Two of Class 6A's stingiest defenses meet on Friday in a Metro South clash where one score could be the difference-maker.
Lakeville North (6-0, 3-0) has allowed just 12.3 points per game while Prior Lake is even tougher at 10.5 points per game. Recent history may also indicate a defensive battle, as the Lakers won last year's matchup 8-0.
Don't discount the No. 1-6A Panthers' top-tier offense, though, which puts up 34.8 points per game. Senior running back Brian Curtis Jr., who is ninth in the state with 1,105 rushing yards, leads the team with 12 touchdowns. Raja Nelson is a dual threat, boasting 301 yards on 40 carries and 13 receptions for 260 yards.
Prior Lake will turn to defensive anchors and senior linebackers Noah Benson and Michael Herbst to slow down Lakeville North's run game. Benson has a team-high 48 tackles, a sack and an interception returned for a touchdown. Herbst has 42 total tackles, including a team-high 10 for loss, and two sacks this season.
The Lakers (4-2, 3-0) come into the matchup with some momentum, posting two straight shutouts. Their defense has only once allowed over 11 points this year — a 35-12 loss to No. 3-6A Eden Prairie on Sept. 14.