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Sports

Sports Preview: Experience Will Carry Lakeville North Football

The number of returning starters and speed at the skill positions will be some of Lakeville North's biggest strengths going into another football season in the South Suburban Conference.

This year, Football Head Coach Brian Vossen had his first opportunity to lead offseason training. More than 75 players spent their summer in the weight room getting bigger, stronger and faster.

They spent their offseason building on one of their team strengths: their speed. And according to Vossen, the squad has around 20 players that run the 40-yard dash under 4.8 seconds. The speed at their skilled positions will be a big asset when contending in the very competitive South Suburban Conference.

The team also has some experience under its belt, with seven starters returning on defense—including the whole starting linebacker core—and five returning on offense.  

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One player that has both speed and experience is returning starting quarterback Trey Heid. He will be relied upon this season to not only make good throws but also gain yards with his legs.

“Coach Bob Kovich likes to do a lot with a mobile quarterback,” Vossen said. “This year, with that mobile quarterback, he will also have the ability to run the football.”

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The Panthers will need to have a balanced attack offensively and defensively to be successful in the conference. Teams like , Eastview and Rosemount may be the team’s biggest opponents this season, according to Vossen.

“There isn’t a bad team in the South Suburban Conference,” Vossen said. “We didn’t see any blowouts in any direction last season. The conference is extremely powerful across the board.”

The Panthers will be challenged right from the start. Their first game will be on Thursday, September 1 at 7 p.m. at home against Eastview High School.

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