With the postseason just a few weeks away, Centennial and Blaine appear to be contenders for the Section 7 title. Before they begin their quest for a state bid, the rivals meet in a regular-season rumble set for Wednesday.
The Cougars (8-1, 7-1) entered this season as the team to beat in the section after capturing the crown a year ago. Led by attackman Garrett Hoch, Centennial hasn't done anything to lose that honor this season. The senior has scored and scored again, helping the Cougars cruise to lop-sided victories against every opponent except Irondale (which defeated Centennial 17-8 in the season opener).
Hoch has a team-high 26 goals this season, while junior attackman Rawley Scherman leads the team with 25 assists.
The Bengals (8-1, 7-1) failed to get out of the section semifinals a season ago, but have the look of a team with the ability to challenge Centennial this year.
Senior attackman Ethan Scheibe has been Blaine's go-to scorer, notching big goals time and time again, including two in a win over Northwest Suburban Conference foe Irondale.