Class 6A: Quarterback Showdown
In football, the quarterback has long been the star. This year’s quarterfinal lineup for Minnesota’s largest schools features a strong field of signal-callers. Thursday’s face-off between top-ranked Maple Grove (10-0) and No. 3 Edina (8-2) will showcase two highly-regarded junior quarterbacks, Edina’s Mason West and Maple Grove’s Kaden Harney. Lakeville North’s Riley Grossman versus Anoka’s Peyton Podany promises another intense QB duel. Minnetonka’s Caleb Francois and Blaine’s Sam Shaughnessy, who are known for their mobility, will also be taking the field. And keep an eye on Shakopee and Mounds View—Shakopee’s option quarterback Judah Forsberg and Mounds View’s Offensive Player of the Year, Jacob Sampson, have been key to their teams’ successes.
Class 5A: Elk River’s Power-T Against Monticello’s Discipline
Elk River’s well-known Power-T offense, a throwback to classic running games, relies on precision and a skilled quarterback to keep defenses on their toes. The Elks have powered through the season with explosive plays and high scores. Meanwhile, Monticello enters the game with an eight-game win streak, bolstered by a defense that has recorded five shutouts. Their keys will be discipline and focus—critical when facing an offense like Elk River’s, which demands perfect responses from its opponents.
Class 4A: Holy Angels’ Creativity vs. Becker’s Defense
For Holy Angels to overcome No. 1 Becker, they’ll need a game plan full of surprises. Becker’s defense has been nearly impenetrable this season, allowing only 21 points in the first three quarters across games and holding most opponents to single digits. Becker defeated Holy Angels 14-0 earlier this season. To have a chance, Holy Angels will rely on RB Emmitt Anderson and QB Damian Devine, a Villanova recruit, to break through Becker’s defense and put pressure on their offense.
Class 3A: Pequot Lakes’ Offensive Line vs. Annandale’s Front Seven
Pequot Lakes’ high-scoring offense is powered by an impressive line led by three-year senior starters Jacob Lane and Dane Mudgett. Ranked No. 5, the Patriots (10-0) have averaged 46.1 points per game, thanks to a ground game that consistently racks up large gains. But Annandale’s defense, allowing just 11.5 points per game, has been equally formidable, with defensive end Gavin Wang anchoring their line and setting up the linebackers to shut down opponents.
Class 2A: Defensive Standoff Between Jackson County Central and Norwood Young America
Expect a low-scoring game as two defensive titans clash. No. 3 Jackson County Central (10-0) has allowed an average of only 6.3 points per game, while No. 4 Norwood Young America (11-0) isn’t far behind, giving up 8.5 points per game. The outcome may hinge on Norwood Young America’s rotating quarterbacks, Jack Strickfaden and Kyson Evenski, as they try to break through Jackson County Central’s defense.
Class 1A: Minneota vs. Lester Prairie
Top-ranked Minneota (10-0) is pursuing a third consecutive state title. They clinched the Section 5 championship with a comeback, thanks to senior RB Ryan Meagher’s late-game heroics. With 1,418 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns this season, Meagher is key to Minneota’s attack. However, the Vikings face a tough road ahead with several undefeated teams still in the mix, including No. 2 Springfield and No. 3 Mahnomen/Waubun.
Nine-Player: LeRoy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli Defense vs. Camden Hungerholt
LeRoy-Ostrander’s defense faces the monumental task of containing Camden Hungerholt, Renville County West’s dynamic senior QB. With 2,391 rushing yards, 31 rushing touchdowns, and 28 passing touchdowns, Hungerholt has led the Jaguars (11-0) to an impressive 51.3 points-per-game average.
