Friday Football Preview: Simley Takes on St. Thomas

LAST SEASON RECORDS

Simley (2-7, 1-6 Classic Suburban Conference) vs. St. Thomas (11-1, 7-0 Classic Suburban Conference)

PLAYMAKERS
—Jake Short (Simley– running back)
Rushed for 1074 yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore.
—Darion Fletcher (Simley– cornerback/wide receiver/wingback)
Three-year starter who has drawn recruiting looks from Northern Iowa, South Dakota State and North Dakota State.
—Isaac Hayes (St. Thomas Academy- offensive line/defensive line)
KARE-11 preseason All-Metro selection and a University of Minnesota Golden Gopher commit.
— Paddy Clancy (St. Thomas Academy– defensive back)
Finished second on the team in tackles.

SPARTANS WIN IF...
They can continue their strong defensive showing at the end of the season. They allowed 37.3 points per game in the first six contests, but permitted just 29 points total in their final three games, including two wins.

CADETS WIN IF...
They can find a replacement for quarterback Ryan McManus, who combined for 24 touchdowns and was the team’s second leading rusher. He is currently at Dartmouth.

TWO-MINUTE DRILL
SITE: Simley High School
TIME: 7 p.m. on Friday
WEATHER FORECAST: 30 percent chance of showers, 57 degrees.
LAST MEETING: St. Thomas Academy defeated Simley 57-6 in the season opener at home.

SIMLEY SCHEDULE
Friday, Sept. 2 vs. St. Thomas Academy
Friday, Sept. 9 at Mahtomedi
Friday, Sept. 16 vs. Henry Sibley
Friday, Sept. 23 at North St. Paul
Friday, Sept. 30 vs. South St. Paul
Friday, Oct. 7 at Hill-Murray
Friday, Oct. 14 vs. Duluth Denfeld
Wednesday, Oct. 19 at Richfield

ST. THOMAS ACADEMY SCHEDULE
Friday, Sept. 2 at Simley
Friday, Sept. 9 vs. Richfield
Friday, Sept. 16 at Mahtomedi
Friday, Sept. 23 vs. Tartan
Friday, Sept. 30 vs. North St. Paul
Friday, Oct. 7vs. Holy Family Catholic
Friday, Oct. 14 vs. Hill-Murray
Wednesday, Oct. 19 at Henry Sibley