CODY MOLINE North Branch • hockey
By the time the third period of North Branch's game against Simley had begun Saturday, Moline, a senior center, had seen enough. His counterpart on Simley had been attacking off the draw, so it was time to make him pay.
"It was getting to me," Moline said. "We have a play where I hit it to the [defenseman], then go hard. I hit it a little too hard and their defenseman fumbled it. I took a couple of strides over the blue line and shot it over the goalie's right hand."
The goal, coming only five seconds into the third period, was Moline's third of the game and tied the score at 3-3. The Vikings went on to win 4-3, giving the team a 2-0 start to the season. They had defeated Minnesota River 8-2 the day before, with Moline contributing a hat trick in that game, too.
It was the first time in his high school career that Moline had notched back-to-back hat tricks, a significant milestone, but he was more concerned about his speedy third-period goal.
"It's tied for the fastest goal [in team history]," he said. "I think was four seconds, but the clock said five."
GABBIE HUGHES Centennial • hockey
With 126 career goals entering this season, the senior forward clearly has a knack for scoring. Hughes hasn't disappointed so far this season with 12 goals in the Cougars' past three games, including a six-goal effort in a victory over Park Center.
ANTONIO MONTERO Eden Prairie • football
The Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year had his fingerprints all over Eden Prairie's 38-17 victory over Minnetonka in the Class 6A championship game. He rushed 15 times for 58 yards and three touchdowns, kicked a 42-yard field goal and five extra points, and made six tackles.
LIZI NORTON Orono • hockey
Norton, a senior known for her two-way talents, scored seven goals in two games last week. She had a hat trick in a 4-2 victory over Bloomington Jefferson, and four goals — including the game-winner in overtime — in a 5-4 victory over Buffalo.
