The expectations, naturally, are high for Mounds View.

The Mustangs are coming off back-to-back state Class 3A state championships and return a solid core of their team, with All-Conference performers Alec Abercrombie and Charlie Callahan, among others, back for their senior seasons.

The Mustangs, who routed Eden Prairie 9-0 in last year's title game, kick off the season in competitive fashion in our Top Game of the Week. They open with a Suburban East Conference matchup against a Stillwater squad that finished fourth in Class 3A, Section 4 last season. 

The Ponies have their own talented group, led by All-Conference junior Cory Albertson and All-Section senior Aiden Zurn.