Prairie Seeds Academy at St. Thomas Academy
7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 1

Prairie Seeds Academy and St. Thomas Academy have high hopes for this season. 

Prairie Seeds plays a competitive nonconference schedule to prepare for the Class 2A, Section 5 playoffs. The program opted to join the larger class after winning a Class 1A title in 2010 and returning to the championship game a year later.

Junior Isaac Johnson is the top returning forward for the Lycans, while senior Mark Johnson anchors the midfield and senior Najee Shahid reclaims his place in net.

St. Thomas Academy entered last year's Class 1A state tournament as the top seed but came home with a third-place finish. With 13 regulars back on the roster, the Cadets are seeking redemption this season.

All-tournament midfielder Amanuel Bird and goalkeeper Matthew Wahl will be integral pieces for the No. 3-1A Cadets (1-0). Bird scored two goals in A 3-1 victory over St. Paul Highland Park in the season opener.