Albert Lea (0-3, 0-2 Big Nine) vs. Faribault (1-2, 1-1 Big Nine)

Key stats: Albert Lea rushed for just 117 yards last week; Faribault didn’t score an offensive touchdown last week against Mankato West.

Last year: Faribault 41, Albert Lea 14 regular season; Faribault 40, Albert Lea 8, section playoffs

Last week: Albert Lea lost 35-6 to Owatonna, Faribault fell 33-6 to Mankato West

These two teams had the unfortunate opportunity to take on two of the top team’s in the Big Nine a week after they met. Neither Albert Lea nor Faribault could come up with victories against Owatonna or West, and both teams were very nearly shutout. The Falcons have one conference win, which came against Mankato East in week two. The Falcons use a variety of runners out of the backfield and even will use different quarterbacks. The Tigers are trying to just get in the win column and get some kind of traction this season before they face Century, West, Mayo and Austin.

Alden-Conger (2-1, 2-1 SMC) at Hills-Beaver Creek (1-2, 1-2 SMC)

Key stats: Lucas Kleinschrodt 6-for-8, 56 yards, two touchdowns. A-C defense — five sacks, two fumble recoveries and one interception last week. Held Truman to four first downs, two came on penalties.

Last year: Alden-Conger 14, Hills-Beaver Creek 6

Last week: Alden-Conger beat Truman 29-0, Hills-Beaver Creek lost 38-26 to Cleveland

Last week the Patriots blew a 20-point lead against Cleveland in the second half and also had three turnovers. HBC’s one win came against J-W-P in overtime. The Knights weren’t pretty but the defense took things into its own hands last week against Truman. A-C held the Bluejays to under a 100 yards and forced three turnovers. However, the Knights lost two fumbles and were penalized 11 times for 100 yards. This was a big win for the Knights last year, but it looks like the Patriots are down a bit this year. A-C starting quarterback Lucas Kleinschrodt played in his first game last week and looked sharp. He looked ready to lead the Knights back to state.

Glenville-Emmons (2-1, 2-1 SEC) vs. Lanesboro (2-1, 2-1 SEC)

Key stats: G-E RB Michael Thofson 182 yards rushing; last week G-E QB Zack Williamson 13-20-180 yards last week

Last year: Lanesboro 58, Glenville-Emmons 0

Last week: The Wolverines got their second win of the year with a 36-12 victory over LeRoy-Ostrander. The Burros won 21-20 over No. 5-ranked Mabel Canton.

Thofson has been unbelievable for G-E this season and is averaging 177 yards a game so far. But Lanesboro is coming off a huge win and is in the running for the SEC conference title.

Lake Mills (1-3, 1-1 District 2 1A) at Belmond-Klemme (2-2, 1-1 District 2 1A)

Key stats: Chuck Thorson two touchdowns last week; one turnover for Bulldogs in win. Belmond-Klemme starting quarterback Derek Kindwall six touchdowns, eight interceptions and 538 yards passing on the season. His completion percentage is 41 percent.

Last year: Lake Mills 41, Belmond-Klemme 21

Last week: The Bulldogs got their first win of the season, a 28-20 victory over Garner-Hayfield. The Broncos were beat 22-6 by West Hancock.

Lake Mills begins a stretch of games where it can begin to add to the win column. Last season the Bulldogs had no trouble with Belmond-Klemme but that was in Lake Mills. The Bulldogs head down to Belmond Friday.

No.10 NRHEG (3-0, 2-0 Gopher Valley AA) at No. 7 Waterville-Elysian-Morristown (3-0, 2-0 Gopher Valley AA)

Key stats: NRHEG QB Taylor Bolinger 178 yards, 1 touchdown; NRHEG 90 yards rushing as a team. W-E-M has only given up 28 points this season in three games.

Last year: W-E-M 16, NRHEG 12

Last week: NRHEG beat LCWM 22-7, W-E-M beat Minnesota Valley Lutheran 23-6.

The Bucs took advantage of a few Panther mistakes last season for a 16-12 win. NRHEG hasn’t been as explosive offensively as it was last year, but it’s defense has been the strength thus far. Defense has also been the strength of W-E-M. With both teams entering the matchup 3-0 again it adds yet another wrinkle to this outstanding rivalry.

USC (2-1, 1-1 Gopher Valley AA) at Lake Crystal-Wellcome-Memorial (0-3, 0-2 Gopher Valley AA)

Key stats: USC QB Riley Swearingen went 10-17 with 171 yards with two touchdowns (one rushing). LCWM had just 154 yards of offense last week, lost two fumbles and gave up a safety.

Last year: USC 40, LCWM 13

Last week: USC beat Martin County West 21-13, LCWM lost to NRHEG 22-7

The Rebels have a chance to go to 3-1 on the year when they go to Lake Crystal Friday. USC has gotten it done with a balanced attack on offense and some strong defense. Having a load of seniors on both the offensive and defensive lines doesn’t hurt either and those have been keys for the Rebels. Last week NRHEG head coach Dan Stork said LCWM was better than their record indicated and they’re an improved team from last season. The Rebels walked with it easily last year and a chance for three wins is a big step for USC.