Duluth Marshall opted up to Class 2A in the 2015-2016 season after seven small-school state tournament appearances since 2000. The move brought controversy across the Duluth area, as former Hermantown coach Bruce Plante claimed players in the Hawks youth program had left for Duluth Marshall due to the draw of playing a Class 2A schedule, according to a 2016 Star Tribune report.
Plante, known for his fiery personality at times, has left after a 28-year stay at the helm of Hermantown, but that doesn't mean the bad blood between these two programs has simmered. Before the Hilltoppers' move, the teams had met in two straight Class 1A, Section 7 finals and the 2013 state quarterfinals — all postseason matchups the Hawks won.
Since the Hilltoppers opted up, the rivalry has become more heated and is personified by three game ejections and 96 penalty minutes totaled in their past three meetings.
That may have been a byproduct of Duluth Marshall's nearly decade-long losing streak to Hermantown, but this year's group looks well equipped to end the nine-year losing streak, and with the bubbling animosity between the two programs, Tuesday's game has all the makings to be our Top Game of the Week.
Hermantown, ranked No. 1 in the Class 1A coaches' poll, is looking to rebound after losing back-to-back overtime games to Eden Prairie (5-4) and Benilde-St. Margaret's (6-5) on Friday and Saturday, respectively. The Hawks (1-3) are led by Tyler Watkins (3-8-12) and Jacob Herter (6-4-10). The duo combined for three goals and four assists in Hermantown's lone win on the season, a 6-4 decision against Lakeville North on Dec. 2.
The No. 16-2A Hilltoppers stuck with No. 3-2A Minnetonka in a 5-3 loss last Saturday, their first of the season. Before the loss, the Hilltoppers (5-1, 1-0) outscored competition 36-3, led by George Grannis who leads the state in goals (16) and points (25).