KARE 11 All-Metro Team

Defense

Will Ratelle, St. Thomas Academy, Sr.

St Thomas Academy senior Will Ratelle was the Classic Suburban Defensive Player of the Year.  The 5-11, 225 pounder led the Cadets in tackles with 113 this season, including ten for losses. Ratelle is relentless, strong and smart. He was a 3-year starter and a captain of a Cadet team which advanced to the State 4A semifinals

Andrew Rose, Stillwater, Sr.

Andrew Rose was named the Suburban East Conference Defensive Player of the Year.  The Stillwater senior is 6-2, 195 pounds and a three year starter. He is the Ponies all-time tackle leader which is an amazing feat when you consider all the great defensive players who've come through that school. This season, Rose finished with 92 tackles, 16 for losses including 5 sacks. For his career, Rose made 204 solo tackles, 35 for losses.

Peter Westerhaus, Holy Family, Sr.

Holy Family senior Peter Westerhaus is 6-4, 225 pounds and is headed to the Gophers on scholarship.

He was voted the Minnesota River Conference Defensive Linebacker of the Year. He has 126 total tackles, 50 solos.

His coach says Westerhaus is a combination of size, strength, speed and great football instincts.

The senior is also an offensive threat. He has 45-catches for 748-yards and 9 touchdowns. Holy Family is 12-0 and in the State 3A semifinals.

Willie Roller, Cretin-Derham Hall, Sr.

Cretin-Derham Hall linebacker Willie Roller is 6-2, 225 pounds and a big time hitter

He finished with 68 tackles this season, 14 for losses. The three year player finished with 198 tackles for his career.

Roller is a very physical linebacker. Tough, smart and technically sound. He punished ball carriers all season. The senior is one reason why the Raiders finished 10-2 on the season.

DEFENSIVE LINE:

Anthony Hayes, St. Thomas Academy, Sr.

Our All-Metro Defensive line is led by senior nose guard Anthony Hayes of St. Thomas Academy. He's 6-3, 290 pounds.

Hayes is great at stopping ball carriers. He has 47 tackles, seven for losses including three sacks.

Hayes battled double team blocking all season long. But he helped his defense alot by occupying two, sometimes three blockers allowing others to make tackles.

He's headed to Stanford on a football scholarship.

Jonathan Harden, Cretin-Derhman Hall, Jr.

Opposing coaches called Jonathan Harden of Cretin-Derham Hall the beast, and for good reason.

He's only a junior but the 6-foot, 300 pounder is a great player and teams were forced to double-team him.

He is a huge force in the middle for the Raiders recording 68 tackles, 15 for losses. Harden's motor never stops and he overpowered offensive linemen on a regular basis.

Nick Goldsmith, Mounds View, Sr.

Mounds View defensive tackle Nick Goldsmith was the Suburban East Conference Defensive lineman of the year.

Goldsmith has a knack for making big plays. The senior at 6-2, 260 pounds has 45 solo tackles with eight for losses.

The two year starter has led the Mustangs to the State 5A semifinals this week, he's a good one.

Joe Zrust, Totino-Grace, Sr.

Totino-Grace defensive tackle Joe Zrust is one of the best to ever play for the Eagles

Head Coach Jeff Ferguson says Zrust is an incredibly good athlete, a rock in the middle of the line.

At 6-foot, 290 pounds the 3-year starter moves well and he is relentless. The Eagles are 10-1 and in the State 4A Semifinals.

Devin Waters, Rogers, Sr.

Rogers defensive end Devin Waters is a big man at 6-3, 245 pounds.

He has 70 tackles, including seven sacks on the season. He also has eleven hurries.

The senior is a catalyst of a defense which recorded five shutouts this fall, four to start the season. Waters is a two-way player but he makes the most impact on defense where he imposes his will on his opponent. The Royals are 11-0 and in the State 4A Semifinals.

DEFENSIVE BACKS:

Frank Veldman, Eastview, Sr.

Our secondary is led by repeat All-Metro performer Frank Veldman of Eastview

The senior is 6-4, 200 pounds and he's defintely not afraid of contact. He made 97 total tackles this season.

Veldman was voted the South Suburban Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He finished with 74 solo tackles and 2 interceptions from his free safety position. But the guy did everything--he never left the field.

He's a very gifted punter as well. Veldman averaged 40 yards per punt. He also played offense. He's just a great player.

James Farrow, Minnetonka, Sr.

Minnetonka's James Farrow is 6' 170 pounds and he's verbally committed to Virginia Tech.

Farrow has blazing speed and great football instincts that allow him to track down the ball carrier very well.

The senior finished his season with 3 interceptions. He returned an earlier pick this season 90-yards for a touchdown. He was a two year starter for the Skippers and an outstanding two-way player. Minnetonka finished 5-5 on the season.

Grayson, Levine, Eden Prairie, Sr.

Eden Prairie's Grayson Levine is also a stand out two-way player but he excels on defense.

