Minnesota high school football: ranking the teams in the state semifinals

SBLive has ranked each team by classification in the MSHSL state tournament semifinals

Mike Randleman | Nov 13, 2023

The Minnesota high school football state semifinals are here, and SBLive has ranked the 28 remaining teams by classification.

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Here are the Power Rankings entering the state semifinals:

CLASS 6A

1. Eden Prairie (11-0)

Next game: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 vs. No. 4 Edina (8-3) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: Eden Prairie drew a pretty tough quarterfinal matchup vs. Lakeville North (9-2), a team that spent a lot of time in the top-five of the Power 25 this season. It looked like they were in for a tight, low-scoring affair when the Panthers took a 3-0 lead in the second quarter.

Dominic Heim had other plans, rushing for a pair of touchdowns before halftime to give the Eagles a 15-3 lead. Head coach Mike Grant’s teams have been experts over the years on how to use their powerful rushing attack to salt the game away.

Eden Prairie won big this season against No. 4 Edina (8-3). It hasn’t faced the other two state semifinalists, each of which could make for a fun Prep Bowl matchup.

2. Lakeville South (10-1)

Next game: 7 p.m. Nov. 16 vs. No. 3 Centennial (10-1) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: Lakeville South just barely stifled one of the biggest underdog stories in Class 6A history. The Cougars survived in the quarterfinals with a 35-34 win vs. East Ridge (4-7).

They led for just 5:32 of 48 minutes of game time and had to overcome a 12-point fourth quarter deficit. South is not known for its passing prowess, but it has a steady signal caller when it needs it. Gaven Dean went 4-for-6 for 124 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He got the Cougars within 34-29 with a 58-yard TD throw to Conner Cade with 8:13 to go.

South’s usually stout defense struggled, but it came up with a timely stop to set up the game-winning touchdown drive.

The Cougars have not faced any of their fellow state semifinalists.

They did have plenty of nice wins, including over rival Lakeville North, whose only losses were to South and No. 1 Eden Prairie (11-0).

3. Centennial (10-1)

Next game: 7 p.m. Nov. 16 vs. No. 2 Lakeville South (10-1) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: I had the Cougars on upset watch last week vs. Rosemount (6-5). They won the first meeting between these two teams 9-0 in Week 8 on home turf.

They certainly proved me wrong, riding their bruising defense and timely offense to a 24-0 neutral site victory.

It was a team win with three different players scoring touchdowns and another, Keaton Frase, booting a 33-yard field goal that made it a two-possession game in the second quarter. Centennial’s only loss this season came to 2022 Class 6A champ, Maple Grove (7-3).

The Crimson are no longer alive in this year’s tournament. The Cougars have yet to face any of the other remaining teams, so it’ll be interesting to see what they’re made of with the competition ramping up immensely.

4. Edina (8-3)

Next game: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 vs. No. 1 Eden Prairie (11-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: The Hornets have been on an absolute warpath as of late. They raised their win streak to seven after dismantling Stillwater (8-3) to the tune of 49-21.

Edina spotted the Ponies the first seven points before scoring 35 of the next 42 to lead 35-14 at halftime. Stillwater didn’t score again until it trailed by 35 in the fourth quarter. Mason West is one of the best underclassmen in the state.

The sophomore quarterback completed 16-of-22 passes for 185 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. Edina racked up 442 yards of offense. John Warpinski rushed 37 times for 255 yards and two touchdowns.

CLASS 5A

1. Chanhassen (11-0)

Next game: 7 p.m. Nov. 18 vs. No. 2 Andover (10-1) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: Chanhassen has been stellar all year. The Storm proved to be good enough to win without its ‘A’ game. Chanhassen escaped with a 28-22 win vs. Mahtomedi (6-5) in the quarterfinals.

It was a back-and-forth game all the way with the Zephyrs until short-yardage specialist Dominic Castagnetto scored the game-winning touchdown in the closing minutes for the second consecutive week.

His 2-yard plunge and ensuing 2-point conversion rush by stud running back Maxwell Woods flipped a two-point deficit into a six-point lead with 1:20 to go.

Chanhassen isn’t the only undefeated team left, but it’s the most battle-tested.

2. Andover (10-1)

Next game: 7 p.m. Nov. 18 vs. No. 1 Chanhassen (11-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: The Huskies were held 11 points under their season average and still put up a lofty number in their 37-20 win vs. Robbinsdale Armstrong (8-3) in the quarterfinals.

Andover’s an explosive team averaging a class-high 48.2 points per game. The Huskies probably could have approached that number if they wanted to, but they parked the bus late in the game after taking a 37-6 lead with 1:35 remaining in the third quarter.

