We task our reporters with identifying several intriguing games throughout the state to assemble our Top Games of the Week. The matchups are presented in no particular order, and when there are additional games we want to highlight, we’ll include them with brief notes.

Austin vs. Mankato East, 5 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 27. Mankato East (2-0-0) is one of the early frontrunners in the Big 9 Conference, although it is Mankato West that received most of the preseason accolades, coming in at No. 8 in the Class 1A coaches’ poll. East and West don’t meet until Sept. 21, so in the meantime we’re spotlighting what should be a hotly contested match  between the Cougars and conference rival Austin (1-1-0, 0-0).

Holy Family Catholic vs. Monticello, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 27. Holy Family Catholic (1-0, 0-0), which beat highly regarded DeLaSalle 2-1 in its season opener, could make a jump into the top-10 rankings with a victory. Meanwhile, No. 9-1A Monticello is a team on the rise. The Magic (2-0, 0-0) opened the season last week with back-to-back 5-0 wins over Willmar (Aug. 22) and Delano (Aug. 23).

The MN Soccer Hub poll is for entertainment purposes only.