St. Thomas Academy has finished second, first and third in the last three Class 1A state tournaments, but the Cadets will need to prove their quality yet again this season after losing their leading scorer, assist provider and goalkeeper from last season.
A top-three clash this early in the season will give No. 3-1A St. Thomas Academy a real idea of how close the team is to another deep postseason run. Jacob Mathews and Peter Corniea have sparked the Cadets offense, scoring two goals and notching an assist apiece. If Mathews and Corniea can keep the offense clicking, St. Thomas Academy (1-0-1) should have an excellent chance at beating Blake.
The No. 2-1A Bears have continuity on their side as they open this season, returning Haluk Ercan-Fang -- who led to team with goals (10) and assists (6) last season -- and goalie Will Taylor, who gives the defense a strong base to build from.
Blake (1-0) opened the season with an impressive 4-1 win over No. 5-1A Orono on Aug. 23, but a win over a top-three team in Class 1A and perennial state championship contender would give the Bears a huge boost heading into the meat of the regular season.