Star Tribune preseason metro top 10, and teams to watch in other classes

Each week the Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen will offer his rankings of the metro area's top 10 teams. With the season set to begin with games Thursday and Friday, he also provides his before-a-down-has-even-been-played predictions for Class 5A and Class 4A and his teams to watch in the smaller classes as well.

Losses to graduation notwithstanding, the defending 6A champions are on top until someone defeats them. The defense, the Panthers' bread and butter, will be stout once again.

2. Eden Prairie

There are some big holes to fill, particularly at QB, but a massive offensive line should ease the transition.

3. St. Michael-Albertville

A new QB will have to be broken in, but the Knights always have talent and numbers waiting their turn. And Jared Essler might be the most unheralded great coach in the metro.

4. Rosemount

The Irish have a nice mix of skill players and beef up front, and they are always willing to go toe-to-toe with anyone.

5. Wayzata

With hard-running backs Malaki Jackson and Christian Vasser and a star-studded defense, the Trojans are back in the mix as a top-10 program.

6. Woodbury

The Royals lost in the state quarterfinals a year ago and have some key players back, including QB Jake Wenzel, who missed the last half of the year because of an injury.

7. Mounds View

One of the few top teams in the metro with no questions at QB. Cole Stenstrom is a three-year starter and has plenty of offensive help.

8. Blaine

The graduation of QB Jack Haring and his 2,590 passing yards means the Bengals will lean a bit more on junior RB Will Frederickson, which is not a bad option.

9. Lakeville South

After making the state semifinals a year ago, expectations are high for the up-and-coming Cougars. Are they too high?

10. SMB (Class 4A)

It's not often a Class 4A team makes the Metro Top 10, but SMB is among the most talented 4A teams ever.

Others: Minnetonka, Cretin-Derham Hall, Champlin Park, Prior Lake, Totino-Grace

Class 5A

1. St. Thomas Academy

2. Elk River

3. Waconia

4. Chaska

5. St. Francis

6. Andover

7. Chanhassen

8. Tartan

9. Spring Lake Park

10. Armstrong

Class 4A

1. SMB

2. Hutchinson

3. Orono

4. Mound-Westonka

5. Becker

6. Benilde-St. Margaret's

7. South St. Paul

8. Fridley

9. St. Anthony

10. Chisago Lakes

Class 3A and SMALLER

Minneapolis North (2A)

Holy Family (3A)

Providence Academy(3A)

St. Agnes (2A)

Concordia Academy (2A)

Rockford (3A)