Coming into the season, New Ulm Cathedral football coach Denny Lux thought he would have some good offensive players returning, but graduation had hit the defense pretty hard.

So far, however, the defense hasn’t caused any concern as the Greyhounds have posted four shutouts in the first five games.

“We have a good mix of strength up front, and our linebackers and secondary have pretty good speed,” Lux said. “Teams haven’t been able to pass on us so they’re not able to get a quick strike.”

This is the first 5-0 start at Cathedral since 2004, and the Greyhounds are ranked fourth in The Associated Press’ Class A poll.

Cathedral is averaging 27.8 points per game and has given up just 12 points.

Defensive tackle Zach Fischer anchors the line with a team-leading 35 tackles and two sacks, followed by linebackers Ben Forst (30 tackles), Kurt Domeier (28) and Brandon Hillesheim (20). Cornerback Kyle Fischer has three interceptions.

Cathedral is 2-0 in East Division games of the Southern Minnesota Conference and takes on McLeod West (4-1, 1-1 in division) Friday.

“The team has showed a lot of maturity,” Lux said. “They’re enjoying playing the game ahead of them and don’t look too far ahead. We try to slow everything down and prepare each week and enjoy the games.”

Gopher Valley leaders

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva’s Greg Ramaker is the leading rusher in the Gopher Valley 2A Conference, having gained 850 yards and 13 touchdowns. Kyle Thelemann of Waterville-Elysian-Morristown is the top quarterback with 571 yards passing. NRHEG’s Jonathan Kormann is the leading receiver with 226 yards, but Maple River’s Isaac Obermeyer has 12 receptions.

The leading tackler is Brandon Reynolds of Maple River, who has 51.5 tackles. NRHEG’s David Lindell leads the conference with four sacks.

Game of the week

It may not be a local game, but there will be a lot of interest at Mankato West in the outcome of Friday’s game between Owatonna and Rochester Mayo, the other two unbeaten teams in Big Nine Conference play. West’s final two games are at home against Mayo on Oct. 10 and at Owatonna on Oct. 15.

In the area, Central of Norwood Young America plays at Le Sueur-Henderson in a game between two of the four teams tied for first at 3-1 in the Minnesota River Conference. Holy Family Catholic and Jordan, the other teams at 3-1, play Friday at Jordan.