Impact returnees: Senior running back back Caleb Kamara was the Blaze's leading rusher as a sophomore who is healthy after his junior year was cut short by injury. Junior captain Sam Liebl played center last year for a Burnsville offensive line that returns all five starters.
Shoutout to a lineman: David Santos is a two-way lineman coach Vince Varpness describes as "big, physical and athletic."
Schedule: vs. Robbinsdale Armstrong, at Chanhassen, at St. Thomas Academy, vs. Two Rivers, at Waconia, vs. Apple Valley, at Hastings, vs. Tartan
The skinny: There are numerous reasons for optimism in Burnsville this fall after a winless 2024. The Blaze are dropping down to Class 5A and have a roster that figures to excel at that level.
Not only does Burnsville return most of its offense - which has led to accelerated growth in camp - but the emergence of players like Jamari Sargent on the defensive line will allow guys like Landen Svendsen and Kamarh Woods - who played on the line last season out of necessity - to return to their natural positions in the linebacking core.
Impact returnees: Running back Moseh Mouacheupao and wide receiver Alex Haase were big contributors as juniors. Mahtomedi coach Dave Muetzel said the Zephyrs will be balanced and are "looking for a few players to rise to the top."
Shoutout to a lineman: "We should be pretty balanced up front," Muetzel said.
Schedule: vs. Mankato West, vs. Highland Park, at St. Louis Park, vs. Bloomington Kennedy, at Bloomington Jefferson, vs. Tartan, at Cretin-Derham Hall, at St. Thomas Academy
The skinny: Can Mahtomedi return to state tournament contention this season after a slow start in 2024? It won't be for a lack of effort.
"We have a great group of guys. They are working hard and very coachable," Muetzel said. "This is a true 'team.'"
Impact returnees: Running back Dominic Baez ran for 1,187 yards and 15 scores last season while defensive back Todd Rogalski, who touts a St. Thomas offer, tallied three interceptions.
Shoutout to a lineman: Senior offensive and defensive lineman Birk Zeleny has Division-2 offers
Schedule: vs. Cretin-Derham Hall, at Rochester Mayo, vs. Burnsville, vs. Chanhassen, at Apple Valley, vs. Hastings, at Two Rivers, vs. Mahtomedi
The skinny: The Cadets sport what could end up being the most difficult schedule in Class 5A, but they're built to handle it, again sporting a deep roster flush with college-level athletes, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.