Minnesota high school football: looking ahead to the top games each week

See an early look at the big games in 2023

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The Minnesota high school football season is six weeks away, so here is a look at handful of games each week that are worth anticipating. 

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Week 1

Lakeville North vs. Stillwater

Lakeville North and Stillwater played in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs, and the Ponies crushed the Panthers 42-7. Senior Ponies’ quarterback Max Shikenjanski threw for two touchdown passes in that game, but he’s now at the University of Minnesota, so we’ll get an early look at where the Ponies stand in 2023.

Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton vs. Barnesville

A fun opener between the Class 2A champion and the Class 3A runner-up. The Trojans completed the undefeated season after they defeated Chatfield 35-20. Senior John Roller rushed for 103 yards, but he will be gone from the Trojans this season.

D-G-F lost in the Class 3A after a miracle from New London-Spicer. Running back Jordan Summers, who rushed for 2,355 yards, is gone, so rising senior Owen Leach might have to step up in his absence.

Photo by Jeff Lawler

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Week 2

Forest Lake vs. East Ridge

Forest Lake and East Ridge had quality 2022 seasons. The Rangers made it to the second round of the Class 6A playoffs after a 2-7 season in 2021. They fell 54-21 to the eventual champion, Maple Grove.

The game against East Ridge will be a good litmus test for the Rangers if they want to make another leap in Class 6A. The Raptors, who themselves will want to take a step forward, will have one of the best passing quarterbacks in the state, Tanner Zolnosky.

Zolnosky completed 61.5 percent of his passes for 2,913 yards and 27 touchdowns last season. He will lose a few weapons, but the Raptors put up a good fight against Maple Grove in the quarterfinals last season, falling 24-17.

Photo by Earl Ebensteiner

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Week 3 

Eden Prairie vs. Prior Lake

For the Eagles, the Lakers could be the first test of the season. They defeated them 28-14 in the 2022 season, and the Eagles will look to continue their tradition of perennial title contender. The Eagles will have to replace quarterback Nick Fazi and running back Tyler Walden, but they should continue to be stacked with quality players.

Maple Grove vs. Centennial

Maple Grove will be defending a Class 6A title in 2023. The Crimson graduated a lot of seniors while the Cougars return key players. Quarterback Daylen Cummings returns for a Cougar team that only lost to Stillwater, Maple Grove and Rosemount last season.

Photo by Jeff Lawler

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Week 4

Mahtomedi vs. St. Thomas Academy 

The Zephyrs and the Cadets played two great games in 2022. The Cadets won 28-14 in October, but the Zephyrs got the best of them in the Class 5A quarterfinal to reach U.S. Bank Stadium.

The Zephyrs lose 2,338 yard rusher Corey Bohmert, and the Cadets have one half of their dynamic rushing duo returning in Savion Hart.

Rocori vs. Hutchinson

Hutchinson against Rocori is a showdown of prominent Class 4A teams from last season. The Tigers fell 34-24 to Simley in the state title game, and Rocori fell 17-16 to Simley in the semifinals.

The Tigers defeated Rocori 38-14 last season, but they lose Levi Teetzel and AJ Ladwig, two top running backs for the Tigers. Rocori lost quarterback Jack Spanier and running back Mason Dahl.

Photo by Jeff Lawler

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Week 5

Mankato West vs. Chanhassen

Mankato West, the 2022 Class 5A runner-up, defeated the Storm 23-21 in last season's Section 2 finals. A win for either team here could give us an idea of who is in contention for a Class 5A title.

Scarlett quarterback Barton McAninch returns, while Chanhassen running back Maxwell Woods, who rushed for 161 yards in the section final, returns as well.

Photo by Jeff Lawler

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Week 6

Elk River vs. Rogers

Week 5 and Week 6 might be important for sizing up Class 5A. After Chanhassen and Mankato West face off, Elk River and Rogers will play.

Mankato West had a goal-line stand to defeat Rogers in the Class 5A semifinal. Elk River is the Class 5A champion.

Rogers will lose running back Anthony Powell, who rushed for 141 yards against Mankato West. Elk River loses star quarterback and all-around playmaker Cade Osterman.

Lakeville South vs. Rosemount

Rosemount was undefeated until its loss to Maple Grove in the Class 6A final. Lakeville South won the title in 2021, and both programs are built with expectations to compete for a state title.

Carson Hansen, now at Iowa State, had been the best running back in Minnesota. He’s gone, so the Cougars have a big production hole to fill.

Rosemount’s defense was one of the best in the state, but they lost a handful of key pieces.

Photo by Jeff Lawler

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Week 7

Forest Lake vs. Eagan

The Rangers and the Wildcats played a close game in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs last season. This game might be a good marker of who could win a game or two in the Class 6A playoffs.

Week 8

Rogers vs. Mankato West

These two played an epic Class 5A semifinal last season. A win here could give one team a lot of momentum heading into the section playoffs.

Photo by Jeff Lawler

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