Top 25 Minnesota high school football rankings (10/30/2023)

Last week’s ranking: 1

Next game: Nov. 3 vs. Eagan (4-5)

Ranking rationale: The Eagles had no trouble opening up the Class 6A playoffs, downing Osseo (0-9) 41-12. It was never close as Eden Prairie led 41-0 after three quarters. Andrew Nguyen set the tone with a 52-yard kick-off return to open the scoring in the first quarter. 

Zander Hemmesch threw for two touchdowns and ran for another. Head coach Mike Grant has been leading teams deep into the postseason for decades. It looks like he’s got another squad capable of going all the way.

Last week’s ranking: 2

Next game: Nov. 3 vs. No. 5 Mankato West (8-1)

Ranking rationale: Chanhassen wasn’t caught looking ahead to a highly anticipated rematch with Mankato West in the Class 5A, Section 2 championship. The Storm took care of business in the semifinals, beating visiting Waconia 36-6 on Oct. 28. 

The Wildcats didn’t score until they cut the deficit to 36-6 in the third quarter. It was 21-0 at halftime. Maxwell Woods, an uncommitted senior D-I prospect, caught a 33-yard touchdown and rushed for two more scores from inside the five. The Storm have handled a tough schedule with aplomb all season. 

It’s a bit unlucky that Chanhassen’s first football state tournament appearance requires another win over the next best team in the class, but at least it has the chance to knock out a fellow contender early.

Last week’s ranking: 3

Next game: Nov. 3 vs. No. 14 Shakopee (6-3)

Ranking rationale: Lakeville South rolled in the Class 6A playoff opener, blanking Roseville (1-8) 56-0. That was the score through three quarters. Conner Cade opened the scoring with a 49-yard touchdown and later caught a touchdown. Jonah Shine rushed for two scores and Gaven Dean passed for one and ran for another. 

The Cougars have dominated almost everyone on their schedule save for a comeback win over current No. 4 Lakeville North (8-1) and a last-second loss at 2022 6A runner up and current No. 16 Rosemount (5-4). South leads its class averaging 38.1 points per game.

Last week’s ranking: 4

Next game: Nov. 3 vs. No. 23 Forest Lake (6-3)

Ranking rationale: Lakeville North was on upset alert at halftime vs. Coon Rapids (2-7) in the opening round of the Class 6A playoffs, but the Panthers closed strong to win 28-12. The Cardinals do have some top end talent starting with Iowa State athlete commit KhiJohn Cummings-Coleman, who caught a 19-yard touchdown to give his team a 6-0 lead after one quarter. The high seed’s depth and size won out. 

North churned out 301 rushing yards on 54 carries. Sawyer Wilkie and Sam Ripplinger each exceeded 100 yards and had two touchdowns each. The Panthers are a play or two away from being undefeated this season.

Last week’s ranking: 5

Next game: Nov. 3 at No. 2 Chanhassen (9-0)

Ranking rationale: The Scarlets were held to nearly half of their season scoring average and still won a section semifinal game by double digits. Mankato West is on to the Class 5A, Section 2 championship after a 17-6 home win vs. Chaska (4-5). 

This was a big day for field goal kickers as Chaska made two from around 40 yards and West’s Noah Femrite boomed one from 44 for an insurance score that made it a two-score game. Chaska was coming off an upset win vs. current No. 18 St. Thomas Academy (7-2) in the regular season finale, so this was a solid showing for West. 

The Scarlets’ only loss this season was at Chanhassen, which helped Chan get homefield advantage for the upcoming rematch.

Last week’s ranking: 6

Next game: No. 18 vs. Prior Lake (5-4)

Ranking rationale: After winning a 9-0 scrap against current No. 16 Rosemount (5-4) in the regular season finale, Centennial showed it can still pile up the points. 

The Cougars posted a season high in a 61-6 win vs. Burnsville (2-7) in their Class 6A playoff opener. What’s cool was eight different players found the end zone led by a couple by Noel Sieg. 

Daylen Cummings finished 3-for-3 passing for 70 yards, two touchdowns and no picks. Fifteen Cougars rushed the ball from jersey numbers 2 to 94. They combined for 44 carries for 446 yards. The road gets much tougher now. Centennial could crack the top five if it picks up another playoff win or two.

Last week’s ranking: 7

Next game: Nov. 3 vs. Elk River (4-6)

Ranking rationale: Andover scored the eighth most points in a game in Minnesota State High School League history when the Huskies beat Cambridge-Isanti (4-6) 84-28 in the Class 5A, Section 7 semifinals. It was 27-0 after one quarter. 

