Football Friday: Apple Valley vs. Lakeville North

GAME

(1-0, 1-0 South Suburban Conference) vs. (0-1, 0-0 South Suburban Conference)

PLAYMAKERS

—A.J. Miller, Mike Manikowski, Aaron Baker, Zach Ziemer and Zach Blake (Lakeville North, offensive line)

The front five for the Panthers showed their speed and strength throughout a week one win against , opening big holes for Isaac Sandberg and Brandon Morgan, while giving Trey Heid time to set up in the pocket. Lakeville North ran for 185 yards and threw for 224.

—Kyrel Newell (Lakeville North, cornerback)

The junior had some great pass breakups in last week’s win over Eastview, and had an interception negated by a tough pass interference call. He should be busy against a team that likes to throw the ball.

—Matt Thomas (Apple Valley, quarterback)

Matt will need to effectively run the spread offense and get the ball to different receivers and tight end/H-back Grant Christian in order to open up running avenues for Dom McDew-Stauffer and Garrett Ganskie. He’ll have one less target because junior WR Steve Wilson, who had a stellar sophomore season, broke his collarbone and could be done for the season.

—Tyler See (Apple Valley, defensive lineman)

Coach Mike Fritze said the junior was one of the few Eagles defenders to have a good week one. Despite being just 180 pounds, Tyler held his own throughout the game and was good at filling gaps, taking up space and not getting pushed off the ball.

PANTHERS WIN IF...

They continue to effectively mix the run and the pass on offense. On defense they need to keep the Apple Valley quarterback guessing with different looks and a solid blitz, providing little time for the Eagles receivers to get deep.

EAGLES WIN IF...

They do a better job of attacking the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Apple Valley cannot waste plays with botched snaps, something that happened six times in week one, including four times in the shotgun formation.

2-MINUTE DRILL

Site: Apple Valley High School

Time/Day: 7 p.m. Friday

Weather: Clear, 76 degrees

Last meeting: Lakeville North won 27-19 last season in week two

APPLE VALLEY SCHEDULE

Thur. Sept. 1 @ Hopkins                           

Fri. Sept. 9     vs. Lakeville North  

Fri. Sept. 16   @ Lakeville South  

Fri. Sept. 23   vs. Eagan

Fri. Sept. 30   @ Eastview

Fri. Oct. 7       @ Rosemount

Fri. Oct. 14     vs. Bloomington Jefferson

Wed. Oct. 19   vs. Bloomington Kennedy

LAKEVILLE NORTH SCHEDULE

Thur. Sept. 1 vs. Eastview                         

Fri. Sept. 9     @ Apple Valley       

Fri. Sept. 16   vs. Edina      

Fri. Sept. 23   @ Rosemount

Fri. Sept. 30   vs. Burnsville

Fri. Oct. 7       vs. Lakeville South

Fri. Oct. 14     @ Bloomington Kennedy

Wed. Oct. 19   @ Prior Lake