After pounding Duluth schools Denfeld and Marshall by a combined 7-0 to open the season, southern small school powerhouse No. 9-1A Rochester Lourdes turns its attention to No. 5-1A Orono, the 2015 Class 1A champion.
Senior-heavy Lourdes (2-0, 0-0), winner of Class 1A state titles in 1998, 1999 and 2012, has the edge in championship pedigree, but that might be all that separates these two defensively stout teams; Orono also has not allowed a goal this season, winning its season opener 3-0 over Robbinsdale Cooper.
Goalkeeper Jaxon Hopkins recorded both shutouts for Lourdes, and the junior's ability to keep a clean sheet will be key for an Eagles team looking to avenge a 1-0 loss to Orono last season. Lourdes senior forward Austin Loeslie scored three goals in the Aug. 23 victory over Duluth Denfeld.
The Spartans (1-0, 0-0) are led by Reece Clifford, who returns for his senior campaign after scoring 14 goals last season. Holden Scharf, a junior who scored three goals in 16 matches a year ago, has already notched a goal and assist.