Panthers reload for 2010
by Andy Rogers
Thisweek Newspapers
As one of the best teams in the state last year, the Lakeville North football team will look a bit different in 2010.
Last year, the Panthers qualified for the Class 5A state tournament, defeating Lakeville South and Owatonna in Section 1-5A. Lakeville North lost to Mounds View 21-17 in a heartbreaker at state with many players playing their last game as Panthers.
The uniforms remain the same and the assistant coaching staff is basically intact, but many changes were made to the roster they’ll hand out during games.
The team has four returning starters off last year’s team and it will have a new head coach in Brian Vossen.
“We are thin on numbers and depth,” Vossen said of his roster. “This is the smallest senior class that Lakeville North has ever had.”
Vossen served as a defensive coach for North for several years, so he knows the roster well. The seniors are a dedicated crew ready to compete with anyone.
“I expect to play a lot of close games that could fall either way,” Vossen said. “My hope is that desire, good game planning, and dedicated athletes will win the close games and allow us to have seasons like we have had the last three years.”
On offense, the Panthers will be without last year’s top playmakers: running back Dajon Newell and quarterback Chase Heichel.
The Panthers do have two strong returning offensive linemen in Bret Piekarski and AJ Miller, who will help the Panthers find their footing in the early games.
“We have a strong and athletic offensive line,” Vossen said. “They are not extremely big, but they play like they are.
“Win or lose, opponents’ defensive lines will be put to the test.”
They’ll help keep running backs Jake Berg and Shaun Reinhardt upright while they look for room to run. Tyler Brekke is also back at wide receiver.
On defense, the experience lies at safety. The one key returning starter back is strong safety Alex Frost who will be joined by Al Erickson. Both are talented players who know how to compete and tackle well.
Linebacker Sam Shreve along with several other key defenders will make their opponents work for their yards.
“We are a ball attacking defense at all positions so I look forward to a lot of turnovers,” Vossen said. “We try to show a lot of different looks on defense.”
The team’s home opener is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 10, against Apple Valley. Probably the most important regular season game for the Panthers is scheduled for Oct. 8 at Lakeville South.
Andy Rogers is at
andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com.