Andover added quarters of 22, 14 and 21 to round out an incredible day. Chase Pemberton finished 19-for-22 passing for 313 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. His favorite target was Cameron Begalle, who had four catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns. Seven rushers combined for 35 carries for 247 yards and eight touchdowns. 

This was the seventh time the Huskies have eclipsed 40 points this season. Andover has four wins against current or former Power 25 foes with its only loss coming to current No. 5 Mankato West (8-1).

Last week’s ranking: 8

Next game: Nov. 3 vs, No. 12 Brainerd (8-1)

Ranking rationale: A scoreless game through one quarter gave way to a blowout. Alexandria downed visiting Bemidji 39-0 in the Class 5A, Section 8 semifinals. It was the second shutout this season for the Cardinals’ defense and fourth time holding a foe to one or no touchdowns. 

Bemidji had just 73 yards of offense and ran 40 times for 48 yards. Alexandria had good balance with Chase Thompson passing for 151 yards on 11-for-14 accuracy. The Cards ran for 147 yards. 

Alexandria hasn’t played the toughest schedule out of the 5A contenders having avoided No. 2 Chanhassen (9-0), No. 5 Mankato West (8-1) and No. 7 Andover (8-1), but they’ve beaten everyone on their schedule, which had No. 12 Brainerd and the defending 5A champion, Elk River (4-6).

Last week’s ranking: 9

Next game: Nov. 3 vs. No. 13 Edina (6-3)

Ranking rationale: Maple Grove is four wins away from defending its Class 6A title. The Crimson took care of the first rung on the ladder, crushing Park of Cottage Grove (3-6) 53-21 in the first round of the 6A playoffs. 

The home team was in control from the start, leading 29-0 in the second quarter before Park ever got on the scoreboard. Dylan Vokal and Ryder Skanson each surpassed 100 yards rushing for a team that had 309 on the ground overall. 

There are still some question marks for the Crimson, who haven’t faced a current top-five team this season. However, with two losses each coming by a point, Maple Grove has at least hung with everyone it’s faced.

Last week’s ranking: 10

Next game: Nov. 3 vs. East Ridge (3-6)

Ranking rationale: Minnetonka cruised in its Class 6A playoff opener, rolling visiting Eastview 37-6. Four different Skippers scored a touchdown. Keagan Zabilla hit a 40-yard field goal. Having a kicker like that could be huge when the games tighten up soon. 

The Skippers do not have a signature win this season, but they have plenty of good ones. They also know how to win the close ones with three one-point victories in 2023.

Last week’s ranking: 11

Next game: Nov. 3 vs. Monticello (5-4)

Ranking rationale: Rogers is fifth in Class 5A opponent scoring average at 13.1 points per game. The Royals posted their third shutout of the season with a 25-0 win vs. Park Center (4-6) in the Class 5A, Section 6 semifinals. 

The defense even added two points with a safety. Kalvin Eull rushed 26 times for 119 yards and a touchdown. The Royals didn’t do anything flashy in this one, but they didn’t really need to. Their path sets up great to get back to the state tournament after a semifinals berth in 2022.

Last week’s ranking: 12

Next game: Nov. 3 at No. 8 Alexandria (9-0)

Ranking rationale: Brainerd can stake the claim it’s beaten everyone it’s played on its schedule if the Warriors can win the upcoming rematch with Alexandria in the Class 5A, Section 8 championship. Brainerd’s been an offensive juggernaut, ranking second in the class averaging 41 points a night. The Warriors one-upped that by knocking off Moorhead (5-5) 42-21 in the semifinals. 

This game was tied after one and two quarters before the home team pulled away with 28 straight points in the second half. It was mostly achieved on the ground with Sean Holbrook running 28 times for 172 yards and three touchdowns to go with quarterback Eli Hoelz running 17 times for 149 yards and three touchdowns. 

The Warriors could crack the top 10 with another win.

Last week’s ranking: 13

Next game: Nov. 3 at No. 9 Maple Grove (7-2)

Ranking rationale: It wasn’t inconceivable that Farmington (3-6) might hang with Edina in their round one matchup in the Class 6A playoffs. The Tigers ended the regular season on a three-game win streak after opening with a brutal schedule. The Hornets had other plans, rolling to a 42-0 victory for their fifth straight win. It was 21-0 at halftime. 

