CLASS 1A GIRLS
Mahtomedi (15-2-2) vs. Orono (15-3-3), 10 a.m.
Mahtomedi at a glance: The Zephyrs have talent everywhere, led by all-state players Audrey Sexson, Lauren Heinsch and goalkeeper Megan Lisowy. Sexson and Heinsch scored goals in the semifinals. But the key to the Zephyrs is their constant defensive pressure, which extends through the entire field and forces opponents into mistakes and turnovers that often become goals. Mahtomedi has defeated Orono in each of the two previous state championship games.
Orono at a glance: With 12 seniors, the Spartans are experienced, heady and eager for one more shot at Mahtomedi. "For those seniors who have lost for two years to Mahtomedi, I think they're really pumped to get back," coach Erin Murray said. Goalkeeper Clare Gagne has 11 clean sheets and hadn't given up a goal since mid-September before Holy Angels notched one in the semifinals. Watch out for freshman forward Nora Chouanard, who has five goals in the postseason after only scoring six in the regular season.
JIM PAULSEN
CLASS 1A BOYS
Holy Angels (20-0-1) vs. Blake (17-4), 12:30 p.m.
Holy Angels at a glance: Denied meeting Blake a year ago at U.S. Bank Stadium, Holy Angels gets its chance Thursday. Its 3-1 loss to Bemidji in last season's state semifinal kept the Stars from the title game, but a 4-1 victory Monday over St. Cloud Tech gets the Stars there against the defending champs. "It's like getting over the hump of last year when we took a loss that none of us felt like we were about to or should have," senior midfielder David Oslund said. They'll play without suspended goalkeeper Peter Forseth, who was shown a red card on Monday for bumping the referee.
Blake at a glance: Sophomore midfielder Keegan James' stunning 55-yard, free kick in overtime went viral and won the Bears the state title last season. Now they're back again after defeating Orono 4-1 on Monday when James scored another memorable goal and Will Mortenson scored two more. "To go back and defend our title, it's beyond words," senior co-captain Howard Henderson said. "Especially when you look at the crew that left last year and the crew that came up this year. Not all of us really thought we'd be here and here we are. We're making it work."
JERRY ZGODA