Simley Facing Tough Competition in Classic Suburban Conference Football

Classic Suburban Conference Football Outlook

Teams to watch:
- Simley — The Spartans started the season 0-6, but won their final two regular season games before falling to Chaska in the first round of the playoffs. The key to the turnaround was the improved play of the defense. They had allowed 37.3 points per game in the first six contests, but permitted just 29 points total in their final three games. Running back Jake Short rushed for 1074 yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore.

St. Thomas Academy — The Cadets are 37-3 over the past five regular seasons, including back-to-back undefeated years. They have shared the past three Classic Suburban Conference titles
- Mahtomedi — The four-time defending Section 4AAAA champions are seeking another trip to state. Unfortunately, the Zephyrs no longer have an Olson on their roster and their starting quarterback will miss the start of the season with an injury.
- South St. Paul — The Packers went from 0-8 in the regular season in 2008 to 8-0 last season. They outscored their opponents 385-100 before losing to St. Thomas in the section finals.

Players to watch
- Isaac Hayes - St. Thomas (Offensive/defensive line)
Minnesota Gopher commit Hayes will lead a Cadets team that must replace older brother Anthony Hayes, who is at Stanford, running back Augie Braddock (Columbia), quarterback Ryan McManus (Dartmouth and lineman Luke Marks (St. Thomas).
- Sam Sura - South St. Paul (Running back)
Sura rushed for 1945 yards as a junior, third most in the state and was the Classic Suburban Conference Offensive MVP and a Minneapolis Star Tribune and St. Paul Pioneer Press All-State selection.
- David Simmet - Hill-Murray (Tackle)
The 6-foot-9, 300-pound tackle will lead the way for first year head coach Brooks Bollinger, the former Wisconsin and Minnesota Vikings quarterback. He is getting recruiting looks from Wisconsin and Minnesota.
- Ben McDonald – Mahtomedi (Linebacker)
The KARE 11 preseason All-Metro choice attended camps at Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota.

Key losses
- Tommy Olson - Mahtomedi (Guard)
The Minnesota signee was a four-year starter and follows his father and brother to the Gophers.
- Rob Daul – Hill-Murray (Quarterback)
The two-sport standout threw for 2117 yards, sixth best in the state and 17 touchdowns.    
- Dan Ferrazzo - Mahtomedi (Quarterback)
Ferrazzo, who is now at St. Thomas, combined for 57 touchdown runs or passes in his two seasons as Mahtomedi's starter.

Toughest Road trip
- St. Thomas Academy — The Cadets are nearly unbeatable at home in perhaps the conference’s top venue
- Hill-Murray — Former NFL quarterback Brooks Bollinger takes over the Pioneer program. He learned football from his father, Rob, a long-time coach and athletic administrator.
- Mahtomedi — The George Smith Field got a much-needed upgrade with new synthetic turf, a new track, new bleachers and concession stand.

Preseason Conference Player of the Year
Sam Sura - South St. Paul (Running back)
The state’s leading returning rusher is getting looks from Air Force and Ivy League schools.

2010 final standings
Conf. Overall
St. Thomas Academy 7-0 11-1
South St. Paul 7-0 10-1
Mahtomedi 5-2 10-3
Tartan 4-3 6-4
Hill-Murray 3-4 6-5
North St. Paul 2-5 2-7
Henry Sibley 2-6 2-7
Simley 1-6 2-7
Richfield 1-6 1-8

Top 2010 postseason finishes
St. Thomas Academy - Won Section 3AAAA title, lost Class AAAA semifinals (28-21 to Totino-Grace)
Mahtomedi - Won Section 4AAAA title, lost Class AAAA semifinals (45-28 to Rogers)
South St. Paul – Lost to St. Thomas in Section 3AAAA title game