Robbinsdale Armstrong will be fielding an experienced squad this season — one that's shown its ability to improve season to season.
Olivia Heckt scored six goals in 2016, the Falcons' first season of MSHSL play. She scored 35 the following year.
While it may be unreasonable to assume that every player is going to take such a huge leap, or that Heckt will score an extra 29 goals this season, her improvement is proof that Robbinsdale Armstrong has the ability to climb the Northwest Suburban Conference standings.
The Falcons will have two shots at conference opponents this week, first Blaine on Monday followed by a clash with Coon Rapids on Wednesday.
Coon Rapids took a step back last season after finishing in the upper echelon of the Northwest Suburban standings from 2011-16, and it will be eager to try to return to the conference title fight this year.
The Cardinals return their second- and third-leading scorers from last season in senior Jordan Keller (35) and junior Inesa Makar (17), and the team has a solid mix of experience and rising talent that should give it a fighting chance against the Falcons — as well as an opportunity to make a conference title push.