2011 Lake Conference Football Preview

Teams to watch

- Wayzata — The defending state champs have some holes to fill—they return just one starter on offense—but should still be a major factor in one of the toughest leagues in the state.

- Eden Prairie — After coming up one point short in an epic battle for the league crown against the Trojans last year, the Eagles probably have a little payback on their minds entering 2011. 

- Minnetonka — Dave Nelson, who has 216 career wins in 28 seasons as a head coach, might be in position to add to that number in a big way this season. The Skippers have good athletes at the skill positions, but need to rebuild their offensive and defensive lines to challenge the other top teams in the league.

- Edina — After winning its first two games of the season in 2010, the Hornets struggled to a 1-3 conference record. Edina topped Minnetonka 17-14 on Oct. 1. The Hornets also topped Chanhassen, Minneapolis Southwest and North St. Paul in non-conference play.

Players to watch

- Nick Rallis – Edina (QB/RB/WR)

The 6-foot, 210-pound triple-threat senior is headed for the University of Minnesota next season.

- Kevin Carroll – Edina (offensive lineman)

The 6-foot-3, 290-pound senior has received a Division I offer from Northern Iowa.

- C.J. Johnson – Edina (Running back/wide receiver)

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound senior has received a Division I offer from Air Force.

- Ben Lauer – Wayzata (Offensive line)

Lauer, a Division I recruit, is being counted on to anchor an inexperienced offensive line for the Trojans.

- Antonio Ford – Wayzata (Running back)

Ford is getting some Division I attention, but will have his work cut out for him running behind an inexperienced offensive line, at least early in the season.

- Nick Davidson – Eden Prairie (Offensive line)

Davidson is the top lineman for an Eagles team that's never too far from the top of the standings.

- Andrew Larson – Eden Prairie (Running back)

Several Lake coaches pointed to Larson as a player they'll have to game plan for if they hope to stop the Eagles.

- Drake Michaelson – Eden Prairie (Linebacker)

Michaelson was one of three Eagles seniors named to the KARE 11 preseason all-metro team.

- Charles Webb – Minnetonka (Free safety) 

Webb was an all-conference and all-Metro pick at free safety last season, and the 5-foot-9, 170-pound senior is a team captain this year.

- Andre McDonald – Hopkins (Wide receiver)

McDonald, called the “best receiver in the state” by one opposing coach, has committed to the University of Minnesota. 

Key losses

- Devin Crawford-Tufts - Edina (wide receiver)

The former Hornets standout is now at the University of Minnesota, where he plans to play for the football and men's track and field teams.

- Josh Colville – Minnetonka (guard)

The 6-foot-3, 270-pounder will be missed by the Skippers up front this season.

- James Farrow – Minnetonka (cornerback)

Farrow, who's now at Virginia Tech, led the Skippers' defensive unit a year ago.

- T.J. Woodrow – Eden Prairie (Offensive lineman)

Woodrow was a 6-foot-3, 270-pound beast for the Eagles who rotated spots on the line so he was usually leading the charge at the point of attack.

- David Boegel – Wayzata (defensive back)

Will be the toughest player to replace defensively for the Trojans this season.

Toughest road trip

- Wayzata — The opponent plus the venue usually adds up to a loss for the visitors.

Preseason Conference Player of the Year

- Andrew Larson - Eden Prairie (Running back)

Larson rushed for more than 1,600 yards and 20 touchdowns as a junior for what was the top-ranked team in the state most of the season. He should be even harder to bring down as a senior.

2010 final standings

Wayzata 4-0 11-0

Eden Prairie 3-1 9-2

Edina 1-3 4-5

Minnetonka 1-3 5-5

Hopkins 1-3 7-4

Top 2010 postseason finishes

Wayzata — Capped an unbeaten season with a 31-14 win over Rosemount in the 5A title game.