Can SMB Repeat as Class 4A State Champions?

One of the most talked about high school football programs in Minnesota, is the SMB Wolfpack. SMB is comprised of three high schools, which are Saint Paul Academy, Minnehaha Academy, and Blake. The Wolfpack are coming off of their first State Championship title in program history. The reason SMB is such a fun team to follow is their amount of division one talent. They're lead by a Senior trio of Jalen Suggs, Kaden Johnson, and Craig McDonald. &nbsp; <strong>Jalen Suggs: </strong>Quarterback/Defensive Back [caption id="attachment_7947" align="alignleft" width="193"] <em>(Photo: @jsuggs23 on Instagram)</em>[/caption] Jalen is arguably the best athlete in the state of Minnesota, having serious "NBA-Potential" on the hardwood. His talent on the gridiron is not too far behind. He has remarkable athleticism at the quarterback position, with the ability to extend any play with his legs. Along with his athleticism, Jalen has special arm talent. He makes big time throws every time he steps on the field. He also is able contribute on the defensive end, leading the defense from the secondary without letting any play behind him. Jalen will be the clear leader of this Wolfpack team next season. &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong><span style="font-size: 1rem">Kaden Johnson: </span></strong><span style="font-size: 1rem">Linebacker/Tight End</span> [caption id="attachment_7946" align="alignleft" width="254"] <em>Kaden Johnson on an unofficial visit at Oregon. (Photo: @KadenJohnson9 on Twitter)</em>[/caption] Johnson is also an ELITE talent in the state of Minnesota. He is listed as a four-star recruit on multiple recruiting platforms, rightfully so. Kaden has "big time" college player written all over him. His pass rushing moves are so polished he could play in the BIG 10 tomorrow. Even though he is getting recruited as a pass rusher, he contributes on the offensive side for SMB as well. He is a big time red-zone threat for whoever is playing quarterback, which makes their offense nearly unstoppable. &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>Craig McDonald</strong>: Defensive Back/Receiver McDonald is SMB's utility player, he contributes all over the field. Last season he played quarterback [caption id="attachment_7942" align="alignright" width="300"] <em>Photo: (@Craig7mcd on Twitter)</em>[/caption] for the first six games of the season, while Jalen Suggs was recovering from a knee injury. McDonald was quite successful, contributing mostly on the ground, while leading the Wolfpack to a 6-0 record. When Suggs returned, McDonald moved to more of a receiver/running back type player, and did not slow down. The offensive wasn't even where McDonald was recruited. Craig uses his athleticism to be a classic ball hawking safety on the defensive end, which led to his commitment to Iowa State as a defensive back. McDonald may not be able to contribute to the defense SMB's state title next season. The Iowa State commit was recently ruled ineligible for the upcoming 2019 season by the Minnesota State High School League. &nbsp; Lastly in March, SMB's head coach Collin Quinn decided to retire, after leading the Wolfpack to their first state title. The defending State Champions will have a lot to overcome in order to repeat next season, and they will be in desperate need of leadership from their trio of Seniors. &nbsp; <strong>Class 4A Contenders</strong> <ul> <li><strong><em>Hutchinson</em></strong></li> </ul> Hutchinson is arguably SMB's best competition. They have the classic high school football identity. They have a power run game, and tough defense. Last season they only allowed 14.6 points per game, while running for 360+ yards a game. Hutchinson is returning both their starting QB Lane Glaser, and leading rusher, Josiah Nelson. Hutchinson should be able to make a lot of noise next season. &nbsp; <ul> <li><strong><em>Winona</em></strong></li> </ul> [caption id="attachment_7941" align="alignright" width="300"] <em>Aaron Witt on his visit to Iowa State. (Photo: from 247 Sports)</em>[/caption] After a 10-0 start to last season Winona got upset in the first round of the state tournament. I expect the Winhawks to be motivated for some revenge next season. They are a very well rounded squad, and that returns their starting QB Jackson Nibbelink and their leading rusher Trevor Pomeroy next season. Aaron Witt will be the leader of Winona's defense. Witt is a very talented defensive end whose speed of the edge makes him nearly unblockable. The 6'5" Senior will be choosing to play college football at Iowa, Iowa State, and Minnesota just to name a few. Aaron Witt, and the Winhawks will definitely have a chance to crash SMB's title defense party. &nbsp; Next season, the SMB Wolfpack will definitely the most talented team in class 4A, but it will not be an easy road to repeat as champions. &nbsp;