Winona hopes its recent breakthrough includes a win over long-standing rival Mankato West in this week's conference matchup. Photo by Cheryl Myers, SportsEngine
Mankato West has dominated the season series with Winona, blowing out the Winhawks in nearly every game -- aside from a forfeit loss in 2012.
But that trend may be ready to turn as Winona, fresh off a Class 4A runner-up finish last season, seems poised to finally tally a win over their Big Southwest Blue subdistrict (and formerly Big 9 Conference) foe.
The Winhawks fell to the Scarlets 42-19 two years ago, but were narrowly defeated 42-39 in last season's meeting, which boosted Mankato West to its second league title since the switch to districts in 2015.
Each team enters the week undefeated and ranked in their respective class. Mankato West is No. 3 in the Associated Press Class 5A poll while Winona is No. 1 in Class 4A.
Could this be the year the Winhawks get a victory over their longtime rival, or will the Scarlets recent dominance in the matchup continue? We'll know Friday, meaning this cross-class showdown between subdistrict rivals is a fitting Top Game of the Week.
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