When Issaquah meets Bellevue Friday in a matchup of two of the conference’s top three teams, it is unlikely either will see many similarities.

The Eagles feature a balanced offensive attack, with 10 players having scored a goal and six with double-digit points on the season.

By contrast, coach John Baumann’s Wolverines have relied on a pair of Division I bound seniors in Hank Bethke and Eric Haehl to carry the load offensively.

Bethke has netted 48 goals on the year, while Haehl has added 23 more as the duo has led the attack.

Defensively, the story is also one of contrasting styles.

Senior goalkeeper Cole Cansler and the Bellevue defense have not allowed more than nine goals in a game while building a 12-1 record, with the only loss coming by a single goal in the Northwest Invitational.

The Wolverines have been even tougher against in-state foes, surrendering only three goals per contest against Washington competition.

“They are very strong defensively,” Fortier said of the Wolverines. “I envision a low scoring game.”

For Fortier, the defense is still a work in progress.

“We’re definitely getting better,” he said, adding communication on that end of the field has been a key for a group with several new starters. “We’re too timid, and there isn’t that quarterback on the defensive end.”

The Eagles have more than held their own against in-state competition, as no Washington prep squad has scored more than five goals in a game.

But Fortier knows games against fellow conference frontrunners Bellevue and Mercer Island, as well a potential run through the playoffs, will require a more polished effort.

“Everyone is aware of it, and that is the first step,” Fortier said of his team’s need to clamp down defensively. “It is just experience, and maturing.”