By Brett Manney

May 6

Sunset (OR) vs. Jesuit (OR)
This highly anticipated rematch features two teams ranked top 10 in the state according to the LaxPower rankings. The Apollos edged the Crusaders, 5-4, back on April 15, and both teams have yet to lose since. The Apollos have the edge in experience and goaltending, but the Crusaders are one of the most athletic teams in Oregon.


May 7

Highlands Ranch (CO) vs. Heritage (CO)
Even though Heritage has a 7-7 record, they have one of the state's toughest schedules and finish their regular season against Highlands Ranch. Defenseman Matt Kramer has been the backbone for the Eagles. Only five goals separate the Falcons from being undefeated and their offense is loaded with many weapons.

Eagan (MN) vs. Burnsville (MN)
Eagan has had their ups and downs this season as they look to find consistency with a quality win over Burnsville. Faceoffs will be extremely important in this game and the Wildcats' stingy defense, which allows fewer than six goals a game, must contain the Blaze's multidimensional midfielder Jake Vinje.

Lincoln (OR) vs. Hood River (OR)
These two teams met back on April 13 with the Cardinals pulling away for a 15-6 win. Since that win, the Cardinals have yet to lose behind a stingy defense and complete offense averaging over 15 goals a game. If the Eagles want to prevail, their offense needs to come alive since they averaged fewer than five goals a game in their four losses.

Faith Lutheran (NV) vs. Bonanza (NV)
The No. 5 and No. 6 teams in the state according to LaxPower try to secure a win this weekend as the regular season comes to a close. After Bonanza defeated Faith Lutheran 5-3 a month ago, they have struggled with their offense and look to rebound against the Crusaders. If the Crusaders can pull off the win they get their record back to .500 and gain some momentum.


May 8

Carmel (IN) vs. Upper St Clair (PA)
The Greyhounds are in the midst of a tough stretch of road games when they travel to Pittsburgh to take on Upper St. Clair. If the Greyhounds' defense is as stout as they have been their last 11 games--giving up just six goals a game--they will be prepared to defeat head coach Brandon Burke's alma mater. It will be tough task for the Greyhounds to slow down the Panthers, who are riding a seven-game winning streak. Expect this game to be a defensive battle as the Panthers give up less than four goals a game.

Chaminade Prep (MO) vs. Saint Louis U. Jesuit (MO)
One of the best games in Missouri all year will be when Red Devils travel to Saint Louis University Jesuit. The Bills might be the hottest team in the state only losing one game in the month of April. This last stretch of games is brutal for head coach Jason Seidel's squad and a win against the Bills would be huge.

Medina (OH) vs. Hoover/No. Canton (OH)
Two titans in Ohio clash for bragging rights in this highly anticipated matchup. Median currently holds the top spot in the state rankings according to LaxPower and possesses one of the states most potent offenses averaging over 18 goals a game. Do not sleep on the Vikings though who are one of Ohio's most complete teams. Its two losses are by only two goals.

2010-05-05