Area 11-Man Football Preview

August 20th, 2014

Tyler Peterson-NSO

The Northland area has several top 11-man teams in the state. Throughout Section 7A, 7AA, 7AAA, and 7AAAA, the area has a lot of talented football teams.

One of the top teams in the area in Section 7A is the Barnum Bombers. The Bombers were Section 7A runners-up after posting a 9-2 record. The Bombers graduated just 7 seniors off of last years team, and will be looking at another year of being on top in Section 7A. The Bombers will play their first game on August 29th against Rush City.

In 7AA, the MLWR Rebels will look to dominate again and win their 9th straight Section 7AA title. The Rebels graduated 16 players from last years roster, but should have no issue remaining competitive. The Rebels open up their season on at Hermantown on August 28th. They play their first home game on September 5th against Esko.

In Section 7AAA, The Proctor Rails will look to defend their Section title. They posted a 9-3 record and will look to match that with another trip to State this season. The Rails will be led by a large group of Seniors this season and will open their season in Pine City on August 29th. They have their home opener on September 5th when they meet the Hermantown Hawks.

Also in Section 7AAA, the Esko Eskomos, who were the 7AAA runners-up. The Eskomos had a 7-4 record last season and look to improve on that. Esko graduated 13 key players who put in a lot of minutes on last years team, but they will be determined to return to the Section finals. They open their season up against the Cloquet Lumberjacks at home on August 29th.

In 7AAAA, the Cloquet Lumberjacks will look to win the section once again after posting a 9-2 record just a year ago. The Lumberjacks graduated 30 players from last years squad, but will rely on a big Junior group to lead the way. Their first game of the year is against Esko on August 29th and their first home game is on September 12th when they play Greenway/NK.

Also in 7AAAA, the Hermantown Hawks will look to be competitive again after being the 7AAAA runners-up. The Hawks went 8-2 last season and look to remain successful this year. The Hawks graduated 22 players off last years team but will still be a force in 7AAAA. The Hawks open their season up on August 28th when they host the MLWR Rebels.

Tyler Peterson can be contacted at tpeterson@northlandsportsonline.com