Coach Mike Grant says Levine has outstanding football instincts and a real nose for the ball. He's also fast and tough.

Levine is 6-foot, 180 pounds and he's not afraid to hit. He finished with 46 tackles and three interceptions. Levine was a great two way player.

He was dangerous on the offensive side of the ball as well. Eden Prairie finished 9-2.

David Boegel, Wayzata, Sr.

Wayzata senior safety David Boegel is the catalyst of a Trojan defense which has given up zero points in the playoffs.

He has 88 tackles, nine for losses. The senior is a two year plus starter and a tough kid.

Wayzata defensive coordinator Matt Lombardi says Boegel has been the focal point of the Trojan defense since the middle of his sophomore season. Wayzata is 9-0 and in the State 5A semifinals.

Charles Webb, Minnetonka, Jr.

Minnetonka junior Charles Webb caused alot of buzz during the football season in the Lake Conference.

The 5-11 175 pounder finished with 59 tackles from his free safety position.

Webb scored four defensive touchdown this year. Head Coach Dave Nelson calls Webb his best player this season.

PUNTER:

Maxx Williams, Waconia, Jr.

Our All-Metro Punter is Waconia junior Maxx Williams, at 6-3, 210 pounds.

He averaged 39 yards a boot on 30 punts this season, this one travels 45 yards. But Williams is more than just a punter.

He was the Wright County Conference Offensive Player of the Year and had the ability to score every time he touched the ball. Waconia finished 7-3 and Williams will be back next season.

Offense

Eric Kline, Blaine, Sr.

Our All-Metro offense is led by Blaine senior quarterback Eric Kline. He was the most dominating offensive player in the metro this fall.

He's a great runner and that threat makes him tough to defend. The 6-4 195 pound Q-B carried the ball 242 times for 1086 yards and 24 rushing touchdowns.

Kline is an extremely accurate passer, completing nearly 75-percent of his throws for 2002 yards and 10 touchdown passes. He's a fantastic player

Bill Gregg, Hopkins, Sr.

Our other All-Metro quarterback is Hopkins senior Bill Gregg. He had a great season.

Bill was a machine this season completing 62-percent of his passes for 2846-yards and 31-touchdowns. He says what sets him apart is his ability to read defenses faster and make the right adjustment. Gregg was a two-year starter and passed for over 5100 yards and 51- touchdowns in his career. Hopkins finished 7-4 this fall.

OFFENSIVE LINE:

Tommy Olson, Mahtomedi, Sr.

Our All-Metro offensive line is loaded with talent led by this big guy, Mahtomedi tackle Tommy Olson. He's considered the state's top college recruit.

He's been called a "road grader" because of his run blocking style. Olson is 6-4 292 pounds and is big, strong and fast.

The senior was named the Classic Suburban Conference lineman of the year. Mahtomedi averages 270 yards rushing per game, a six yard per carry average, most of that behind Olson. He's verbally committed to play football for the Gophers

Nick Jacobs, Delano, Sr.

Delano's Nick Jacobs was the most dominating player in the Wright County this fall and was named conference MVP.

The Tigers averaged 345 yards rushing per game, and Jacobs was named Wright County Offensive lineman of the year.

But Jacobs plays both sides of the ball. Nick finished with 6-sacks and 31 tackles, Delano finished 8-2 this fall.

Joe Bjorklund, Rosemount, Sr.

Rosemount's Joe Bjorklund is a monster of a man at 6-5 285 pounds.

The senior was named South Suburban Conference lineman of the year.

Rosemount coach Jeff Erdmann says Bjorklund is the real deal. Big, strong, and explosive. He's being recruited division-one by Wisconsin and Michigan State.

The Irish average 319 yards rushing per game, most coming behind Bjorklund. Rosemount is 11-0 and in the State 5A semifinals.

T.J. Woodrow, Eden Prairie, Sr.

T.J. Woodrow is Eden Prairie's pulling guard and he is a good one, and big, at 6-3 275 pounds.

Woodrow is extremely physical with great feet and balance.

Eden Prairie averages 284 yards rushing per game, many of those yards thanks to Woodrow. He's big, strong and smart. A two year starter for Eden Prairie.

Alex Jarosz, Totino-Grace, Sr.

Totino-Grace senior tackle Alex Jarosz was named the North Suburban Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Jarosz is big at 6-4 265 pounds. But smart, and technically sound. Head coach Jeff Ferguson says he's one of the best ever at Totino.

He is one big reason why the Eagles are averaging 498 yards of offense per game. Totino-Grace is 10-1 and in the State 4A semifinals.

Ryan Kelley, Centennial, Sr.

Centennial big man Ryan Kelley was a force at tackle this fall. He's 6-3 310 pounds.

The senior averaged four pancake blocks per game for the Cougars. He's just a devastating blocker.

He was voted the Northwest Suburban Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year. Kelley is both strong and quick for a man his size. He's being recruited Division-One.

RUNNING BACK:

Reggie Gandy, DeLaSalle, Sr.

