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Competition is tough in both division 2 and division 3 this year. The entire field has some parity, as a large number of schools have a legitimate shot at competing for a title. Despite this, the top five in each division is riddled with the state’s traditional powerhouses.

Division 2 Top 5

#1 Notre Dame – Being the only division 2 school in a conference full of division 1 teams has helped the Tritons prepare for the level of competition that they will face come tournament time. The proof has come on the field as Notre Dame has not missed a beat going 5-1-0, despite losing their top three goal scorers from a year ago. Matt Bouche and Ryan Kropp have raised their level of play, combining for 10 of the teams 21 goals on the season. Look for the Tritons to compete for their third state title in five years.

#2 Xavier – After winning a state championship in 2006, the Hawks 2010 season was a bit of a disappointment. This year, Xavier is back to their winning ways. The Hawks lose Tyler Burton (First Team All-Area) and Dillon O’Brien (Honorable Mention All-Area) but Coach Kasey Smith and the Hawks program have been one the states most consistent winners and will find a way to win. In 2011 Xavier appears to be the class of the Eastern Valley Conference.

#3 Pewaukee – The Pirates were ousted by Catholic Memorial last year in the sectional semi-finals. With all but three significant contributors back for the reigning Woodland Conference champions, the Pirates appear poised to make a deep playoff run. On the season Pewaukee’s experience has translated in to wins (5-1-0).

#4 Catholic Memorial – The defending division 2 state champs bring back a great deal of experience and talent to their roster. Led by midfielder Patrick McNulty (Honorable Mention All-Area) and forward Aaron Horvat (Honorable Mention All-Area) the Crusaders have high hopes in 2011. So far the season has not met the expectations dropping three games in the early part of the season. However Catholic Memorial may have one of the more difficult schedules in the state, having played Bradford, Madison Memorial, and Neenah. The Lancers should benefit from their challenging schedule once the post-season starts up.

#5 Mt. Horeb – The Vikings, fresh off their 2010 state semi-final appearance, have a nice momentum built up for the new soccer season. Helping to carry that momentum are returning starters Aaron Fargo, forward (last year’s leading goal scorer), midfielders Ryan Crum, Connor DeHaven, and Patrick Ruhland, along with 2^nd team All-Area selection defensemen Connor Patton. Mount Horeb may again be the best division 2 team in the Madison area this year.

Honorable Mention: Fox Valley Lutheran, Little Chute, Lodi, McFarland, Mosinee, Shorewood

Division 3 Top 5

#1 The Prairie School – The Hawks look to defend their title in 2011 without Midwest Classic South Conference Player of the Year Jake Ertel and First Team All-Conference performers Alejandro Puente and Andrew Geenen. The title defense will be helped out by the return of Midwest Classic South Conference Offensive Player of the Year Drew Gottwald, First Team All-Conference goalkeeper Logan Ketter and Second Team All-Conference selections Robbie Laing and Charles Salazar. The Hawks have looked capable of repeating in 2011 going 2-0-1 in the first three games of the year.

#2 University School – Forward Josh Baker (2010 leading goal scorer) is back along with defensemen Robbie Schmidt and midfielder Sam Bernstein. These Wildcat vets should provide an easy transition from 2010 in to 2011. University School is the favorites in the Midwest Classic North.

#3 Sturgeon Bay – The Clippers had a great year last year, accumulating a 23-2-1 record and advancing all the way to the state semi-finals. This year they on the same track, having not been tested in any of their five games, outscoring their opponents 32 to 4 while compiling a 5-0-0 record. Reid Stevenson and Sean Sanitto appear to be the leaders for the Clippers thus far, as they are the top two goal scorers on the team.

#4 Kohler – Coach Scott Feltner and his Blue Bombers squad had a lot of reasons to be enthusiastic for 2011. After returning a vast majority of their key contributors from a year ago, including their leader in goals scored, John Benishek, Kohler looks poised to improve upon a mediocre 2010 season (at least by Kohler’s standards). Having gone 8-2-1 on this young soccer year, the Blue Bombers have earned the most wins of anybody in the division 3 field. Look for that trend to continue.

#5 Green Bay NEW Lutheran – The Blazers lost to Sturgeon Bay last year in the state tournament. This year the two teams appear to be on another post –season collusion course. This year NEW Lutheran has not missed a beat, dominating the competition. In seven games, they have scored 40 goals. Joey Malme and Sam Brock are the main culprits, torching the back of net with frequency. The Blazers have established that with their scoring prowess they have the ability to beat anyone.

Honorable Mention: Barron, Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Newman Catholic, Oostburg, Pacelli, Winnebago Lutheran