The top spots in the Northwest Suburban Conference standings are locked between Totino-Grace and Centennial, presenting both teams with a chance to claim a vital win that could determine the eventual conference champion. This excellent matchup of offensive and defensive talent — and the always-intriguing contest between ranked teams in both classes — proves to be our Top Game of the Week.
The Eagles, ranked No. 1 in the Class 1A coaches' poll from Sept. 16, have not lost to a Minnesota team this year. They suffered a 4-1 loss against Peoria Notre Dame (IL) on Sept. 7 and fell 1-0 to Chaminade College Prep (MO) a day later. Against in-state competition, they've been dominant, allowing just three cumulative goals. That's resulted in an impressive 0.20 goals-against average for senior goalkeeper Philip Ronza. Totino-Grace boasts a defense compromised almost entirely of seniors, and their confidence and experience will be vital in this high-leverage match.
The defending league and Class 1A state champions are also plenty capable on offense. Only once has Totino-Grace failed to score in a game — its loss to Chaminade College Prep — and has been on a solid run lately, scoring six and four times in the last two games, respectively. Herbert Endeley leads the Eagles with 14 goals and is tied with Liam Vance for a team-high five assists.
Centennial has won six games in a row — including a number of close contests. The No. 10-2A Cougars (9-1, 7-1) defeated Andover 1-0 on Sept. 6 and Mounds View 2-1 two days later, but they found their offense last week to turn in victories wins over Spring Lake Park (5-1) and Coon Rapids (4-0).
Junior Demetrius Bernardy-Nelson has been instrumental to the attack, scoring 20 goals (second-most in the state) and notching eight assists. He and the rest of Centennial's offense will have to perform its absolute best if the Cougars are going to open up Totino-Grace's defense.