Region 4

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From Grand Forks Herald
Region 4 9-man

A look back at 2005

Westhope-Newburg and Rolla-Rock Lake were the powers in a region in which four of the six teams finished with winning records. Westhope-Newburg won the region title, with Rolla-Rock Lake also qualifying for the playoffs. Neither team advanced beyond the state quarterfinals.

A look ahead to 2006

Herald rankings (based on coaches' poll): 1. Westhope-Newburg; 2. Rolla-Rock Lake; 3. Glenburn; 4. (tie) Rolette-Wolford and St. John; 6. North Star.

The reasons: Westhope-Newburg graduated an all-state running back in Cole Koons. But it returns an all-state quarterback in Mike Cooper, who passed for more than 1,600 yards last season. The team has three offensive and three defensive starters returning and figures to have a strong offensive backfield. Rolla-RL has a strong junior class and one of the region's top players in linebacker-running back Michael McAtee. Glenburn builds around all-region running back Michael Hammer and a veteran group of linemen.

Returning all-region players: Michael McAtee, Rolla-Rock Lake; Ben Langen, St. John; Mike Cooper, Westhope-Newburg; Michael Hammer, Glenburn.