After a hot, four-game winning streak to open the season, Tartan has cooled off in a hurry by dropping its last two games. Despite the malaise, the Titans (4-2, 2-1) can still grab a share of the league title with an upset against No. 8-5A Mahtomedi.
The Titans scored 163 points in their first four games — all wins — but managed just one touchdown in their two losses since. They'll need an offensive spark, which could come from their backfield.
Senior running back Tim Oeun has six touchdowns on 475 rushing yards, but hasn't found the end zone since Sept. 14. Junior Tien Dang (432 rushing yards, 3 TDs), who scored in a 42-6 rout of Hill-Murray on Sept. 21, has been held to 1 yard on 11 carries the past two games (Sept. 28, Simley; Oct. 5, Hastings).
Tartan's recent offensive struggles are good news for a Mahtomedi defense in the business of shutting down its opponents. It's allowed just 10.8 points per game this season.
Offensively, the Zephyrs (5-1, 3-0) are led by the arm of senior quarterback Jack Arlandson (714 passing yards, 12 TDs) and the legs of senior running back Erik Bjork (648 rushing yards, 2 TDs).
Mahtomedi won both meetings last season, including a 14-0 win in the Class 5A, Section 4 title game.