The chase for the Suburban Maroon subdistrict title, as well as the top seed for the Class 5A, Section 3 playoffs, is shaping up to be a two-team race as programs enter the second half of the regular season.
St. Thomas Academy and Hastings bring undefeated records into Friday's league showdown, adding even more weight to an important matchup that's been one-sided recently.
The Cadets have won all five meetings with the Raiders since the teams became conference foes in 2014, and St. Thomas Academy, ranked No. 5 in the Class 5A Associated Press poll, aims to extend its dominance — and clinch a share of the league title — when visiting Hastings in our Top Game of the Week.
The Cadets (4-0, 2-0) have started the season with an impressive run thanks to a defense that has posted three consecutive shutouts and allowing just one touchdown.
Their offense has been equally effective, having amassed 156 points in four games — due in part to running back Brendan McFadden, who has 514 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
The Raiders, however, seem in position to put an end to their losing steak. They are off to their best start since 2011 and have been closing the gap on their rival the last two seasons. Hastings lost 35-27 in 2016 and 14-7 last year.
Corbin Leflay, one of Minnesota's top running backs, could be key in helping Raiders (4-0, 2-0) break the streak. The senior is fifth in the state with 703 rushing yards and has run his way into the end zone nine times.
Look for both offenses to continue riding their star running backs, as neither team relies much on a passing game. St. Thomas Academy throws for just 63.5 yards per game while Hastings averages 46.2.