Traditional conferences don’t exist anymore in football — teams are grouped by geography and color. As examples, Mankato West and Owatonna play out of the Big Southeast Red Conference. But, come on, these teams are Big 9 Conference all the way.
Great programs, too. Mankato West has 12 state tournament appearances and four titles. Owatonna has nine state tournament appearances and three titles.
Mankato West went 6-0 last fall and are off to a 2-0 start this year. The No. 1-5A Scarlets got 187 rushing yards from Walker Britz and a 76-yard touchdown run from Ryan Haley in last week’s 41-7 rout of New Prague.
Owatonna (2-0) quarterback Taylor Bogen has passed for 397 yards and two touchdowns.