Waters can go from rough to smooth in a hurry along River

Coach: Justin Johnston.

2010 record: 3-6.

• Belle Plaine won the conference title in 2009, but after averaging 18.2 points per game last season, Johnston has decided to switch the concept of the Tigers offense. He has seven starters back on offense, six seniors and two-year starting junior quarterback Jayden Howie (6-3, 190 pounds). Defensive tackle Michael Kroells (6-3, 235), the Minnesota River defensive lineman of the year in 2010, leads six starters back on that side of the ball.

Coach: Craig Albers.

2010 record: 1-7.

• Albers' coaching tenure got off to a rocky start, with one victory in 2010 (19-7 over Montgomery-Lonsdale). The Hubmen could have their hands full again in 2011 with only four starters back on offense and three on defense. The success of senior quarterback Zach Bares (6-4, 220) will determine the fate of the Hubmen.

Coach: Terry Turek.

• The Giants are hoping their great run at the end of last season -- Le Sueur-Henderson reached the Class 3A state quarterfinals, where it lost to DeLaSalle -- carries over into 2011. Quarterback Jack Swanberg and running back Brendan Kroehler, both seniors, will lead the Giants offense. Defensively, the Giants need to replace most of their starters on the line, so stopping the run could be an issue.

Coach: Dean Aurich.

2010 record: 6-4.

• The smallest school in the conference is still accustomed to winning. Aurich owns a career record of 156-75. His skill players are solid, and he has better size in front of them than last season's six-victory Mayer Lutheran team did.

Coach: Tim Klingbeil.

• Third-year coach Klingbeil is looking to guide the Redbirds to their first winning season since 1996. He has four three-year starters, including senior wingback Kyle Sonnenburg, who is closing in on all of the school's receiving records.

Coach: Paul Henn. 2010 record: 7-3.

• Henn has what it takes to win in this tough conference: a senior-dominated team. He welcomes back eight starters on offense and six on defense, all seniors. The Raiders will have plenty of size in front of two-time all-conference running back Allen VanDien.

Coach: Chuck Hartman.

2010 record: 6-3.

Coach: Craig Johnson.

2010 record: 0-9.

• The Royals are hoping a switch in conferences (moving from the Wright County) also will bring a change in mentality. They are coming off back-to-back winless seasons and haven't won since Oct. 15, 2008. Their chance of ending that streak is helped by returning seven starters on offense and eight on defense.

RON HAGGSTROM

1. Norwood Young America

3. Mayer Lutheran

4. Sibley East

5. Belle Plaine

6. Jordan

7. Watertown-Mayer