One of the unenviable tasks of selecting a Metro Top 10 is leaving potentially deserving teams off the list.
Win and losses are the standard by which we judge teams, even though, as we've seen often, teams are often better or worse than their record indicates, a reflection of competition played.
Take Shakopee. The Sabers have dropped back-to-back games against the Nos. 1 and 3 teams in the metro (Eden Prairie and Minnetonka) and are 3-2. Does that mean they're a lesser bunch than a 4-1 team that played a less rigorous schedule? I highly doubt it. Same can be said for Forest Lake. Or Rosemount.
I know the old line "a team is what its record says it is," but in some cases that just doesn't hold water.
1. Eden Prairie (5-0): The Eagles are 3-0 in an arduous four-game midseason stretch, having dispatched of Prior Lake, Shakopee and Wayzata. It doesn't get any easier Thursday at undefeated, albeit banged up, Minnetonka. Last week: 1.
2. Lakeville South (5-0): Connor Cade to the rescue! After Lakeville South spotted Rochester Mayo a 10-0 lead, the fleet junior scored three consecutive TDs in the first half to drive the Cougars toward a 39-17 victory. Last week: 2.
3. Minnetonka (5-0): Are the Skippers lucky or unlucky? They've won two in a row by a single point — failed conversion attempts — but injuries have hit hard. QB Milos Spasojevic is likely out for the season because of a knee injury. Last week: 3.
4. Maple Grove (4-1): Running back Charles Langama ran wild with 328 yards and seven touchdowns in a 55-21 thrashing of Blaine. Last week: 4.
