The mission for Benilde-St. Margaret’s a season ago was to “restore the order” to a program that claimed three of the first five Minnesota State High School League state championships.
The Red Knights nearly followed through on the goal, ending a six-year hiatus from the state tournament and reaching the championship game — where Benilde-St. Margaret's fell to Eagan 19-12.
Benilde-St. Margaret's coach Rob Horn may have issued a similar challenge to his team entering this season, one in which the Red Knights hope ends on an even higher note.
A rematch with Eagan in the title game is not out of the question, as both teams appear to be favorites in their respective sections. However, neither has to wait until June for the showdown. On Saturday, Benilde-St. Margaret's hosts Eagan in a bout that is sure to conjure the necessary nostalgia to be our Top Game of the Week.
Fielding six returning starters, Benilde-St. Margaret’s has key leaders at every position. Eric Weber (18-19-37), the Red Knights' ace attackman, led his team with 37 points a season ago. At midfield, Quinn Ehlen earned all-tournament honors last spring, scoring seven goals in the tournament and 23 overall as the Red Knights' second-leading scorer. Sophomore long poles Seamus Foley and Jack Rigley return on defense, the calling card of Horn’s program.
Benilde-St. Margaret’s (2-0, 1-0) won both its games last week with a 15-2 win over Metro West Conference foe St. Louis Park on Tuesday and a 9-6 decision in a nonconference matchup with East Ridge on Saturday.
Eagan’s uptempo offense will present Benilde-St. Margaret’s its toughest challenge to date, and the Wildcats will be eager to pick up a win in another game against top-tier competition after a 15-8 loss to Chanhassen last Thursday. Turnovers plagued Eagan (1-1) against the Storm, as the Wildcats live and die by their fastbreak offense. Eagan didn’t sway from their game plan in a 17-1 throttling of Apple Valley last Saturday.
Andrew Chvatal played midfielder last year and was moved to attack this season to help the Wildcats find their scoring stride. His development at the position will be crucial as he was held scoreless against Chanhassen.