Our All-Metro running backs are led by DeLaSalle mighty mite Reggie Gandy who put up monster numbers this season.

Gandy is 5-11 and 185 pounds, but tough, fast and extremely quick. He has 39 touchdown runs this season. Gandy put up some gaudy numbers.

Five times this season, Gandy rushed for over 350-yards in a game including 412 against Breck and 381 versus St Croix Lutheran.

Gandy has carried the ball 278 times for 2839 yards which is second all time on the state record list for most yards rushing in a season.  Gandy is averaging 236 yards rushing per game. DeLaSalle has won 11 straight games and is in the State 3A semifinals.

Andrew Larson, Eden Prairie, jr.

Eden Prairie junior Andrew Larson at 5-10, 185 pounds impressed every team he faced this season.

Larson is strong, fast, and tough. He runs with great pad level and has a knack for breaking tackles and getting the extra yards. Larson averaged eight yards per carry.

The junior was a workhorse. He finished the season with 215 carries for 1689 yards and 21 touchdowns. He will be one to watch next season.

Sam Sura, South St. Paul, Jr.

South St Paul junior running back Sam Sura was voted the Classic Suburban Conference Offensive Player of the year.

Sura's opponents rave about his toughness. Sura was a workhorse carrying the football 291-times for 1985 yards and 18 touchdowns. The Packer runningback averaged 7-yards per carry, 181 per game with just one fumble all season. He was impressive, and Sam Sura will be back next year.

RECEIVERS:

Dylan Ulferts, Shakopee, Sr.

Our All-Metro receivers are led by Shakopee senior Dylan Ulferts.

Ulferts was the Sabers greatest touchdown threat. He finished with eleven touchdown catches and opposing teams had to game plan on how to stop him.

Ulferts is 6-2 180 pounds, and uses his body well. He made 12 catches for 174 yarrds and two touchdowns in the Section semfinal game versus Hopkins. The Sabers lost their only game of the season in double overtime but Ulferts proved his worth as an All-Metro performer. He finished with 50-catches for 820 yards.

Andre McDonald, Hopkins, Jr.

Hopkins junior Andre McDonald is a big target at 6-2 190 pounds and has great hands and speed.

McDonald averaged 18-yards per catch and finished the season with four consecutive games of 118-yards receiving or more.

His greatest attribute is catching touchdown passes. McDonald led the metro with 19 touchdown catches in 10 games. He caught at least one TD pass in every game this season but one. He has 59 catches for 1061 yards and 19 touchdowns this season.

TIGHT END:

Jimmy Duffy, Mounds View, Sr.

Our All-Metro tight end is Mounds View senior Jimmy Duffy. He's big at 6-3 245 pounds.

Duffy is a combination receiver & blocker. He has 19 catches for 352 yards and five touchdowns. He's averaging 18 yards per reception.

Duffy is a big man who can run and make the tough catch. Head Coach Jim Galvin says Duffy is the complete package and the best tight end in the metro.

ATHLETES:

Derek Vidor, Rogers, Sr.

We have two All-Metro Athletes. The first is Rogers Mr. Do-Everything Derek Vidor, he's having a great season.

He averaged 11 and a half yards everytime he touched the football. The senior has 39 catches for 660 yards and 10 touchdowns. A top notch receiver at 6-2 195 pounds.

Vidor has 397 yards rushing, plus he returns kickoffs and plays defense. He was named the Mississippi Eight Conference Co- MVP. The guy is one big reason Rogers is 11-0 on the season.

Andrew Lewis, St. Paul Central, Sr.

The other specialist is St. Paul Central's versatile Andrew Lewis.

Lewis averaged a school record 47 yards a kickoff return. He totaled 1702 yards while basically never leaving the field.

Andrew scored 100 points, averaged 7 yards per carry, picked off 4 passes, made 55 tackles on defense, and blocked two punts. Central had it's best season in years finishing 8-1.

KICKER:

Tom Obarski, Apple Valley, Sr.

Our All-Metro kicker is Apple Valley senior Tom Obarski. He was named Metro Soccer player of the year, but his real future could be in kicking the football.

The senior made seven of ten field goals, the longest a school record 47 yards. In fact, Obarski made field goals of 47, 43, 42, 38, 34, and two from 26 yards away.

He was also an excellent punter averaging 35 yards per boot. The kid has a strong leg and sometimes was the Eagles best weapon.

He's also the last of the Obarski's at Apple Valley. For the last 10 seasons an Obarski has kicked for the Eagle football team with Tom's older brothers John & Jason preceding him.

COACH OF THE YEAR:

Marc Franz, Rogers

And Our All-Metro Coach of the Year is Rogers Marc Franz.

The Royals are 11-0 and in the State 4A semifinals for the first time in school history.

They started the season with four consecutive shutouts, and the offense is putting up 40 points per game.

Seven years ago, Rogers won just one game, so the program is on the rise and getting better every year. Congratulations to our Coach of the Year, Marc Franz of Rogers.