Photo by Chris Drummond: Lakers running back Greg Schafer finds some space and sprints towards the first down marker in Lakeview’s opening game against Springfield on Thursday, September 1

Two undefeated teams will see where the growth has shown in their program this season. The Lakeview Lakers will travel to Minneota to take on the Vikings in an early season showdown on Thursday night.

Both are undefeated teams that are both coming off blowout wins last Friday, and both are mong the top ranked teams in the state. Minneota was ranked No. 1 in the most recent AP poll with 98 of 100 possible points, and Lakeview sat just outside of the rankings at No. 11.

The Lakers are averaging just over 52 points-per-game with senior quarterback Owen Louwagie throwing nine touchdown passes and 538 yards in his first three games. Louwagie also has three rushing touchdowns as well.

Running back and wide receiver Greg Schaefer is averaging 10 yards per carry and also has five total touchdowns on the season. Teammate Clayton Kosel, the starting running back, has 423 yards rushing and scored a touchdown in every game played this year. Nathan Fenske has made the most of his targets from Louwagie with 16 receptions for 343 yards and eight touchdowns. Lastly, the Lakers’ defense has surrendered an average of fewer than 19 points per game.

Which is where we start with the Minneota Vikings football team.

The Vikings defense has only given up 18 points in the first three games this season while forcing five turnovers as well.

The Vikings offense is pretty good too, averaging just under 54 points this season.

Starting running back Zach Fier had 278 yards on the season with just 36 carries and has six rushing touchdowns. Of the five passing touchdowns that starting quarterback Isaac Pohlen has thrown, four of them have gone to wide receiver Peyton Gillund. Gillund has 19 receptions for 262 yards this season.

Plenty of talent of both teams but their are some key things to look for in this game.

THINGS TO WATCH FOR

The Lakers defense must find a way to contain the running game of the Vikings. The Vikings have gained 889 yards on the ground in three games this season, giving them control over the pace of the game. If the Lakers don’t slow down the Vikings’ ground attack, it could be a long night for them

The Vikings’ containment of Louwagie will be huge in this ballgame. Louwagie has 12 total touchdowns (nine passing, three rushing) and getting off the field to the sidelines will be imperative. The Vikings’ defense has only allowed four third down conversions all season, that will decide how the game will go.

SECURITY BLANKETS

Fenske is a security blanket for Louwagie and Gillund is for Pohlen. The receiver that has the most impact in the game could swing the pendulum on how this game goes.

This is an early season showcase of how two of the top teams match up with one another leaving the question: which team will impose their will? All questions will be answered come Thursday night on the gridiron.