Mason West finished 9-for-12 passing for 194 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. John Warpinski ran 26 times for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Farmington was limited to 75 rushing yards on 26 carries.

After starting 1-3, it was hard to envision a path to Edina becoming a top-10 team. That could be on the table if the Hornets reach the quarterfinals. Three of the wins on their win streak have come against Power 25 foes.

Last week’s ranking: 14

Next game: Nov. 3 at No. 3 Lakeville South (8-1)

Ranking rationale: One of the more intriguing Class 6A first round matchups lived up to it through one quarter. Shakopee was in a battle up 7-6 on Champlin Park (3-6), a team that beat current No. 9 Maple Grove (7-2) early in the year. 

After giving up the first touchdown of the game, the Sabers scored the next four en route to a 34-12 blowout victory. Eleven Shakopee rushers combined for 60 carries for 363 yards and five touchdowns. 

The Sabers have had an interest season with three wins to start the year, followed by three losses then three more wins. All three losses were to current top-13 teams, which is why Shakopee butts up right against that threshold. 

Last week’s ranking: 15

Next game: Nov. 3 vs. Rochester Mayo (4-5)

Ranking rationale: The Ponies got a relatively favorable draw in the Class 6A playoffs as the top seed in their quadrant of the bracket. It paid off in a 56-6 win in round one against the worst team in the class, Hopkins (0-9). Stillwater returned two punts for touchdowns and a fumble for another. 

The Ponies had a shutout going until the fourth quarter. Now, Stillwater just needs to get by a sub-.500 team in its first year in 6A to get back to the state tournament. 

It’s relatively unproven against top-10 foes, but Stillwater’s done well against neighboring teams in the Power 25.

Last week’s ranking: 18

Next game: Nov. 3 at No. 21 Woodbury (5-4)

Ranking rationale: Rosemount was shut out for the first time in a long time when it closed the regular season with a 9-0 loss at No. 6 Centennial (8-1). The Irish bounced back in a big way in the Class 6A playoff opener, throttling Blaine (3-6) 51-7. Blaine nearly upended No. 14 Shakopee (6-3) in the regular season finale. 

The Irish scored 34 points in the second quarter vs. the Bengals. Rosemount has been very up and down a year after going unbeaten in the regular season and reaching the Prep Bowl. The Irish still have the high-end capability, as evidenced with a 22-21 win at No. 3 Lakeville South (8-1).

Last week’s ranking: 20

Next game: Nov. 3 at No. 6 Centennial (8-1)

Ranking rationale: It was a tough week for road teams in the Class 6A playoffs. Prior Lake was one of the exceptions, winning 17-15 at Mounds View (4-5). 

I thought the Lakers were under-seeded and they proved it by winning a defensive battle littered with field goals and a safety. The first touchdown of the game didn’t come until 57 seconds left in the third when Prior Lake turned a five-point deficit into a three-point lead when Hunter MacGillivray housed a 68-yard touchdown run and the Lakers got the 2-point conversion. 

The two teams traded touchdowns in the fourth with Caden Wick hitting Levi Eiter for the game-winning score with 2:41 to go. Prior Lake is red-hot with a four-game win streak coming after a four-game losing streak. 

All four losses were to current top-13 teams. The Lakers have two Power 25 wins and have done well to be above .500 against a difficult schedule.

Last week’s ranking: 21

Next game: Nov. 3 vs. No. 20 Bloomington Jefferson (8-1)

Ranking rationale: St. Thomas Academy rises up three spots after a dominant performance in the Class 5A, Section 3 semifinals. The Cadets were tied at No. 9 with the Two Rivers Warriors in the Associated Press 5A top 10 poll. I had the Cadets a little higher last week, and they proved to be a lot better by winning 47-14. 

Two Rivers scored the first touchdown of the game before STA rattled off 47 straight points. Savion Hart continued his impressive season with 25 carries for 220 yards and three touchdowns. It’s surprising to see he doesn’t have more college offers. Maximus Sims added a 13-for-19 passing day for 178 yards, a touchdown and no picks. 

The Cadets still have to prove themselves against the top-tier teams in 5A. Against everyone else, they’ve been dominant.

Last week’s ranking: 22

Next game: Nov. 3 vs. Rocori (7-2)

Ranking rationale: The Bulldogs enter the top 20 for the first time this season. They’ve been the lone undefeated team remaining in Class 4A for several weeks. Becker advanced to the Section 8-4A finals with ease, downing Princeton (7-3) 45-6. 

