Eden Prairie football replacing 16 starters

When Mike Grant’s Eden Prairie Eagles hit the field this season, they’ll be doing so with a fairly young team.

"We lost about 16 starters from a year ago, so we’ll be younger than years past. However, our young players last year got so much experience, that will ultimately help us in the long run," Grant told KSTP on Friday.

***To see extended interviews with Mike Grant and select players, CLICK PLAY ABOVE***

One of the seniors that will be leaned on for leadership is Bennett Larson. Larson, a linebacker, is a captain.

"Since this is my last year here at Eden Prairie, I’m going to enjoy every minute with these guys. After not having a chance to play for a possible championship last year, we feel we have a lot to prove to ourselves. I’m not going to waste one single moment of my time with this team. I just can’t wait until our first game in a few weeks," said Larson.

The Eagles usually have one of the most potent offenses in the state, but you’re not going to get very far without a solid offensive line and that’s where Noah Haeger comes in. He’s one of the mainstays on the line that helps give the Eagles the best chance of moving the ball.

"Wow, it’s hard to believe my senior year is here. We’ve got a really tight-knit group of guys that want to finish our career the way we started it, strong. I love spending time with my teammates and I’m going to do everything in my power for us to have a great season," said Haeger.

Eden Prairie starts the season at home against East Ridge on Thurs., Sept. 2nd. Gametime is 7:00 p.m.