Blake players celebrate after a goal in a 5-3 victory over Cretin-Derham Hall on Nov. 14. Photo by Mark Hvidsten
Blake has shown no signs of letting off the gas as the defending Class 1A state champions have powered through a third of its season schedule with the same drive that propelled the Bears to the Xcel Energy Center in February.
Blake (6-1-0) is ranked No. 1 in the Class 1A coaches poll and has been flawless aside from a loss to Eden Prairie, Class 2A's top-ranked team, playing a schedule filled with top-flight opponents. In fact, the Bears have have faced a ranked team in every matchup so far.
Blake's next opponent is no exception as the Bears travel to play at No. 11-1A Proctor/Hermantown, a program that reached last year's state tournament. The Mirage didn't make it past the quarterfinals, losing to St. Paul United 5-2, but they did leave St. Paul with a consolation championship after defeating Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato (4-1) and Alexandria (4-1).
Proctor/Hermantown has carried over the momentum from its run to state. The Mirage are 7-1-0 after cruising through a schedule containing matchups with five teams ranked in Class 1A. The only bump was a 3-1 loss at No. 3-1A Thief River Falls on Nov. 28.
Proctor/Hermantown would certainly receive a confidence boost by defeating Blake, while the Bears could solidify their position as the team to beat in Class 1A with a road victory over yet another ranked team, making this our Top Game of the Week.
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Tag(s): Metro East Hill-Murray Tartan Greater Minnesota East Grand Forks Thief River Falls Independents Dodge County Lake Eden Prairie Edina Minnetonka Wayzata Lake Superior Proctor/Hermantown South Suburban Eagan Lakeville South Suburban East Cretin-Derham Hall Mounds View Blake Breck Wright County Orono IMAC