Jim Paulsen

Wayzata defensive lineman Eli Diane hasn’t played since his sophomore season because of a back injury. The four-star Gophers recruit is healthy again, still committed to Minnesota and eager to show what made him the state’s top-ranked prospect.

Four players from Moorhead and three from Shakopee highlight our preseason picks for the top players in the state.

Strib Varsity’s Jim Paulsen ranks Minnesota’s 25 best football teams, regardless of class, with Minnetonka and Moorhead leading the way.

Strib Varsity’s Jim Paulsen gives a class-by-class breakdown of the teams that should reach the state semifinals and then the Prep Bowl.

Strib Varsity's Jim Paulsen gives a class-by-class breakdown of the teams that should reach the state semifinals and then the Prep Bowl.

St. Thomas Academy vs. Cretin-Derham Hall and Rosemount vs. Centennial are matchups between four of the state's top teams.

St. Thomas Academy vs. Cretin-Derham Hall and Rosemount vs. Centennial are matchups between four of the state’s top teams.

Familiar faces, former college coaches and first-time leaders are among those starting new chapters this season.

The best 15 quarterbacks of the last 30 years? Here's a breakdown from staff writer Jim Paulsen, who has been covering high school football for more than three decades.

One man's opinion: ranking the most memorable QBs of the past three decades.