After taking their licks as sophomores and juniors, the senior-dominated Maple Grove football team is ready to taste some success this fall.

“We have a lot of kids back and we finally have a full senior class, "said Crimson coach Craig Hansen. "I think we will be competitive."

Last year the Crimson won the first two games in the program's history and played most opponents tough. With 16 starters back, they are looking to challenge for the upper division in the Twin Cities Suburban Conference.

“We lost some really close games last year and we felt we were competitive and that was a big plus for us," Hansen said. "We want to continue that progress. The kids have set high goals and they have worked very hard towards them."

Three all-conference players lead the group of returning lettermen. Junior Caleb Marx has switched from linebacker to fullback, senior Brett Schendel will move from line-backer to defensive end, and senior Jeff Hess will stay at wide receiver and tight end.

Joining Hess and Marx in the offensive backfield are Nate Henry, C.J. Woodrow, Justin Dering, Mark Bottleberghe, Justin Lehman and Ryan McGovern. Top returning linemen are Ray Lesley, Dan Baker, Erik Nelson, Andy Olson, Josh Shropa, Andy See and Brian Schuese.

The defense also returns a solid group including seniors Luke Craven, Adam Byam, Mike Curtiss, Jon Dubel, Brett Schendel, Matt Oys, Tom Bertram, Jeremy Olignmeller, Chris Dykhoff and Pete Corniea and junior Mike Rehr.

"We had more seniors on defense last year so we need to fill two defensive front spots and three linebacker spots," Hansen said. "Jeremy Oligmueller, a wide receiver, has moved to outside linebacker this year."

With experience, talent and a winning attitude that comes with many of the Crimson who played on the state tournament baseball team last spring, Hansen and the Crimson feel they have a chance to win against any team this fall.

"We have a chance to be competitive, absolutely," Hansen said. "We have some talented young men They have matured and developed and we have a chance to compete and you go from there. These kids have been through so much thick and thin and they have been so resilient and positive. They were competitive in basketball and had good success in baseball. I hope that winning attitude will carry over into football.”

The Crimson open at White Bear Lake Friday, Sept. 4.