It's a new year and a new group of players will try to carry on Maple Grove High School football's successful tradition.

The Crimson had a break-through year in 1998, winning the conference title with an undefeated record and capturing their first section championship. Graduation takes away many of their top guns but Maple Grove coach Craig Hansen and the Crimson still are optimistic about the 1999 season.

Despite the heavy loss to graduation, the Crimson do return a good group of veterans. Offensively, all-conference receiver Brent Lawson and all-conference running back Caleb Marx return, as well as senior receiver Adam Hamilton, senior center Enrique Fuentes. On defense, senior safety Mike Behr, a two-year starter, is back, so are senior end Justin Davis and senior linebacker Mickey Baker.

Hansen's main goal this year is to rebuild the lines, which lost all starters to graduation. So far, Hansen sees lots of potential.

"We have a lot of new kids moving up and starting and they are really hard workers," he said. "I am really proud of their work ethic. The key is to put a cohesive group together and gain experience as a line. They are good skilled kids, very athletic, quick and their strength is good. Last year, we were larger. This year, we are quicker and equally strong."

Another big hole to fill is at quarterback, where three-year starter C.J. Woodrow has graduated. Senior Mike Klostermann has locked up that position and has looked impressive.

"C.J. did really well for us but Mike has stepped up and done a great job of leading," Hansen said.

The Crimson are nearing the season opener at home against White Bear Lake Friday, Sept. 3. Hansen is excited about the chance to defend the conference title and the prospect of starting another new year with many unknown factors.

"Every year is a new mixture of kids with different personalities," Hansen said. "That's what is fun about high school football."