Southwest Christian at New Life Academy
7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9

Could this be a changing of the guard in Section 4A and the Minnesota Christian Athletic Association? New Life Academy, No. 3-1A, is now the favorite, seizing the role from defending state Class 1A champion Southwest Christian, which was decimated by graduation. 

But don’t count the Stars out just yet. Coach Greg Sayuk has tested his team with a difficult schedule, which shows in its sub-.500 record, but the Stars are still unbeaten in the MCAA and capable of knocking off most Class 1A teams. Many of their losses have been to ranked teams in the larger classes, such as Jordan and Belle Plaine in Class 2A and Prior Lake in Class 3A. 

New Life Academy has been looking forward to this season as its young stars such as Abby Gorter, Kara Stenerson and Abby Thor gained experience. The Eagles have never qualified for the state tournament, but knocking off the Stars might give them the confidence they need to make a run at a state title.