Thursday night is a big night for football in Minnesota. The Vikings conclude the preseason in Buffalo against the Bills, the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers host the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at TCF Bank Stadium and numerous high school teams, including the St. Louis Park Orioles open the 2019 season. Here's a preview of the Orioles season opener as they host the Chaska Hawks.
Last season the Orioles began the post Johnny Sorenson era with a 5-5 record that include three straight late season wins. Aaron Ellingson, who replaced Sorenson at quarterback will run the offense. Joining him in the backfield will be returning running back Sajid Nathim. Cole Ewald returns as one of the Oriole receivers. The big question for St. Louis Park this season will be do they have enough depth? The numbers aren't the size of Eden Prairie or Wayzata but can be successful with the roster they have?
As for the Hawks, they have been to the state Class AAAAA tournament the last two years, losing in the quarterfinals in 2017 to Carver County rival Waconia and last year to eventual state champion Owatonna in the quarterfinals.
Chaska has experience returning in the backfield with Matthew Kuntz, Marcus Holasek and Stevenson Klotz lining up behind new quarterback Grif Wurtz, who played safety last season. Holasek and Klotz are also key components of the Hawks defense.
The key to the Orioles beating the Hawks is to give Nathim opportunities to break through the Chaska defense and for the St. Louis Park defense to slow down the Chaska ground game.
The weather picture for Thursday should be outstanding. Get outside and take in some high school football. Game time is 7 PM.
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