2024 Team Preview: Minnetonka Skippers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Minnetonka Skippers football team improved in 2023 to 7-3 and reached the second round of the Class 6A playoffs before narrowly losing to East Ridge. The Skippers are loaded with talent, and even with the transition for a new QB leading the way, they have a lot of support to help Minnetonka maintain their edge against a competitive Metro-West division. Here are 8 playres to watch out for this season that will lead the way for Minnetonka!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["641131"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c13e1e7c936"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='641131' first='Dylan' last='Hudgens'] has been a menace in the middle of Minnetonka's defense, and his leadership in that defense will translate well at South Dakota, where he ended up signing at the end of June. Hudgens is a hard hitter, exploding off the snap and unstoppable when he breaks into the backfield. Hudgens has quick cutoff speed, and shows intelligence in his reads and smart angle pursuits. Hudgens has been excellent in run-support and is a dangerous blitzer. The Metro-West division will have to deal with Hudgens' presence in the defense for one more season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1202015"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c13e1e7c988"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1202015' first='Malachi' last='Boadi'] exploded onto the scene in 2023 as a ball-hawk, recording a team-high 5 interceptions last season. Boadi mostly played last season in a hybrid role between Safety and OLB, and his combination of speed, power, athleticism, and timing helps him excel in this role. Boadi has been outstanding to watch in pass-coverage, showing quick closing speed and reads the QBs well to make big plays for the defense. Boadi ended up committing to St. Thomas at the end of July. Boadi hopes to have another big year in 2024 to help Minnetonka make a deep run in the playoffs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["591990"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c13e1e7c9c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Following the graduation of previous starter Milos Spasojevic, [player_tooltip player_id='591990' first='Caleb' last='Francois'] is slated to become the starting QB for the Skippers in 2024. Francois' athleticism makes it intriguing to see how he will develop his skillset in his first year as a starter, but Francois looks like a dangerous dual-threat QB on the rise. Francois already has an impressive arm, showing dangerous arc and length in his passes, and he is agile and quick on the ground. Francois looks cool and collected in the pocket and reacts well to pressure, scrambling out of the pocket and running for extra yardage. Francois has several D1 teams looking at him, and he already has an offer from Minnesota State-Mankato. Francois will have a big year ahead of him to develop his passing skills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1204390"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c13e1e7ca06"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Despite his listing here as a TE, his size has made him much more effective playing at Right Tackle on the trenches. Copley is an overpowering blocker, launching forward off the snap and driving with his legs to push the defender back or to the ground. Copley plays exceptionally well in the run-game, and shows quick feet and steady balance on his backdrop to contain edge rushers from going outside his range. As Copley continues to grow as an athlete, he should continue to rise as a top OL prospect in MN for the class of 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1204083"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c13e1e7ca41"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1204083' first='Aidan' last='Becker'] is an exceptional pass-rusher for the Skippers' defense, and he committed last month to play college football with Minnesota State-Mankato. Becker shows great hands and moves against his blockers, and he has the speed to run past his blockers in a blink to get to the QB. Becker is disruptive against the pass-game, showing great strength and hard tackling ability. Becker has also been solid in the run defense, reacting quickly and instinctively on where the ball is going and ensuring no resistance from the ball-carrier. Becker has already established himself as a potent defensive-lineman, and Becker will front a dominant defense toward making a run for the state title in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1162022"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c13e1e7ca7d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1162022' first='Chase' last='Conrad'] switched from TE to RB last season, and he proved an instant fit at the position. His size and frame made him a steady ball-carrier, and we saw more flashes of his speed and agility running on the ground. Conrad particularly showed great potential during the Skippers' blowout win over Buffalo, rushing for 125 yards and 3 touchdowns on just 10 carries. Conrad averaged 10.4 yards per carry on 15 carries last season. Conrad particularly was dangerous running outside the box, attacking the gaps quickly and breaking long runs through them, and Conrad possesses the power to bull through the defense on the goal-line to score. Conrad will be due for a lot more carries in 2025 after sitting behind the depth chart most of last season, and Conrad is due for a breakout season in his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["362280"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c13e1e7cab8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Standing at 5'11 and 230 lbs, [player_tooltip player_id='362280' first='Caleb' last='Taylor'] is one of the most unique athletes on the Skippers' football team, but he's been a freak to watch as an edge rusher. He's got an impressive frame for his size, and his quick burst off the snap makes him almost unguardable. Taylor plays with exceptional drive and a need to find the ball-carrier and bring him down. Taylor plays low, shows great balance, and shows clean tackling form. Taylor will be an underrated name to watch for this loaded defense in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1602687' first='Aiden' last='Zapzalka']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"250","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Minnetonka","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c1f8e460aef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1602687' first='Aiden' last='Zapzalka'] is a potent blocker, though he saw limited reps last season playing behind [player_tooltip player_id='1204390' first='Cason' last='Copley'] at Right Tackle. Zapzalka holds excellent frame and solid balance on the line, and shows excellent development in his blocking form and hand placement already as a sophomore. Zapzalka will have more time to grow into size as a blocker, though I think that Minnetonka could be try to find a role for Zapzalka on the trenches for this season where he will get more reps. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->