United South Central, St. Clair and Mankato Loyola haven’t experienced much success the last few years, but the No. 9-1A Rebels and the first-year St. Clair/Mankato Loyola cooperative have turned some heads this season.
St. Clair finished 8-3 last season — snapping a four-year streak of losing seasons — and Loyola hadn't finished with a winning record since 2009. It went 2-7 playing 9-Man last year.
The merging of St. Clair and Mankato Loyola appears to be a success after three weeks, as a win for the undefeated Spartans (3-0, 2-0) on Friday could be key in deciding the Mid Southeast West subdistrict.
St. Clair graduated its entire offensive line from last season — a unit that helped running back Noah Schruin rush for over 1,500 yards in 2017. With help from Loyola's depth on the line, the senior back has returned with strength, surpassing 2,000 career rushing yards during a 227-yard, three-touchdown performance in the Aug. 31 season opener against Lester Prairie/ Holy Trinity. The Spartans are averaging 40 points per game through three weeks.
Adding to the matchup's allure is the programs' history of close games. St. Clair and United South Central split their last six meetings, with five of the six being decided by one score.
United South Central will look to lead running back Zach Ziebuhr, who has rushed for 484 yards and seven touchdowns this season. The junior has helped the Rebels average 31.7 points per game.
United South Central (3-0, 3-0) last won a league title in 2009, in the former Gopher Valley Conference. It hasn't had a winning season since going 5-4 in 2013.