Rochester Lourdes' defense should be tested this week against Stewartville's high-powered offense in a contest that will help decide the Southeast Red subdistrict.
The Eagles (6-0, 5-0) have held opponents to just 34 points all year (5.7 points per game), while scoring an average of 39.8 points per game. Only once has an opponent managed more than a touchdown against No. 2-3A Rochester Lourdes — Plainview-Elgin-Millville scraped together 15 points in a Sept. 7 contest where the Eagles' offense put up 45.
Rochester Lourdes' 239 points this season can be attributed to senior running back Jake Groteboer's six touchdowns on 561 yards and senior quarterback Matthew Hayford, whose 585 passing yards and six TDs have kept defenses honest.
But if there's going to be a team to put Rochester Lourdes' defense on its heels, it could be Stewartville. After dismantling Rochester Lourdes 56-3 in last year's contest, the Tigers have a chance to claw back to the top of the subdistrict.
The Tigers (5-1, 4-1) come in to the game scoring 34.8 points per game behind an impressive sophomore backfield combination of quarterback Will Tschetter (1,061 passing yards, 12 TDs) and running back Josh Buri (772 rushing yards, 11 TDs).