Class 5A is once again loaded this year, with Alexandria distinguishing themselves this month and rightfully earning the No. 1 ranking. But don’t sleep on St. Thomas Academy, even after graduating a lot of talent.

The Cadets are off to a 3-1 start, including a win at talented Andover to open the season. Dominic Baez scored on a 10-yard touchdown run in the final seconds to give St. Thomas Academy a 21-14 win.

St. Thomas Academy is trying to get back to the Prep Bowl after losing in OT last year to Chanhassen.

Ahead of Friday’s game at No. 5 Robbinsdale Armstrong, KSTP Sports caught up this week with Cadets coach Travis Walch and senior QB Chase Young.

***Click the video box above to watch our conversations with Walch and Young***

St. Thomas Academy is a veteran presence at state, making its 27th appearance last season. The Cadets won the 1975 Class A title and were state runner-up five previous times (2000, 2006, 2015, 2018 and 2019).