game day
Stillwater (3-5) vs. Cretin-Derham Hall (6-2), 7 p.m. at University of St. Thomas
Cretin-Derham Hall at a glance: Outstanding defense sparked the Raiders' five-game winning streak. In victories over tough Suburban East Conference foes Mounds View, East Ridge and White Bear Lake, they never allowed more than seven points in a game. Defensive end Jashon Cornell, rated the nation's No. 1 junior recruit, is mulling offers from 22 colleges. The Raiders' section quarterfinal loss to Woodbury last season marked the first time since 1989 that Cretin-Derham Hall went one-and-done in the playoffs.
Stillwater at a glance: Running back Zach Knox led the Suburban East in rush attempts (270), yards (1,450) and touchdowns (17). Knox rushed for 294 yards against White Bear Lake last week, breaking a school record from 1979. The Ponies won an ESPN2 nationally televised game against Cretin-Derham Hall on Sept. 13 to start the season 3-0. But they have not won since, skidding to an 0-5 regular-season finish. Stillwater's defense gives up 363 yards per game, eighth-highest in the 10-team conference.
DAVID LA VAQUE
