St. MIchael-Albertville Football Kicks Off Season of Promise

It's been nearly a decade since St. Michael-Albertville football has seen the big spotlight, making their way through a playoff run, and feeling that articifial turf at the Metrodome. 

Now, the Knights are poised, under second-year coach Jared Essler, to return to the big dance. 

Two factors are pointing to signs of big success-one internal, the other external. 

First, the external. The Knights are part of the new Class 5A, with the top 32 team moved up to Class 6A. That means no more Maple Grove, Osseo or Wayzata standing in the way come playoff time. 

Instead, it will be more familiar foes in Section 6-5A, like Rogers, Monticello and North Suburban member (again) Elk River. 

Second, the Knights are simply loaded where it counts. They have returning performers that were all-conferece at middle linebacker, running back, quarterback and in the defensive backfield. 

But, Essler said Wednesday before the season kicks off Thursday vs. Cambridge-Isanti, you have to slow down. 

"There are a lot of unknowns," he said. "We have two new teams to the conference [Duluth East and Denfeld] and a couple of new guys in the section. We'll take it a week at a time." 

The Knights offense looks solid. Cole Krutzig returns at quarterback, and No. 16 is a natural leader. Now a senior, he'll be asked to do even more than he did last year leading the attack. 

"He's already rising above those mental mistakes you make in your first year. We're not seeing those anymore," Essler said. "That's a great sign." 

In the backfield, Ryan Lyzhoft is back after a solid junior season that saw him lead the team in rushing TD's. He has to stay healthy, which means Essler will move No. 5 around a bit more. 

"He could get split out, or he could even fill the slot," Essler said. "We want him on the field, but he's not going to carry it 30 times. Maybe 15 to 20." 

That means carries for some new running backs, including junior Chris Kartes, who had one of the best runs of 2011 when he sealed last year's win over Buffalo for the Muddy Crow. 

On defense, Wilson represents the best college prospect the Knights have had in some time. The linebacker and defensive end disrupts entire games, and loves to hit the quarterback. He's getting looks from North Dakota State and some Division II clubs. 

Inexpereince on both lines will be compensated by strength. The Knights had a huge summer in the weight room, Essler said. 

"A lot of guys invested a lot of time," he added. "That binds you as a team. You're going to push each other harder, because you know how hard you worked to get here." 

It starts tonight vs. Cambridge, a team that stumbled to a 1-8 season but felt it was better, losing many games late. 

"They'll be hungry," Essler said. "And we'll have that target on our back. We're going to get everyone's best shot." 

The Knights have been picked, with Rogers, to be the top team in the conference. Those two teams meet in Rogers on Week 4. 

Other conference contenders will be newcomer East and, possibly, Monticello, who has a potential league MVP in Birk Olson. 

"We have some big kids back in key spots, and that makes you feel pretty good about your chances," Essler said. "We want to stay healthy and focused." 

Tonight's game will be played at St. Michael-Albertville Middle School West. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. And heat will be a factor, with temps in the 90s. 

"It's something we're going to watch and make the guys aware of all day. You have to hydrate, and you can't be afraid to come off and let us cycle guys in. But [the heat] will definitely be a part of the game," Essler said.