The home team led 24-0 at halftime. Zachary Bengston wasn’t afraid to let it fly on a cold day, completing 12 of 21 passes for 183 yards, four touchdowns and just one pick. The ground game combined for 124 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries. The defense has allowed 20 points over the last four games and has three shutouts on the season. 

Only two teams have scored into the 20s on Becker, one of which was powerhouse Hutchinson (7-2).

Last week’s ranking: 23

Next game: Nov. 3 at No. 18 St. Thomas Academy (7-2)

Ranking rationale: It wasn’t pretty, but the Jaguars’ storybook season continued with a 17-13 win vs. Apple Valley (4-6) to advance to the Class 5A, Section 3 finals. After getting out to a 10 lead, it took a nine-yard Jonathan Weber touchdown run with 1:17 to provide the game-winning score. 

Bloomington Jefferson is now a win away from making the state tournament for the first time since 2014 and second time since 1994. The Jags are on an eight-game win streak since getting blanked in the season opener. 

The wins haven’t come against elite competition, which is why they’ve yet to fly to high in the Power 25. A golden opportunity awaits this week.

Last week’s ranking: N/R

Next game: Nov. 3 vs. No. 16 Rosemount (5-4)

Ranking rationale: Woodbury was one of the first teams left out of last week’s Power 25. The Royals are back in after rolling through their opening round game of the Class 6A playoffs, 42-0 vs. Buffalo (5-4). That was the score by halftime as Woodbury had the chance to rest its starters in advance of the reigning state runners up coming to town next. 

George Bjellos threw five touchdowns to three different receivers and rushed for another. It was a positive night for a team that had lost three of its last four going in. Woodbury has just one Power 25 win, which is why it’s lower than its 5-4 brethren like Prior Lake, Rosemount, etc. 

That win came against Forest Lake, which gives the Royals the nod over the Rangers for the No. 21 spot.

Last week’s ranking: 24

Next game: Nov. 3 at No. 4 Lakeville North (8-1)

Ranking rationale: If one was seeking out upset possibilities in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs, Wayzata (2-7) winning at Forest Lake had some potential. Through one quarter, that was on the table with the teams locked up 7-7. 

The Rangers were done playing around after that, scoring the next 24 points, including 17 in the second quarter, to roll to a 31-7 victory. Forest Lake held Wayzata to 48 rushing yards on 23 attempts. 

The Rangers had double the yards per carry (4.2) and received an efficient night from quarterback Cole Gerrell, who completed 6 of 10 passes for 85 yards and no giveaways.

Last week’s ranking: 17

Next game: None.

Ranking rationale: An otherwise impressive season ended on a sour note at Goodrich Field as the Tornadoes were upset by East Ridge (3-6), 35-28 in the opening round of the Class 6A playoffs. It was as thrilling of a game as the score may indicate with four ties. 

The see-saw tilted the Raptors’ way when they scored the final touchdown with 7:47 remaining. One of the state’s top passers, Anoka’s Peyton Podany, had a solid stat line of 22-for-32 for 311 yards, three touchdowns and a pick. 

The Tornadoes accrued 485 yards of offense, 22 more than the visitors, but they lost the turnover battle 1-0.

Last week’s ranking: 16

Next game: None.

Ranking rationale: St. Michael-Albertville was one of the hottest teams in Class 6A entering the postseason. The Knights were on a four-game win streak, which included a win over defending state champ and current No. 9 Maple Grove (7-2). 

It was hard to see a 28-21 home loss to 6A newcomer Rochester Mayo (4-5) coming. Especially after STMA led 13-0 early in the second quarter. It was tied down the stretch until Mayo scored the game-winning touchdown with three seconds left.

Last week’s ranking: N/R

Next game: Nov. 3 vs. Rochester Lourdes (8-2) in Kasson

Ranking rationale: Stewartville playing in Class 3A feels like a cheat code. The Tigers ran roughshod through much of their 4A schedule last year, going 10-1 and winning games by gaudy margins. Stewartville’s enrollment had it right on the edge for this new two-year realignment cycle, so now it’s in 3A. That’s bad news for the competition. 

The Tigers are outscoring teams 456-49 with five shutouts. Stewartville got revenge against the team that knocked it out of last year’s playoffs, Kasson-Mantorville (8-1), 40-10. The Tigers advanced to the Section 1-3A finals after a 42-14 win vs. Lake City (4-6). 

They already own a 28-6 win against the team they’re facing next.