sailor. mnsun. com Fall Football Preview • Thursday, August 27, 2026 Page 19
HOLY ANGELS STARS Next generation ready to step up
JASON OLSON jason. olson @ apgecm. com
The annual turnover of players among high school programs is nothing new.
Holy Angels isn’ t immune to it as new classes come and go each season, and the 2026 edition of the Stars football team will look noticeably different after significant graduation losses.
“ We graduated a lot, so we have to replace a lot of our production on the offensive line, but also a three-time 1,000-yard rusher in Emmett Anderson,” Head Coach Jim Gunderson said.“ That’ s been the big thing: developing the offensive line and finding out who is going to replace Emmett.”
Take that thought a step further: Who is the next Emmett to shine on the soonto-be-named Fitzgerald Field after seven years of consistent production from a star carrying that first name?
Before Anderson, it was Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson leading the way to the Mr. Football award during his senior season in 2021.
“ Alright, we don’ t have anyone named Emmett,” Gunderson joked.“ Who are we going to have run the ball?”
The Stars finished 8-2 last season, reaching the Section 5AAAA final for the sixth consecutive season— a stretch that includes four section titles. The victory total was the program’ s highest since an 8-3 campaign in
( SUN PHOTO BY JASON OLSON)
Holy Angels lineman Lucas Jacobs( 66) follows Stars ballcarrier Emmett Anderson, right, last fall.
2021 that ended in the state quarterfinals.
One key leader returning is senior Jax Schneider, who led the squad in tackles last fall and stands as the lone returning all-district award winner out of six honorees.
“ He’ s been a tremendous leader and has been great about getting guys into the weight room,” Gunderson said.“ Getting guys bought in and thinking about football again has been a huge improvement.”
That commitment paid immediate dividends, with several players adding 10 to 15 pounds of muscle over the offseason. Of the 66 rostered players— the program’ s largest turn-out since its 2017 Prep Bowl title— only 20 are juniors or seniors, leaving underclassmen to fill vital roles.
“ Those guys who weren’ t starters have put themselves in a great position to take over starting roles and be really good,” Gunderson added.“ We’ re really excited about them.”
Senior twin linemen Lucas and Marcus Jacobs return to anchor both sides of the trenches before playing at St. Thomas next fall. Affectionately nicknamed“ Large”( Lucas, an offensive tackle) and“ Medium”( Marcus), the duo provides essential veteran stability.
At quarterback, the Stars turn to junior Will Brookings, a Rosemount transfer boasting what Gunderson calls a“ scholarship arm.” Brookings didn’ t see game action last fall, but brings a strong physical profile reminiscent of 2022 graduate AJ Boarman.
In the backfield, senior nose guard Martin Durchschlag and former starting safety Oliver Sharp will both take reps at running back.
They are joined in the skill positions by junior playmaker Owen Emery, who clocked a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and moves into a versatile defensive back role.
Coaching staff continuity remains a core strength. 2018 graduate and former Prep Bowl MVP Tommy Shelstad steps up as defensive coordinator following a standout career at St. Thomas.
He leads an elite group of returning alumni coaches, including Keyontay Shorter, Ryan Bercich, Joe Stocco, Dan Faaberg, and Tristan Wiggins, alongside special teams coordinator Jimi Mireri.
QUICK HITS
Head Coach
Jim Gunderson 11th Season
Last Year’ s Record: 8-2
Key Returning Players
Senior linebacker Jax Schneider( All-District), senior nose guard Martin Durchschlag, senior lineman Marcus Jacobs, senior lineman Lucas Jacobs, senior linebacker Madden Brown, junior receiver / defensive back Owen Emery, senior lineman Cooper Haider.
Schedule
Sept. 4: At Byron Sept. 11: At Benilde-St. Margaret’ s Sept. 18: Robbinsdale Cooper Sept. 25: DeLaSalle Oct. 2: At SMB( Blake) Oct. 8 Fridley Oct. 14 Spectrum Oct. 20: At Richfield 6 p. m.
Game times 7 p. m. unless otherwise noted