Football Tour XVIII

MPC (4-6, 3-2)
 The first thing the Lobos have to rediscover is a running game. Through their first three games last year, they were averaging less than a yard per carry.
  MPC was outstanding in its four wins, averaging 41 points a game. But in its six losses, it averaged 12.1 points.
 For the fourth straight year -- or since Chicago Bears quarterback David Fales played at MPC, the Lobos will start a new quarterback. Three are in the mix, including freshman Mitch Kidd.
 A deep receiving core features sophomores David Hightower, Joseph Jakubowsky and Jordan Borne, who combined for over 80 catches last fall.
 Defensively, linebacker Rufino Calderon and his team-leading 7.1 tackles a game is back. Lineman Jon Tuiolosega is a beast in the trenches.
 "The learning curve last season was major,'' Tuiolosega said. "It's a different transition from high school to college. I had a lot to learn. I came in a little cocky.''
 Changes in the conference means three new opponents and a more balanced conference.
 "What's good is we kept it competitive,'' MPC coach Mike Rasmussen said. "I think all the restructuring won't please everyone. We had a great conference in terms of equity matchups.''
 Avoiding another slow start is a must for the Lobos this fall.

 Check The Herald's website for an interview with MPC coach Mike Rasmussen.