The Minnetonka (MN) varsity football team will face Anoka (MN) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Minnesota High School Football
Who: Anoka vs Minnetonka
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: in progress
Bracket: 2024 High School Football Playoff Brackets: MSHSL – Class AAAAAA
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Anoka vs. Minnetonka
As two of Minnesota’s top high school football programs, Anoka and Minnetonka have displayed standout performances during the 2024-25 season. Let’s delve into their records, stats, and key players as they head into the season’s latter stages.
Rankings & Records Overview
Anoka
- Minnesota Class Ranking: 5
- Overall Record: 8-3
- Conference Record: 5-2
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 2-2
- Neutral Record: 2-0
- Winning Percentage: 72.7%
- Conference Win Percentage: 71.4%
- Points Scored (PF): 337
- Points Allowed (PA): 212
Minnetonka
- Minnesota Class Ranking: 2
- Overall Record: 9-2
- Conference Record: 4-1
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 3-1
- Neutral Record: 2-0
- Winning Percentage: 81.8%
- Conference Win Percentage: 80.0%
- Points Scored (PF): 351
- Points Allowed (PA): 145
Both teams have impressive records, though Minnetonka has a slight edge in overall and conference win percentages, as well as total points scored and a lower total of points allowed, showcasing a solid defense.
Scoring Averages by Quarter
| Quarter | Anoka Average | Minnetonka Average |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 8.9 | 7.0 |
| Q2 | 8.5 | 10.5 |
| Q3 | 7.0 | 3.5 |
| Q4 | 6.2 | 0 |
| OT1 | – | 6.0 |
| Final | 30.6 | 31.9 |
Minnetonka tends to peak in the second quarter, while Anoka maintains steady scoring throughout. Minnetonka’s strength in overtime indicates a resilient and clutch-performing team.
Team Stat Comparison
| Statistic | Anoka | Minnetonka |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 146.1 | – |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 212.4 | – |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | 207.6 | – |
| Total Yards Per Game | 358.5 | – |
| Tackles Per Game | 59.2 | – |
| Sacks Per Game | 1.0 | – |
| Points Per Game | 27.3 | – |
Anoka has consistently strong offensive production, with impressive passing and receiving yardage. Their defense also holds its own, averaging 59.2 tackles and 1.0 sack per game.
Key Players to Watch
| Player (Anoka) | Statistic | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| #16 Zach Welch | 114.1 rushing yards/game | 20.4 |
| #3 Peyton Podany | 201.1 passing yards/game | 51.8 |
| #8 Trey Borchers | 63.2 receiving yards/game | 17.4 |
| #3 Peyton Podany | 204.1 total yards/game | 36.8 |
| #7 Luke Dechene | 8.9 tackles/game | 2.7 |
| #76 Michael Chamberlain | 0.5 sacks/game | 0.2 |
| #16 Zach Welch | 12.4 points/game | 2.6 |
Anoka’s roster is led by standout performances from Zach Welch and Peyton Podany. Welch’s rushing ability and Podany’s passing and overall yardage are well above the national averages, showcasing Anoka’s offensive firepower.
Common Opponents
Both teams faced Blaine, Maple Grove, and Wayzata this season, with Minnetonka holding a 2-1 record and Anoka a 1-2 record. Key results include:
- Anoka defeated Blaine 27-14, while Minnetonka shut them out 28-0.
- Both teams faced tough losses to Maple Grove, with Anoka falling 55-14 and Minnetonka 31-21.
- Against Wayzata, Minnetonka came out on top 28-14, whereas Anoka lost in a close 30-28 game.
Record Breakdown
| Category | Anoka | Minnetonka |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8-3 | 9-2 |
| League | 5-2 | 4-1 |
| Non-League | 0-1 | 2-1 |
| Head-to-Head | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Common Opponent | 1-2 | 2-1 |
| Home | 4-1 | 4-1 |
| Away | 2-2 | 3-1 |
| Neutral | 2-0 | 2-0 |
| Playoff | 3-0 | 3-0 |
| In-State | 8-3 | 9-2 |
| Out-of-State | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Both teams have had strong playoff performances, each maintaining a 3-0 playoff record. Minnetonka has the advantage in non-league games, while both teams are undefeated in neutral-site matchups.
Conclusion
With similar strengths and consistent performances, both Anoka and Minnetonka are poised for thrilling matchups in the postseason. Minnetonka’s slight statistical edge and more robust defense give them an upper hand, but Anoka’s key players and offensive strategy could surprise any opponent.
