A quick look at area football teams for the new season. See more about the area squads in this week’s editions of the Sun Post.

Armstrong Falcons

Coach: Jack Negen

2014 Record: 3-6

Key Returning Players: Thomas Barber, Jack Leius, True Thompson, Collis Barber, Evan McClellon

Outlook: Armstrong has lots of talent back from an improved 2014 squad. Thomas Barber, a Minnesota recruit, leads the Falcons defense at linebacker. The Falcons’ offense has depth at running back. Armstrong’s team hopes to be the first gridiron squad to finish .500 or better since 2004.

Breck Mustangs

Coach: Jon Martin

2014 record: 6-4

District: Twin City

Key Players returning: Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman, Charlie Gamer, Levi Selness, Peter Lillehaug

Outlook: Breck has one the best wide receivers in the state, Big Ten Northwestern recruit Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman. Moreover, the Mustangs have an experienced quarterback in Peter Lillehaug to throw to him. The Mustangs will find out quickly what their team can don on Saturday at Providence Acadmey, a team that beat the Mustangs three times last year.

Brooklyn Center Centaurs

Coach: Willie Finley

2014 record: 5-5

District: Twin City

Key Returning Players: Chester Whalley, Rufus Mendin, Davia Gbor

Outlook: Brooklyn Center will look to make the most of their move from Class AA to AAA this season with a wealth of starters back on both sides of the ball. Chester Whalley starting his third season at quarterback helps in particular to alleviate the graduation of playmakers such Tyrell Beasely, Romell Carr and Jason Barto.

Champlin Park Rebels

Coach: Mike Korton

2014 record: 5-4

District: West Metro

Key Returning Players: Michael Cloud-Granger, Hunter Yerks, Riley Altonen, Romello Adkins

Outlook: A large graduating class means lots of a new faces on offense for the Rebels. Defense has seven starters back however with Hunter Yerks and Riley Altonen both coming off solid seasons in 2014.

Cooper Hawks

Coach: Willie Howard

2014 Record: 5-4

District: Suburban

Key Returners: Phillip Howard, Levonte Taylor, Alonzo Hollie, Moses Nyangacha

Outlook: Cooper has big playmaking ability with Minnesota recruit Phillip Howard at quarterback along with running back Levonte Taylor. Alonzo Hollie and Moses Nyangacha lead a Hawks defense that can create turnovers. Overall, the Hawks have lots of talent back in experienced players who understand Coach Howard’s system. The hope to end a two-decade state tournament drought.

Hopkins Royals

Coach: John DeHartog

2014 Record: 6-4

District: West Metro

Key Players: Oscar Johnson, Ryan Greely, Andy Aune, Mannie Kugmeh.
Outlook: The Royals have lots of skill players back with experience and size up front for offense. Defense likewise returns quality leadership.

Park Center Pirates

Coach: Paul Strong

2014 Record: 5-5

District: Suburban

Key Returning Players: Amani Hooker, Malcolm Lawson, Ty’shonan Brooks, Ronde Berry, Karl Altenburg

Outlook: A lot of talented players return from that Pirates squad and will provide leadership for a promising 2015 season. Amani Hooker, an Iowa recruit, gives the Pirates a serious threat on both sides of the ball at wide receiver and defensive back. Look for him to lineup at quarterback occasionally too.

Osseo Orioles

Coach: Derrin Lamker

2014 Record: 6-4

District: West Metro

Key Returning Players: Prince Kruah, Malik Gaillard, Damario Armstrong, Nash Jensen, Kordell Russell, Teshawn Kelley

Outlook: A big load of talent starters back could propel the Orioles back to the state tournament after coming close in 2014. Osseo can score at will lots of athletes on offense in addition to have a strong and experienced defense.