Blaine hasn't been known for its lockdown defense. The Bengals allowed an average of 23.25 points per game last season, however the team has displayed dominance on that side of the ball early this season, giving up just nine points per game through three contests.
The last time the Bengals (3-0, 2-0) gave up fewer than 20 points per game in a season was 2012. And now, the No. 7-6A ranked Bengals are off to just their second 3-0 start in the last seven years as they head into a Friday showdown with No. 3-6A Cretin-Derham Hall.
Offensively, Blaine has no shortage of playmakers who can find the end zone. Senior quarterback Jack Haring has thrown for 598 yards and five touchdowns, in addition to a pair of rushing scores. Sophomore running back Will Frederickson has led the ground game with 232 yards and two touchdowns. Five different receivers have also found the end zone, including senior Brandon Wittig, who has hauled in 16 passes for 239 yards.
The Raiders (2-1, 1-1) will aim to break through Blaine's defense after suffering a 20-17 loss to Woodbury last week. Cretin-Derham Hall’s offense isn't afraid to air out the ball, and senior quarterback Danny Callahan is up to seven touchdowns through three games.
The Bengals won last year's meeting — the first between the programs since 2008 — 34-21.