record: 1-8

• A speedy group of veteran starters -- including eight seniors -- should help, but the Eagles have a ways to go to get out of the cellar.

Coach: Tim Carlson

2011 record: 1-8

• With a new coach, will there be new results? For the Jaguars to get over the one-win hump, they'll rely on a smart returning quarterback and loads of experience on defense.

Coach: Dick Weinberger

• The Eagles were able to dig out of an early 0-3 hole last year and win three of the next five games. To avoid needing another comeback, they will need to pull off an upset in the early going.

Coach: Tyler Krebs

2011 record: 2-7

• A second year for Krebs means the systems should be improved on both sides of the ball. The team still lacks depth and experience but will look to be a spoiler.

Coach: Rick Sutton

• Two 6-2, 250-pound ends anchor a three-man defensive front and should be a force to reckon with. But will it be enough to make up for an inexperienced offense?

Coach: Kelly Sherwin

2011 record: 5-6

• A good mix of depth, size and speed should allow the Lightning to rebound from its rare sub-.500 season. Eastview always finds ways to win.

Coach: Brian Vossen

• The Panthers are missing a few pieces from last year's "O-Show," but the monster defense -- with nine returning starters -- should more than make up for it. Beastly linebackers and defensive ends are the signature for a team with huge expectations.

Coach: Larry Thompson

2011 record: 7-3

• The young Cougars, reeling emotionally after a teammate was paralyzed in a summer swimming accident, have early games against predicted conference front-runners and a trip to Edina. Watch out for the run game lined up behind a veteran front.

Coach: Matt Gegenheimer

• The Lakers should be one of the most improved teams in the metro after last year's state tournament run and a strong showing in summer passing leagues. The offense benefits from three returning linemen.

Coach: Jeff Erdmann

2011 record: 5-4

• Could be in the mix, but a chief concern is the youthful roster. Rosemount features just five regulars from last year's team that allowed 77 points over the final two games.