NORTHWESTERN (7-3) AT ST. CROIX CENTRAL (9-1)
What: Division 4 Level 2 playoff game
When: 7 p.m.
Outlook: Sixth-seeded Northwestern already eliminated the bracket's No. 3 seed, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau, in last week's postseason opener. Tonight, the Tigers will get another crack at No. 2 St. Croix Central, which ousted them last fall en route to a state championship. After a 2-2 start, Northwestern has won five of six, averaging 40.5 points per game along the way. "Our offense, for the most part, if we don't turn the ball over, we're going to score," first-year coach Jovin Kroll said. Record-setter Reagan Ruffi has rushed for 1,733 yards and 21 TDs. The junior has a string of five straight games with 200-plus rushing yards. Andrew Hanson has picked up 548 yards and 10 TDs on the ground. The Tigers' roster features only four seniors. ... St. Croix Central's only loss came against Osceola, the top-ranked team in Division 4 - and a potential opponent for either the Panthers or Northwestern next week. Three players are over 600 rushing yards, led by Ryan Larson, who has gained 903 yards and 16 TDs on 111 carries. Keagen Berg (112 carries, 639 yards, eight TDs) and Collin Nelson (102-617, two) are next. The Panthers have completed 11 passes all year. They defeated Mauston 48-24 last week.
