It's a sign that Labor Day weekend is looming. It also signifies the start of the Minnesota high school football season as the St. Louis Park Orioles begin the 2022 campaign hosting the Simley Spartans Friday, September 2.
The Spartans, based in Inver Grove Heights advance to the state Class AAAA football tournament last season with a record of 7-4 but the euphoria of a state tournament berth ended in the quarterfinals with a 40-0 rout from the eventual state champion Hutchinson Tigers. This season, Simley has a couple of key offensive cogs returning in wide receiver Tayvion McCoy and running back Gavin Nelson. Nelson, who also is part of the school's successful wrestling program will wrestle for the Gophers next season. His athleticism could pin the Oriole defense and also put the ball in the end zone.
As for the Orioles, the good news is that 85 players came out for football in 2022. It's the largest turnout in many years (and likely since the author of this blog has been worked in various press box capacities, including timer and spotter.). There's quite a bit of experience on both sides of the football, including wide receiver Stefano Giovannelli. Giovannelli, who pitched a no-hitter in the Section 6AAAA baseball playoffs last may will continue his football career next season at St. Thomas.
However, there is some bad news is that last year's quarterback will Dvorak graduated and the new St. Louis Park signal caller is sophomore Declan Gaines. Last season, he played on the freshman team and did not appear in any varsity action. But he worked hard during the offseason and he has an opportunity to lead the Oriole offense for three years. The defense has a couple of key returning players in defensive linemen Brian Banks and William Howell.
Will Simley's state tournament experience continue to this season or will St. Louis Park's new found depth be a factor in Gaines' first game? The weather picture is going to be a warm one so bring plenty of water because the temperature will be in the 80s for about the first half and drop into the upper 70s when both teams begin their three minute warmup for the second half. Game time, as usual is 7 PM.
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