Raiders Football Expected to Contend Again

Missota Conference Football Outlook

Teams to watch

• Shakopee—The Sabers ran the table in the Missota a year ago, and none of their league tilts were even close: Their smallest margin of victory in the regular season was 21 points. They'll be hard-pressed to repeat that kind of success this year after losing a lot of experience up front to graduation.

• —The Raiders have a good core group of veterans back to challenge the defending champion Sabers.

• Chanhassen—The Storm are still the new kids—their school has only been in existence for two seasons, and they've only been in the Missota for one—and haven't had much success so far (two wins each of their first two seasons), but that could change in a big way this year. Look for the Storm to emerge as a dark horse.

Players to watch

• Joel Newman—Red Wing (quarterback)

Newman is a three-year starter for the Wingers with a strong arm. He completed 43 percent of his attempts last season with eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

• Nick McBeain—Shakopee (linebacker)

McBeain, a senior, averaged 12.9 tackles per game last season and returned four interceptions for touchdowns.

• Max Weaver—Northfield (offensive lineman)

Raiders coach Bubba Sullivan said Weaver had a great off-season and possesses “the makings of a top offensive lineman.”

• Ethan Koep—Northfield (punter)

Koep is expected to play both ways, as well as be the Raiders' punter this season.

• Zach Shetka—New Prague (running back/linebacker)

Shared time with all-league RB Jake Molitor last year, but will be expected to carry more of the load this season.

• T.J. Patrias—Holy Angels (linebacker)

The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder had 105 tackles in 10 games last season and is considered one of the top dozen or so linebackers in the state.

• Cole Otto—Chanhassen (wide receiver)

The 6-foot-5 Otto is a matchup nightmare for opposing defensive backs.

• Nathan Holasek—Chanhassen (linebacker)

He had 53 tackles and four sacks for the Storm last year and showed a nose for the football with six fumble recoveries.

Key losses

• Dylan Ulferts—Shakopee (wide receiver)

Had 50 catches for more than 800 yards and double-digit touchdowns a year ago; also rushed for more than 500 yards and six TDs.

• Josh Corbin—Northfield (offensive lineman)

Anchored the Raiders' offensive line last season.

• Logan LaCourse—Shakopee (linebacker)

Was a tough run-stopper for the Sabers.

Toughest road trip

• Shakopee—The Sabers have loads of talent again this season, as well as a good supply of talented young players on the way up, so home losses should be few and far between for the next several years.

Preseason conference player of the year

• Nick McBeain—Shakopee (linebacker)

One opposing coach said McBeain would be “dominant” this season, and it's hard to argue. In addition to being the top linebacker in the league, he's also a good fullback.

2010 final standings

Shakopee 7-0 9-1

Northfield 6-1 8-3

New Prague 5-2 6-4

Holy Angels 3-4 4-6

Chaska 3-4 4-6

Chanhassen 2-5 2-7

Red Wing 1-6 2-7

Farmington 1-6 1-8

Top 2010 postseason finishes

Northfield—Advanced to state for the fourth straight season, but lost to St. Thomas Academy 35-21 in the state Class AAAA quarterfinals.

Shakopee—Only loss of the season was to Hopkins in OT in the Section 6AAAAA semifinals.