Preseason Team Preview: St. Francis Fighting Saints
St. Francis is a small 5A school about an hour north of the Twin Cities and coincidentally my alma matter. I graduated from there in 2022 and after a lackluster 2021 campaign, I have high hopes that the team will…
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Continue ReadingSt. Francis is a small 5A school about an hour north of the Twin Cities and coincidentally my alma matter. I graduated from there in 2022 and after a lackluster 2021 campaign, I have high hopes that the team will turn a corner with a highly talented senior class. Once a run-heavy powerhouse, the Fighting Saints look to bring back some of the past success found in the early 2010s with a newer more modern pass-heavy offense. While many teams in their section and district had large graduating classes last season, the Saints had one of the smallest with only 8 starters and a few more rotational players leaving their lineup. With the class of 2023 having a full season to develop as players and gain chemistry together this year could be a pivotal year for the future of the Fighting Saints. Below I have compiled a list of key returning starters, breakout players, players who could step up from JV, and underrated players on the roster who could play a surprise role this season.
Key Starters:
Philip Conant – Edge 2023 6’1″ 210 lbs
Conant caused trouble all year for opposing blindside tackles last season. The most highly touted recruit on the team, he uses a special blend of speed and strength to bully tackles and wreak havoc in the backfield. His first step is insanely fast and he can often cut across a tackles face before they have even left their stance. Conant often also gets behind the tackles faster then they can pass set, and uses his hands well to rip and swim past offensive linemen. He’s a runner-up in the state shotput competition and you can see every bit of that strength on film as he manhandles ball carries and rips through quarterbacks. He does a great job of shedding blocks and moving down the line in the run game and seems to always find his way to the ball. He’s often faster than the runningbacks he’s hunting down and will find his way to them before they can realize what is happening. He will be an elite edge player and possibly one of the best in 5A this season.
Max Debuhr – OG 2023 6′ 290 lbs
Debuhr is a force to be reckoned with in the run game. He moves very well for his size and he’s a terrifying sight to all DEs and LBs that see him when he’s pulling. He has a quick first step frequently drives his man to the second level. When down blocking he crashes hard and clears a hole wide enough to drive a truck through. He’s suprisingly agile and this is often used to the offenses advantages during trap and power plays. His work pass setting shouldn’t be overlooked either but he’s at his best as an IOL player rather than a tackle. Debuhr is a key anchor of an offensive line bringing back 3 starters and shouldn’t go overlooked by defenses.
Wes Johnson – Ath 2023 6′ 190 lbs
Johnson is perhaps the most well rounded player on this roster. While he predominantly lines up as a WR, he’s versatile enough to take carries or cover the field on the opposite side of the ball. He’s a good route runner with sticky hands and excellent at bringing down contested catches. He has a good vertical and can be lined up as an X, Y, or Z. He’s also the punter/kicker and can turn a field around if needed to on 4th down. Johnson is a true plug and play athlete and I hope we get to see him take over a bigger role in the Saints offense this year and coaches find a way to maximize his potential.
Breakout Candidates:
Brady Johnson – DB 2023 6’1″ 165 lbs
When they say someone has track speed they could probably be talking about Brady Johnson. Johnson entered the state track meet last season in 3 sprinting events. (100, 200, 2×400). He was given a bigger role last season do to suspensions on the team and quickly proved he was here to stay. Johnson can play either safety or corner and is a highly intelligent player. Give him a whole year to start and lets see what happens.
Colin Schack – WR 2023 6’3″ 175 lbs
Schack was done dirty last season. The dude is extremely talented and athletic and could easily hop in to the varsity lineup this year and breakout. I’ve seen him torch JV players long enough to the point where I’m sick of it. He’s got the physical skillset to make an instant impact on the offense. He’s quick, can stretch the field, and will make plays this year.
Jaxon Skogquist – QB 2023 6’1″ 180 lbs
Skogquist unlike the other two breakout players, started the whole season last year. He earned all district honeorable mention and threw for over 1300 yards. With his top runningbacks no longer in the program, expect a more pass heavy offense where Skoqguist can showcase his tight spiral, quick release, and ability to hit small windows. He’s got two solid wideouts and already has shown improvement in offseason 7v7 camps.
Other Players to Keep an Eye On:
Gavin Loso – IOL 2023 5’11” 250 lbs
Easton Johnson – IOL 2023 6′ 255 lbs
Sam Ruid – OT 2025 6’4″ 275 lbs
Joe Waldock – Ath 2023 6′ 200 lbs
Aidan Carlson – Ath 2024 5’10” 185 lbs
Garrett Snyder – DB 2023 5’11” 165 lbs
Nick Taff – LB 2023 5’8″ 180 lbs
Ben Magnuson – Ath 2024 6′ 205 lbs
Noah Lamson – Ath 2024 5’8″ 140 lbs
Jacob Green – DL 2024 6’2″ 230 lbs
Alec Sandstrom – RB 2023 5’4″ 130 lbs
Evan Peterson – Ath 2024 6’4″ 225 lbs
Chase Fiene – LB 2023 5’11” 180 lbs