This week, across the state, 24 boys soccer teams in three classes will begin state tournaments with quarterfinals.

From a midfielder who makes his mark helping others score to a defender who succeeds at keeping others from scoring, meet seven student-athletes to watch as their teams aim to advance to next week’s semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Henry Ogg

St. Paul Central boys

The senior midfielder tallied three assists in the Minutemen’s 4-3 overtime thriller in the Class 3A, Section 4 final against Stillwater. Ogg’s 19 assists this season are the highest mark in Class 3A.

Benson Peterson

Duluth Marshall boys

Peterson scored two goals and added two assists in the Hilltoppers’ 5-1 section championship win over Spectrum. The senior’s 26 goals and 11 assists have been essential in helping the 1A squad reach state for the third straight season.

Mauricio Ramirez

Cristo Rey Jesuit boys

The senior attacker has netted 24 goals as a reliable scorer who can play just about any position for the high-scoring Class 1A team that booked its trip to state with a 2-1 win over Hope Academy.

Cristopher Romero

Holy Angels boys

Romero, a crafty midfielder, has been a key part of the Stars’ dangerous counterattack, efficient in transition and playing through the midfield for the undefeated Class 1A team.

Owen Seestrom

Buffalo boys

The Bison are another team ending a two-decade drought of state appearances. Senior Seestrom is the team’s top scorer, with 15 goals and 11 assists. He bagged a hat trick in the section title game, helping Buffalo beat Alexandria, 5-1.

Samuele Sporneac

Blaine boys

The Bengals have one of the most dynamic attacking trios in Class 3A in Sporneac, junior Damir Secic and senior Jonathan Yani. Sporneac, a junior midfielder, is the team’s engine, with 14 assists, including one as Blaine beat Centennial 3-2 to reach state.

Malachi Sweeney

Edina boys

The senior defender has been the lockdown leader of a Hornets defense that has posted 13 shutouts this year and limited Minnetonka to a single goal in the 4-1 Class 3A, Section 6 title game that pitted two of the state’s best teams.