Page 8 Fall Football Preview • Thursday, August 28, 2025 sailor. mnsun. com
MINNETONKA SKIPPERS
Experienced team seeks return to Prep Bowl
JOHN SHERMAN john. sherman @ apgecm. com
The big name in Minnetonka High football this year is Caleb Francois.
Last season’ s All-State quarterback is the main wheel in the Skippers’ offense once again.
But there is one player who will handle to ball even more than Francois. He is 6-1, 270- pound returning starter at center Aiden Zapzalka.
As the starter in 13 games last season, Zapzalka’ s snapping and blocking helped Minnetonka win its way to the Prep Bowl and an overall record of 10-3.
“ I like the responsibility of knowing our entire scheme,” Zapzalka said prior to taking the field for a recent practice.“ We are shooting for the same goals as last year. We want to stay humble, but crush our opponents.”
Zapzalka’ s blocking is one reason the“ crushing” could occur.
It was exciting last year when Zapzalka’ s charges opened many holes for Francois on quarterback draws up the middle. Francois carried the football 260 times for 1,624 yards and 24 touchdowns, often taking advantage of Zapzalka’ s quickness up front.
“ Caleb is a great runner,” Zapzalka said.“ It’ s up to us to make sure he doesn’ t get touched.”
As one of the captains this year, Zapzalka is more invested in the Skippers than ever.“ It’ s a huge honor, knowing that my teammates put
( SUN PHOTO BY JOHN SHERMAN)
Minnetonka High’ s football captains for the 2025 season are, from left to right: Quinton Restrepo, Jacob Gendreau, Aiden Zapzalka, Alex Schneider and Caleb Francois.
their trust in me,” he said.
Minnetonka head coach Mark Esch said,“ Aiden is a big guy, but he’ s one of our most athletic kids. He had great talent and he is a smart football player.”
As for his role on the squad this fall, Francois said,“ I’ ll do a little bit of everything – running, receiving and maybe playing some outside linebacker.”
The Prep Bowl experience last season made Francois hungrier for success.“ A lot of the success last season came from our seniors,” he said.
The captains on this year’ s team – Zapzalka, Francois, running back Quinton Restrepo, tackle Jacob Gendreau and linebacker Alex Schneider – are a tight group, dedicated to working together. Minnetonka has a senior class of 31 players this year, backed by a group of 39 juniors.
Most of Minnetonka’ s experience is on offense while the defense is gaining momentum in early practices.
“ Our defensive coordinator, Matt Lombardi, is a fantastic coach,” Francois said.“ The offense looks solid and we’ ll be able to score some points.”
Before practice got underway, Francois had already committed to Iowa State University for the fall of 2026. He is excited to be going to a nationally competitive Division I team.
“ I love Iowa State’ s offense. And the team is wellcoached,” Francois said.“[ Going into this season ] they are ranked 24th in the nation.”
The position change to running back for this season was first suggested by the
Minnetonka coaches. It made sense to Francois because Caden Gutzmer proved he can handle the quarterback position. Gutzmer completed 15 of 25 passes in a reserve role last season and played at least one series in most of the games.
Francois is pleased to have an experienced group of blockers in Tonka’ s offensive line. Guards Griffin Moore and Kingston Hamblin are both 6-4 and 290 pounds on each side of the 270-pound Zapzalka.
Schneider is the key man on defense as inside linebacker.
The varsity kicker from last season, junior Chip Scott, gives Minnetonka an advantage on special teams.
The Skipper coaching staff will have to rebuild on
See MINNETONKA | PAGE 24
QUICK HITS
Head Coach Mark Esch Sixth Season
Last Year’ s Record: 10-3
Key Returning Players
Any discussion of Minnetonka High football begins and ends with senior Caleb Francois. As the starting quarterback last season, he rushed for 24 touchdowns and threw seven touchdown passes. His excellence carried the Skippers to the state Class 6A Prep Bowl where a late rally fell short in a 28-21 loss to Maple Grove. Experience in the offensive line is an asset for the Skippers as Francois switches positions from quarterback to running back. Aiden Zapzalka is a third-year starter at center. On either side of him are 6-4, 290-pound guard Griffin Moore and Kingston Hamblin. The defensive stopper for Minnetonka is 6-1, 205-pound senior Alex Schneider at inside linebacker. Junior Chip Scott returns as the starting kicker. The Skippers will have to rebuild on defense, due to the graduation of starters Malachi Boadi, Caleb Taylor, AJ Fider, Dylan Hudgens, Aidan Becker and Jack Yerhot.
Schedule
Aug. 28: East Ridge Sept. 5 At St. Michael-Albertville Sept. 12: Moorhead 6 p. m. Sept. 19: At Prior Lake Sept. 26: Eden Prairie Oct. 3: At Wayzata Oct. 10: Edina Oct. 15: At Maple Grove
Game times 7 p. m. unless otherwise noted