St. Michael-Albertville at Elk River
7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 23

Following a big win over rival Rogers last week, reigning Class 5A state champion St. Michael-Albertville has little time to enjoy the victory as the Knights turned their attention toward another tough road test against Elk River in North Central District Blue Division play.

The game includes some of the most impressive running backs in the state, headlined by junior Mitchell Kartes, who does a little of everything for No. 1-4A St. Michael-Albertville (3-0, 2-0). Kartes leads the team in rushing (234 yards, 5 TDs), receiving (93 yards, 1 TD) and also sealed last week's win with a late pick-six.

The No. 5-5A Elks (3-0, 2-0) features a rotating backfield with three capable runners who each have more than 200 rushing yards. Seniors Nick Rice (299 yards, 3 TDs) and Sam Gibas (248 yards, 5 TDs) have led the way while junior Sherrod Kpahn (229 yards, 2 TDs) has aided the ground attack.