The Minnetonka varsity football team from Minnetonka, MN, will play against Maple Grove, MN, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Minnesota High School Football
Who: Maple Grove vs Minnetonka
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 High School Football Playoff Brackets: MSHSL – Class AAAAAA
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Maple Grove vs. Minnetonka
The upcoming playoff game between the undefeated Maple Grove Crimson (13-0) and the resilient Minnetonka Skippers (10-2) is shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown. Maple Grove’s dominance throughout the season faces a stern test against a Minnetonka squad hungry for revenge after a previous loss.
Season Recap: Maple Grove Crimson
- Record: 13-0
- Conference: 7-0
- Points For/Against: 542 PF, 123 PA
- Scoring Average: 41.7 points per game
Maple Grove has been a juggernaut, cruising through their schedule with an undefeated record. The Crimson excel in early quarters, outscoring opponents by a significant margin. Their defense has also been formidable, boasting multiple shutouts, including key wins over Eden Prairie (34-0) and Blaine (35-0).
Key Performances:
- Balanced Attack: With 12.3 points per game in Q1 and 13.5 in Q2, Maple Grove often secures commanding leads early.
- Playoff Dominance: In their postseason run, Maple Grove has outscored opponents 137-26.
Season Recap: Minnetonka Skippers
- Record: 10-2
- Conference: 4-1
- Points For/Against: 399 PF, 172 PA
- Scoring Average: 33.3 points per game
Minnetonka’s season has been impressive, marked by resilience and clutch performances. While their losses include a heartbreaking 21-20 defeat to Eden Prairie and a 31-21 loss to Maple Grove, the Skippers have bounced back with strong playoff performances, including a 48-27 victory over Anoka.
Key Performances:
- Fourth-Quarter Pressure: Minnetonka thrives in overtime scenarios, as seen in their 6.0 points per OT this season.
- Strong Playoff Push: Minnetonka has shown improvement, defeating Blaine (28-0) and Anoka (48-27) convincingly.
Head-to-Head Matchup
| Category | Maple Grove | Minnetonka |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 13-0 | 10-2 |
| Scoring Average | 41.7 | 33.3 |
| Points Allowed | 123 | 172 |
| Playoff Record | 4-0 | 4-0 |
| Common Opponents | 6-0 | 4-1 |
On October 17, Maple Grove defeated Minnetonka 31-21, demonstrating their ability to handle the Skippers’ offensive threats. However, Minnetonka has since refined their approach, especially in the playoffs.
Common Opponents Analysis
| Opponent | Maple Grove Result | Minnetonka Result |
|---|---|---|
| Anoka | W, 55-14 | W, 48-27 |
| Blaine | W, 35-0 | W, 28-0 |
| Eden Prairie | W, 34-0 | L, 21-20 |
| Edina | W, 42-12 | W, 35-28 |
| Shakopee | W, 26-14 | W, 21-13 |
Maple Grove has displayed greater dominance, particularly in their decisive victory over Eden Prairie, which Minnetonka narrowly lost.
Keys to Victory
For Maple Grove:
- Control the Tempo: Use their quick-strike offense to build an early lead, as they excel in Q1 and Q2 scoring.
- Limit Mistakes: Avoid turnovers that could give Minnetonka short-field opportunities.
- Red Zone Defense: Keep Minnetonka from converting key drives into touchdowns.
For Minnetonka:
- Second-Half Push: Improve their Q3 and Q4 production to counter Maple Grove’s early-game dominance.
- Minimize Big Plays: Contain Maple Grove’s explosive offense, especially in the first half.
- Special Teams Impact: Take advantage of field position battles and capitalize on opportunities for key returns or field goals.
Prediction
Minnetonka is a formidable opponent with the capability to push Maple Grove to the limit. However, Maple Grove’s balanced attack and defensive strength make them favorites in this rematch. Expect Minnetonka to keep it close, but the Crimson’s firepower should prevail.
