Becker at New London-Spicer
7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 28

New London-Spicer has finished as the Class 3A runner-up in each of the past two seasons, and the Wildcats clearly know what it takes to reach the state tournament and win big games. Yet, that experience may not be enough to prepare them for the stingy defense of the reigning Class 4A state champion Becker when the Bulldogs come to town on Friday.

Becker has momentum coming into the season, with 12 straight wins en route to last season's title. The Bulldogs then defeated Hutchinson 41-14 last week. The Wildcats may find scoring difficult as Becker returns seven defensive starters from a team that allowed two or fewer touchdowns in 11 of 13 games last year.

New London-Spicer is coming off a 20-6 loss to Glencoe-Silver Lake in its season opener.