Blake vs. Orono
5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 5

Blake faces what might be the state's toughest schedule over the next few weeks. The Bears (9-3-1, 3-1) close the regular season with Orono and No. 7-1A Visitation before setting course through the Class 1A, Section 5 playoff field.

Blake hit a rut with three losses in its last five games and can use the final week to correct things. The Bears fell to No. 2-1A Hill-Murray 3-2 on Sept. 23, but they bounced back with a 2-0 win over Eden Prairie three days later. Cate Moe scored and assisted on a Sara McClanahan goal against the Eagles, and Blake will lean on those two as it heads toward the postseason. Moe and McClanahan lead the team with eight goals each.

The Spartans have withstood every challenge from top opponents, but their only win against a top-10 team came on Sept. 9, when they beat No. 7-1A Benilde-St. Margaret’s 2-1. Orono has tied No. 6-1A Mankato West (1-1) and Waconia (0-0), which fell out of the rankings this week, but a victory over the Bears can further legitimize the Spartans' top ranking.

Sarah Johnston leads Orono (11-0-2, 7-0-1) with seven goals and will try to navigate her team back to the state tournament after a one-year absence.