Star Tribune Athletes of the Week

For nearly a year, Boyer, a swift, goal-scoring attacker, has felt just a little unsettled on the soccer pitch.

She always has been a natural in the sport and her scoring output so far this season has reflected that. She has helped the Mustangs to a 4-0 start, scoring eight goals, including back-to-back hat tricks in victories over Irondale and Hastings.

But she's had do it without her twin sister Emily, who has been out because of a knee injury since last September. After playing together their entire lives, Rachel has carried the Boyer flag for the past 11 months.

"It's been weird," she said. "This is the longest time I've played without her. She's basically my best friend. I've felt like I've been playing for her this whole time."

The separation is nearly over, however. Last week, Emily was cleared by doctors to begin playing. Rachel can't wait to see her sister take the field again.

"We have a connection when we play," Rachel said. "I know she misses playing. I tell her she's going to come back stronger."

The Raiders won five of six matches last week, highlighted by their first victory over conference foe Mayer Lutheran in 13 years. The play of the senior middle hitter was the key. In total, she had 62 kills, 19 blocks and eight ace serves.

In two games to date, Larson has made the most out of his touches. The wide receiver has caught 12 passes for 466 yards and seven touchdowns, four of them in Friday's 42-17 victory over Anoka. He is averaging a stunning 38-8 yards per reception.

Things are looking up for Champlin Park volleyball, in large part because of the play of the outside hitter. She led the Rebels' five victories in six matches 67 kills on a .403 hitting percentage, seven blocks and four ace serves.

The quarterback put up a career-high 345 yards of total offense as the Red Knights rolled for the second week in a row, beating Cooper 43-16. He rushed for 80 yards and completed 14 of 24 passes for 265 yards and four touchdowns.