Stars Hope to Extend Success to Playoffs

Holy Angels took a big step forward this season, winning seven games after going 3-5 in the regular season a year ago. Whether that success will carry over to the playoffs remains to be seen.

THIS WEEK

The Stars, by virtue of their second seed for the section tournament, get the most favorable draw of the first round, a home game against seventh seed Henry Sibley. Top-seeded St. Thomas Academy has a first-round bye.

LAST WEEK

Holy Angels (7-1) closed out the regular season with a 41-7 win over Chaska; Henry Sibley (1-7) lost 54-0 to St. Thomas Academy.

THE FIRST TIME AROUND …

Holy Angels and Henry Sibley did not meet during the regular season.

STARS WIN IF …

They can exploit a suspect Warriors defense, like a lot of teams have before them. Henry Sibley has given up nearly 250 points on the season—they haven't held an opponent under 20 all year—and has scored just 70. Holy Angels

WARRIORS WIN IF …

They take risks. If they try to go toe-to-toe with the Stars, it's going to be a long night. Instead Henry Sibley might have to try some things from the back of the playbook. Reverses, halfback options, the hook and ladder and other similar gadget plays are what it will take to keep the Stars off balance and the Warriors in the game.

SECTION 3AAAA SCHEDULE

Quarterfinals

Tuesday

Game 1 — No. 6 Chaska at No. 3 South St. Paul, 7 p.m.

Game 2 — No. 7 Henry Sibley at No. 2 Holy Angels, 7 p.m.

Game 3 — No. 5 St. Louis Park at No. 4 Simley, 7 p.m.

Semifinals

Saturday

Game 4 — Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, at high seed, 7 p.m.

Game 5 — Game 3 winner at No. 1 St. Thomas Academy, 7 p.m.

Finals

Friday, Nov. 4

Game 6 — Semifinal winners, at high seed