In most cases, soccer coaches would cringe merely at the thought of having to put in the backup goalkeeper for the last 10 minutes of the game against a formidable conference rival.

Faced with that scenario last week, Eastview boys' soccer coach Scott Gustafson didn't even flinch.

When junior Samuel Ruelas was called for a red card against Bloomington Jefferson, in trotted sophomore Treston Kederer. He allowed the ensuing penalty kick, but shut out the Jaguars the rest of the way, including a trio of point-blank shots, to preserve the victory.

Two nights later, Kederer started for the Lightning and shut out Eagan. He made 14 saves in that game, seven from 6 yards in or closer and a highlight-reel breakaway stop with 2 seconds remaining in the first half.

It has helped Eastview to the No. 1 ranking in Class 2A.

"I am not in a pickle with either of those guys," Gustafson said of his keepers. "They're a huge reason why we [started] 9-0 this year. Treston is better in the air, nipping out crosses; Sammy is better against teams that take shots from farther out. I feel equally confident with both of them. Playing in this conference, any mistake will show up on the scoreboard and our guys have been unflappable."

Sabers 'show up'

Shakopee, the No. 4 team in Class 3A volleyball, defeated No. 3 Wayzata in straight sets last Tuesday night, taking down the Trojans on their home court 25-18, 25-10, 25-15.

Sabers coach Matt Busch commented before the season that he felt this would be a better year for the Sabers. Turns out he was right -- at least so far.

Shakopee used a .435 hitting percentage, 10 team blocks, and a 2.24 pass rating against the Trojans, then backed it up with a straight sets win over Chaska on Thursday to push its record to 8-1. The Sabers' lone loss was a five-setter to Chanhassen.

"All the credit to Chanhassen --they played well," Busch said. "But we chose not to show up. It was our awakening moment. And after the match, every player and coach on staff vowed to show up from then on."