Apple Valley at Burnsville
7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 23

One loss in the ultra-competitive East Metro District White Division may make a league title seem out of reach for teams try to keep pace with undefeated Lakeville North and Rosemount.

However, two losses will surely end any championship aspirations, and it's a position neither Apple Valley nor Burnsville want to find themselves in Friday night.

For the No. 9-5A Eagles (2-1, 1-1), it all about avoiding a duplication of last year's scoreless effort against the Blaze that resulted in a 35-0 loss.

To do so, Apple Valley will need a repeat of last week's huge performance from senior quarterback Noah Sanders, who had 298 passing yards and three touchdown passes while leading the Eagles to a 27-26 comeback win over Farmington. 

Running back Steph Olson Jr. (234 rushing yards, 3 TDs) looked good in the first two games for No. 8-6A Burnsville (2-1, 1-1), but he stumbled in a 28-7 loss a week ago as Lakeville North held him to 11 rushing yards. The senior could get back on track against an Apple Valley team giving up an average of 115 rushing yards per game.