Countdown to Kickoff 2018: Class AAAA Sleeper
Brian Jerzak
Story No. 3 in NFN's 2018 sleeper series focuses on Class AAAA and a team that just two years ago was as down as it could be. Under new leadership last season, the program took a step toward a turn-a-round. This year they look to take yet another step forward.
NFN's 2018 AAAA sleeper: Minneapolis South
2017 Record: 3-6
Returning starters: Josiah Lossow QB/S, Brian Avre RB/LB, Kodiak Shipquist WR, Sylence McKinney WR/S, Tre Thompson T/DT, Dorryan Tapplin WR, Heron Francis C, Tom Isebrand T
Just two years ago Minneapolis South failed to win a game. They made a big jump last season, and in 2018 I have them pushing for a home playoff game.
I am a sucker for teams that are returning their quarterbacks – especially quarterbacks given post-season recognition. I am also a sucker for offenses that return a bunch of guys up front. That fits Minneapolis South perfectly.
All-District quarterback Josiah Lossow returns to lead the Tigers' offense. Lossow can hurt a defense with his arm and his legs. His arm will have three receivers to throw to who started last year but, in my opinion, even more importantly he will be operating behind an offensive line returning three offensive linemen – including both tackles and center Heron Francis.
The defense only returns four starters, but head coach Roney Lossow thinks the addition of juniors Francis and Tom Isebrand – who have varsity experience on the offensive side of the ball 0 to the defensive line will make up for some of the inexperience on defense.
One of the things that could trip up the Tigers is the lack of depth. They have many guys who will have to play both ways, and they are not blessed with a ton of depth.
If they can avoid injuries, this team should be in the mix for a home playoff game, along with its best regular season in five years.
