There is no shortage of competitive teams in the Northwest Suburban Conference this season, meaning every victory in league play is a boost for programs looking to finish near the top in a crowded field.
Centennial learned this lesson from experience, having finished third in the standings behind state tournament qualifiers Blaine and Maple Grove last season, and the Cougars need a bounce-back victory this week to avoid again being the team on the outside looking in.
After ending last week with an 11-5 loss at Champlin Park, Centennial should be motivated against conference opponents Anoka and Elk River/Zimmerman, and it's a cub who could hold the key to the team's future success.
Eighth-grader Callie Cody has recorded eight goals in the season's first four games. She'll be counted on to continue powering the Cougars' the attack.
Elk River/Zimmerman can look at Wednesday's game as an opportunity to continue its improvement. After going 6-5 in the conference last season, the Elks (3-0, 3-0) are undefeated with victories over Osseo/ Park Center, Anoka and Robbinsdale Armstrong.
Senior Kelli Keyser has played a significant role in the undefeated start, netting nine goals in three games.