Hastings at St. Thomas Academy
7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22

Hastings hasn’t had a winning season in at least six years, but the Raiders have gotten off to a 5-2-1 start and, more importantly, played No. 1-2A North St. Paul close in a 1-0 loss that showed they can compete with the best in the state.

A move out of the Suburban East Conference and into the Metro East Conference two years ago has helped reinvigorate Hastings, but the team’s defense has been the real story early this season. The Raiders have five shutouts in seven games and have given up just three goals.

Jack Carlson has two goals for Hastings, which enters the week having dropped its past two games.

Grant Dumler leads No. 9-1A St. Thomas Academy (3-2-1, 1-1) with three goals and four assists. He had one goal and one assist in a 4-0 win over Hill-Murray and tallied three assists in a 4-3 victory over Cretin-Derham Hall. 

Look for the Raiders and Cadets to challenge North St. Paul for a Metro East Conference title this season.