Alexandria vs. Rocori
6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22

It will be offense meeting defense when Alexandria visits Rocori in a battle of ranked teams.

The No. 5-5A Cardinals are scoring 36.3 points per game, while the No. 6-4A Spartans boast a stingy defense that surrenders just 9.7 points per game.

Friday's matchup may prove to be a difficult bounce-back opportunity for Alexandria (2-1, 1-1), which is fell for the first time this season in a 50-43 shootout with Brainerd.

The high-powered Cardinals offense is led by senior quarterback Michael Empting, who has thrown seven touchdowns and ran for three more this season.

Rocori (3-0, 2-0) recorded a 16-14 statement win over No. 8-4A Becker. Keep an eye on Spartans junior Matt Koshiol (330 rushing yards, 2 TDs), who runs through holes opened by 6-foot-8, 335-pound senior offensive lineman Matt Waletzko, a North Dakota commit.