We drop outside the metro, heading south on Interstate 35, for this matchup between Big 9 Conference leaders who represent Section 1 but are in different classes (Owatonna is in 2A; Faribault in 1A).
Owatonna (5-2-0, 5-0-0) lost a big showdown 4-1 last week to section rival Lakeville South but still figures to be a dark horse to reach the state tournament behind the finishing touch of top goal-scorer Ezra Oien, a freshman who has 12 goals.
Faribault (9-1-0, 6-1-0) is enjoying another huge season fueled by goal-scoring whiz Olivia Williamson, who has 18 goals. The senior also gets plenty of scoring support from Abigail Goodwin, who has 14 goals.