For years Winona found itself looking up the Big 9 Conference standings — now the Big Southeast Blue subdistrict — to Mankato West. The Winhawks finally broke through last year, defeating the Scarlets 38-13 and claiming the league title. Now Mankato West looks to strike back in the reinvigorated rivalry this Friday in our Top Game of the Week.
Not only are the Scarlets, ranked No. 5 in the Class 5A Associated Press poll from Sept. 12, motivated to avenge last season's loss, but a chance at grabbing sole possession of the league lead is also on the line. A win would put Mankato West in prime position to finish atop the standings after Winona took last season's honors.
One key for Mankato West (3-0, 1-0) may be getting quarterback Jack Foster going. The junior has thrown for 661 yards and eight touchdowns through three weeks — but was held in last year's Winona contest to just 14 completions on 35 attempts, with 141 yards, a touchdown, and four interceptions. His favorite target this season has been junior wide receiver Spencer Spaude, who has hauled in 13 passes for 249 yards and three touchdowns.
The No. 3-4A Winhawks have become a force in recent years, not only in league play but also in the postseason. In addition to winning the Big Southeast Blue subdistrict last year, Winona (3-0, 1-0) reached the Class 4A semifinals and finished as runners-up in 2016.
The Winhawks offense may have dipped in production a bit from last season's 37.7 point-per-game average, but they're still averaging 29 points through three contests. Winona is led by junior quarterback Jackson Nibbelink, who has thrown for 458 yards and three touchdowns while adding four rushing touchdowns. They also possess a talented two-way player in senior wide receiver and defensive back Terrell Hall, a North Dakota State commit who has grabbed 12 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns. Hall also picked off two passes and returned one for a score in last season's matchup with the Scarlets.