Fridley coach Justin Reese has his team undefeated, but the Tigers will be tested Friday against a St. Croix Lutheran team holding the No. 1 spot in the Associated Press Class 3A rankings. Photo by Kelly McGinley, SportsEngine
After a season which saw neither Fridley (4-0, 3-0) nor St. Croix Lutheran (4-0, 2-0) win the debut Twin City District Maroon Division title, both look to be in position to make a run at the title this season.
The Tigers and Crusaders are undefeated and atop the league standings entering their matchup on Friday.
St. Croix Lutheran, which is No. 1 in the Associated Press Class 3A state high school football poll, may have more to prove in this matchup, as a Crusaders' victory would not only secure sole possession of the top spot in the standings over No. 5-4A Fridley but also avenge a 40-21 loss to the Tigers last season.
While each fell short of a division crown a year ago, both reached the state tournament only to be bounced in the quarterfinals of their respective classes, and the winner on Friday could gain momentum for another long postseason run.
With undefeated records and league standings on the line, this matchup of teams poised for state tournament appearances makes for a perfect Top Game of the Week.
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Tag(s): Featured Hub Exclusive Big Southeast Blue Mankato West Red Rochester Mayo Metro East Cretin-Derham Hall East Ridge Maroon South St. Paul St. Thomas Academy Mid Southeast White Lewiston-Altura Rushford-Peterson North Central Blue Rogers St. Francis Southeast Red Kasson-Mantorville Rochester Lourdes Twin City Minneapolis North Suburban - Maroon Fridley St. Croix Lutheran St. Paul Central West Metro North Blaine Totino-Grace West Eden Prairie Minnetonka