Looking at the Missota Conference football race

The Section A sports stuff is being read, and the front nine pages of the sports preview section is complete, so I have some time to kill before the region section of the preview gets laid out.

Let's talk some football.

First off, in today's Star Tribune you will find their football preview. I know a lot of the pre-season rankings are based on what teams did last year, but Hutchinson is No. 10 in their metro rankings.

I'm not saying the Tigers aren't a solid team, but the 10th best in the Metro with only five starters back? Not a chance.

The Star Tribune preview has a small section on the Missota, but I'm in total agreement with it in that there is no favorite in the conference. Any of six or even seven teams with Shakopee returning 18 starters could win it.

Here is my prediction - the conference winner finishes 5-2:
1. Prior Lake
* They have the most players back among the top six schools in the conference.
2. Farmington
* Return quarterback Brent Beeken, wide receiver Josh Zitzmann and running back Derek Waldbillig.
3. Holy Angels
* They always have a lot of athletes and return quarterback Peter Brinkhaus. Name to watch: WR Samr Ngekia.
4. Hutchinson
* Jacob Brusehaver is good for at least 100 and two touchdowns a game.
5. Northfield
* They have the league's top defensive player in Cole Jirik (16 sacks a season ago).
6. New Prague
* Only six starters are back - the streak of three state appearances in over.
7. Shakopee
* If they can get over the stigma that they are a bottom feeder, they could surprise some teams.
8. Red Wing
* New coach that lost a lot from a one-win team a season ago.

Like I said, any of these teams could win this conference. I think two or three teams will tie for the title with a 5-2 record. I like that Hutch has New Prague and Northfield at home, but road games at Farmington and Holy Angels are always tough.

The Prior Lake game is going to be the toss up in week six.

Also of note, I'd like to welcome myself to the Associated Press voting for football - I'll be taking part in 1A, 3A and 4A. I only count for a one vote, though.

More on the Glencoe-Silver Lake game later this afternoon.