The Totino-Grace Eagles football team is ready for the 2016 season. After defeating the Eden Prairie Eagles on Friday for the second time in a row, Totino-Grace looks to win state after falling to Osseo last year in the playoffs. Toward the end of the 2015 season, Totino-Grace knocked Eden Prairie out of the playoffs by defeating them 27-13. This was Eden Prairie’s first loss in four years.

“My goal is to be the best leader I can be for everyone on the team. I also want to be a leader in the TG community more this year. As for on the field goals… I just need to enjoy every moment for what it is and know that senior season is going to go by fast,” said senior Brady Bertram, when asked what his goals for the season were. “We really want to take it one game at a time this year. I think In past years we have kind of looked ahead a little bit but this year we want to take it one game at a time and see how far we can go,” said Bertram about his team goals for the season. When asked about defeating Eden Prairie on Friday, Bertram responded: “Beating EP in the first game of the season was a big win and a great way to start the year. But we have to remember that it was just week 1, that’s only one game. Our goal for this season wasn’t to only win one game and then stop. We have a long road ahead of us.” When asked if any additional comments wanted to be made, Bertram said: “It’s going to be a fun season this year! The student section was great for the EP game and we need them to be like that for every game!”

Totino-Grace looks to pick up right where they left off, with seniors Ivan Burlak, Gayflor Flomo, and Brady Bertram commanding the backfield, and senior Kyle Halverson at quarterback. Defensively, seniors Charlie Waters and Jared Florell will lead the Eagles linebacking core. Senior wide receiver and safety, Joe Russell, is also keyed in on the season. With all of this pure talent packed into one football team, Totino-Grace is destined for greatness throughout the season.