Mankato West (7-0) has been so dominant this season, this might be the best Scarlets team ever. That’s saying a lot considering No. 1-5A Mankato West won state titles in 1999, 2002, 2008 and 2014.
Walker Britz is the Scarlets’ featured running back, North Dakota State commit Mekhi Collins is the go-to wide receiver and quarterback Zander Dittbenner, who threw four touchdown passes and ran for another score in last week’s 48-0 win over Northfield, orchestrates it all. Oh, and the Scarlets are pretty good defensively, too. They’ve posted five shutouts and have allowed just 13 points.
As good as Mankato West is, rivalry games are always unpredictable. And Mankato East is in the midst of a fine season, too. The Cougars (6-1) have won six straight, have allowed seven or fewer points in five games and also boast a standout quarterback in senior Jacob Eggert. He threw for 190 yard and three touchdowns in last week’s 28-21 triumph over Faribault.