Jason Feldman

Rochester Lourdes has long built its strong running game around smaller, quicker linemen. This season, the Eagles are athletic up front, but, for a change, they're also big.

Five of the teams in Section 1-2A finished at or better than .500 last fall. The Nos. 3 and 4 seeds reached the section final. Though there has been some turnover, expect more of the same this fall.

The Chatfield football team followed its leaders, its offensive linemen, to nearly 200 rushing yards and a 17-point win against rival Lourdes on Thursday night.

Caledonia's dominance in high school football started with the first state title in program history, 50 years ago. Grand Meadow and four other local teams also celebrate anniversaries this fall.

A fallen teammate was honored, a new co-op won its first game and the lone Rochester team to win in Week 1 is a bit of a surprise. Those items and more in the season-opening edition of 5 Thoughts.

Campus Tour takes a look at former local athletes who are excelling in college. This week, we have notes on athletes from Chatfield, Rochester Mayo, Kasson-Mantorville and more.

Though it's only Week 2, some local high school football teams have matchups that could impact section playoff seedings. We look at three of those and preview Rochester teams' Week 2 games.

Garrett Smith grew up the son of a legendary high school hockey coach in the Twin Cities. The 25-year-old is getting his coaching start now with a Rochester team he once starred for.

Through two weeks of the high school football season, we've seen some surprises, some of the expected and a handful of teams that are being led by outstanding defensive play.

Cameron Patrick is the lone goalie on the Rochester Grizzlies roster with previous NA3HL playing experience. He looked like a veteran Saturday, leading Rochester to a season-opening win.