Bethlehem Academy at Mayer Lutheran
7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 3

While most eyes are on the battle between Class 3A's top-ranked teams in Eagan, there’s another great match in Mayer on Tuesday night when No. 3-1A Bethlehem Academy visits No. 1-1A Mayer Lutheran.

Bethlehem Academy (8-10, 4-0) has been the bully on the small-school block over the past 15 years, with 12 state appearances and seven titles. Despite sitting under .500 entering October, the coaches have given the Cardinals the benefit of the doubt in regards to their tough schedule, which has already included 10 teams currently ranked in the top 10 in all three classes. In those matches, the Cardinals are just 1-9, defeating No. 8-1A Waterville-Elysian-Morristown 3-1 back on Sept. 7.

Mayer Lutheran is the defending Class 1A champion, however, and has lost just once all fall — last Tuesday to No. 1-2A Maple Lake. The three sets the Crusaders (18-1, 3-0) dropped to the Irish were more than the combined total they've lost the rest of the season.