Owatonna at Burnsville
7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 25

Owatonna has scheduled many South Suburban Conference opponents in preparation for its Big 9 Conference slate, and the Huskies open their season against one.

Owatonna travels to Burnsville on Thursday looking to better a team it tied 2-2 last fall.

The Huskies reached the Class 2A, Section 1 finals last season but couldn't extend their postseason, falling to Rochester Mayo 2-1. Owatonna returns 14 player from that roster and will look to sharpen its play before a section matchup with Lakeville North on Saturday.

Burnsville graduated 11 seniors and all but one player from its defense. The Blaze's offense, however, could help overcome the losses, as it was shutout just three times last season. This game will be an important tuneup for a Burnsville team facing Class 2A, Section 3 foe St. Paul Central next Tuesday.