Mankato West at Winona
7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9

It has been quite some time since Winona last experienced the success it's seeing this season. The Winhawks last winning season came in 2008, but they have put together an undefeated season and climbed to No. 7-4A in the polls. 

Despite this, Winona (7-0, 4-0) is considered a huge underdog while playing for the Big Southeast Blue subdistrict title this week because the Winhawks are lining up across from reigning Class 5A state champion and No.1-ranked Mankato West (7-0, 4-0). 

Aside from a 24-14 win over Rochester John Marshall in Week 3, the Scarlets haven't been challenged with their next smallest margin of victory coming in a 22-point victory. They score a subdistrict-best 40.1 points per game and allow a league-low 11.6 ppg.

The Winhawks, however, have won their share of close games, defeating Rochester Century (20-14 OT), New Prague (20-18) and Northfield (22-21) this season.