Maple Grove looks to be in good position to lock up the Northwest Suburban Conference title this week as the regular season wraps. However, the Crimson will face a tough test as newcomer Andover enters the party for conference supremacy.
The Crimson, ranked No. 4 in the latest Class 3A coaches poll, have lost just once back on Aug. 29 to Osseo. Maple Grove (12-1, 10-1) has rattled off 11 consecutive wins and will look to hold off the Huskies and Robbinsdale Armstrong in the race for the conference crown.
Maple Grove brought back key contributors in Chris Frantz and Carter Sheard from last season's team, and they are producing once again. Frantz has 25 goals entering the season's final week while Sheard has 12. Both were part of last season's 5-0 win against Andover.
After a 6-10 campaign in 2021, No. 3-3A Andover is not only a contender for a conference title but also a threat to make some noise in the upcoming section and state tournaments.
The Huskies (10-1-2) also lost to the Orioles on Sept. 29. This past week was a tough one for Andover with a loss and tie. However, the record Andover has built should scare many across the state.
Despite some difficulties recently, Huskies' senior Baraka Tarleton has produced. He has four goals and six assists in his team's last three contests.