RaJa Nelson, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound junior from Lakeville North, helped lead the Panthers to a 13-0 record and a Class 6A state title as they defeated defending champion Eden Prairie 28-21 in the Prep Bowl.
Nelson was named to the KARE-11 All-Metro team as an athlete after finishing with 142 carries for 874 yards and 20 touchdowns. He shined in the playoffs as he had 92 carries for 469 yards and 11 scores in five games. Nelson had 20 catches for 496 yards and eight more touchdowns. He added four interceptions and a kickoff return for a touchdown.