Burnsville

2024 record: 0-9 (lost in first round of Class 6A playoffs)

Returning starters: Most on offense, 3 on defense

Impact returnees: Senior running back back Caleb Kamara was the Blaze’s leading rusher as a sophomore who is healthy after his junior year was cut short by injury. Junior captain Sam Liebl played center last year for a Burnsville offensive line that returns all five starters.

Shoutout to a lineman: David Santos is a two-way lineman coach Vince Varpness describes as “big, physical and athletic.”

Schedule: vs. Robbinsdale Armstrong, at Chanhassen, at St. Thomas Academy, vs. Two Rivers, at Waconia, vs. Apple Valley, at Hastings, vs. Tartan

The skinny: There are numerous reasons for optimism in Burnsville this fall after a winless 2024. The Blaze are dropping down to Class 5A and have a roster that figures to excel at that level.

Not only does Burnsville return most of its offense – which has led to accelerated growth in camp – but the emergence of players like Jamari Sargent on the defensive line will allow guys like Landen Svendsen and Kamarh Woods – who played on the line last season out of necessity – to return to their natural positions in the linebacking core.

Mahtomedi

2024 record: 3-7 (lost in Class 5A, Section 4 semifinals)

Returning starters: 3 on offense and 5 on defense

Impact returnees: Running back Moseh Mouacheupao and wide receiver Alex Haase were big contributors as juniors. Mahtomedi coach Dave Muetzel said the Zephyrs will be balanced and are “looking for a few players to rise to the top.”

Shoutout to a lineman: “We should be pretty balanced up front,” Muetzel said.

Schedule: vs. Mankato West, vs. Highland Park, at St. Louis Park, vs. Bloomington Kennedy, at Bloomington Jefferson, vs. Tartan, at Cretin-Derham Hall, at St. Thomas Academy

The skinny: Can Mahtomedi return to state tournament contention this season after a slow start in 2024? It won’t be for a lack of effort.

“We have a great group of guys. They are working hard and very coachable,” Muetzel said. “This is a true ‘team.’”

St. Thomas Academy

2024 record: 7-4 (lost in Class 5A state quarterfinals)

Returning starters: Unknown

Impact returnees: Running back Dominic Baez ran for 1,187 yards and 15 scores last season while defensive back Todd Rogalski, who touts a St. Thomas offer, tallied three interceptions.

Shoutout to a lineman: Senior offensive and defensive lineman Birk Zeleny has Division-2 offers

Schedule: vs. Cretin-Derham Hall, at Rochester Mayo, vs. Burnsville, vs. Chanhassen, at Apple Valley, vs. Hastings, at Two Rivers, vs. Mahtomedi

The skinny: The Cadets sport what could end up being the most difficult schedule in Class 5A, but they’re built to handle it, again sporting a deep roster flush with college-level athletes, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.