Saturday Special 4.29
Today’s blog is a Saturday special because I am going to combine both a daily dish and slate preview into one post. Been a hectic week and there have been so many good games its been hard to track everything, but, hopefully this consolidated approach will for weekend games.
So let’s talk first about the two big things from Friday night:
Moundsview 13 v Irondale 7: This was a shocking score because last year Irondale won this game 17-1. I think all of DTA crew was picking Irondale in this one, but, JP did mention two episodes ago how Moundsview was off to a great start this year and has really looked to turn things around. They have taken care of the weaker teams on their schedule and then had a weird loss to Roseville before getting handled pretty good by White Bear Lake. I kind of assumed this would be more of the same, but, huge props to the Mustangs for making me eat at my words on this one. Amazing win for them in the cross town rivalry game - this could spring board them for the rest of the season.
STA 11 v Mahtomedi 4: The Cadets are for real. The Zephs are not. I thought Mahtomedi would be in the front running for the section 4 title, but, it looks like a lot has dropped off there. Not really sure what’s going on up there because there are some really talented individuals on that team. They had an extremely tough schedule to start the year, so, maybe they will have a chance to regroup. The Cadets, who I thought would be a good team, lost the opener to Woodbury and then didn’t look great against Eagan in a low scoring win have completely flipped a switch and look like the ‘22 Terps. More big games coming up for the Cadets but they are looking like a team to be reckoned with.
SATURDAY SLATE PREVIEW
Chanhassen v Minnetonka: I think this is the game a lot of people have been waiting for this week. Minnetonka has looked really good and average at times, but, we know there is a lot of talent there and a lot of guys who returned from last season. They ran with Lakeville North and have dominated their other games. Chanhassen looks tough and this is the first real test for them (now after seeing Mahtomedi play). Both teams have athletes and know each other pretty well. I will be curious what coaching adjustments are made in this game - I think it will come down to what team throws some new stuff at each other that hasn’t been on film.
Rosemount v Wayzata: Rosemount has sort of lost their step in the last couple games and Wayzata is still continuing to impress. I think this will be the toughest test for Wayzata thus far. If they beat the Irish I think it justifies their new #8 ranking on MN lax hub. I am curious how the Irish will do against a tough Wayzata defense. They have been able to score goals and have some talented players on offense…. but the Trojans have looked great defensively. This could be a lower scoring game. My only concern is if Wayzata has enough firepower to consistently beat Rosemount’s goalie - one of the better Senior goalies in the state
Edina v BSM: Edina is off to a great start and is showing the state that last year was a blip on the radar due to a rebuild with a young team. They look athletic and aggressive, have taken care of two good teams, but the biggest test awaits in the mighty Red Knights. BSM looked pretty darn good against rival PL on Thursday night and at this point we are wondering who can stop them? The only thing I can think of here is maybe BSM is coming down from such a big game on Thursday that keeps Edina in the game, but, my guess is BSM will prove to be too strong. This game will tell us a lot about Edina, though.
Woodbury v Eagan: Section 3 has been a wild one thus far. Woodbury beat STA in a close game early on, then STA beat eagan and is now looking unstoppable. Woodbury has looked to be a team that plays smart lacrosse with long possessions and good defense. They do not turn the ball over much and take what the other team gives them. They are just fine playing low scoring games and being patient. Eagan plays exactly the opposite. Eagan’s run and gun style could hurt the Royals if Eagan can dictate pace. I think Woodbury is the better overall team - today - but Eagan has enough to be dangerous. If Eagan can establish their style early, this could be a fun game and upset for the Wildcats. Riley Paulus the FOGO for Eagan is elite and the Woodbury guy Jack Henry has looked great as well. Interesting battle at the X today in this game