Chase Pemberton was a crisp 10-for-14 passing for 131 yards. It was a rare game where he didn’t throw for a touchdown, but he was interception-free and content to find the end zone twice with his legs.

D’Mario Davenport also had two rushing touchdowns and a game-high 88 yards.

The Huskies beat defending state champion Elk River (4-7) and beat fellow state semifinalist No. 4 St. Thomas Academy (9-2) 55-28 in Week 1.

3. Alexandria (11-0)

Next game: 2 p.m. Nov. 17 vs. No. 4 St. Thomas Academy (9-2) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: Alexandria has a case to make for the No. 2 slot. The Cardinals remain undefeated after their 38-14 thrashing of Rogers (9-2) in the quarterfinals.

This was an impressive showing for a team that’s had to hold on for some nail biting victories when facing tough competition. This was tightly contested for a while as Alexandria led 17-14 through a back and forth first three quarters.

The Cardinals kicked it into overdrive with three straight touchdowns capped by a 90-yard pick-six by Evan Kludt, who also caught a touchdown pass.

The Cardinals have not faced any of the other semifinalists, so it will be interesting to see how they stack up.

4. St. Thomas Academy (9-2)

Next game: 2 p.m. Nov. 17 vs. No. 3 Alexandria (11-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: A 55-27 Week 1 loss at home to Andover (10-1) was a tough way for new head coach Travis Walch. He had big shoes to fill taking over one of the more successful programs in the state.

It turned out Andover (10-1) is very, very good. It also turned out that Walch had a pretty good squad himself. He got them over the hump, getting past the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2019 thanks to a 46-28 thrashing of Owatonna (8-3).

The Huskies battled back to pull as close as four in the first half, but the Cadets had the answer every time they needed it. Maximus Sims and Savion Hart make for one of the top quarterback/running back duos in the state.

Sims finished 6-for-6 passing for 145 yards and a touchdown. Hart ran 28 times for 271 yards and five touchdowns.

CLASS 4A

1. Rocori (9-2)

Next game: 4 p.m. Nov. 16 vs. No. 2 Byron (10-1) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: Section 8 champion Rocori makes it to the semifinals after winning a game that felt like it belonged in a later round. In an all-Spartan matchup, Rocori outlasted Section 6 champ Orono (9-2), 28-27.

Rocori is the only team to beat Orono this year. The other win was 20-16 in Week 8. Rocori opened the year with a 27-25 loss vs. Detroit Lakes (7-2) and fell 20-0 to Becker (9-1).

The Spartans have played a very tough schedule with shutout wins against state tournament teams Benilde-St. Margaret’s (5-7) and Hutchinson (9-2) to show for it.

2. Byron (10-1)

Next game: 4 p.m. Nov. 16 vs. No. 1 Rocori (9-2) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: There are no undefeated teams in a highly competitive Class 4A this season. Byron is tied with North Branch (10-1) for the best record remaining.

The Bears also own the best scoring defense among the 4A semifinalists, holding opponents to 9.7 points per game. Byron has a great case for the No. 1 spot, but I like battle-tested Rocori’s chances just a tad more.

These two teams can decide for themselves coming up on Thursday.

Section 1 champion Byron won its quarterfinals game 31-28 vs. Section 3 champ Hill-Murray (8-3). The Bears, at state for the first time in 20 years, held off an onside kick attempt by the Pioneers with 2:21 remaining to secure the win. There isn’t a team Byron’s played this year it hasn’t beat.

The Bears avenged a 21-14 loss in Week 6 vs. Kasson-Mantorville (8-2) by beating the KoMets 17-14 in the section championship.

3. Hutchinson (9-2)

Next game: 4:30 p.m. Nov. 17 vs. No. 4 North Branch (10-1) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: Death, taxes and Hutchinson making it to U.S. Bank Stadium (or the Metrodome back in the day). Even with one of his less formidable squads, legendary head coach Andy Rostberg has his team in position to win a state title after the Section 2 champion throttled Section 4 champ Totino-Grace (7-4), 44-12.

Hutchinson lost back-to-back games in Weeks 4 and 5 vs. Rocori (9-2) 11-0 and vs. Becker (9-1). Rocori is still alive at state, and Becker was the state title favorite before it was upset in the section finals. Hutch has otherwise been its usual dominant self, winning every game by 16-plus.

The Tigers were state runners up last year.

4. North Branch (10-1)

Next game: 4:30 p.m. Nov. 17 vs. No. 3 Hutchinson (9-2) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: It’s tough slotting North Branch, which ties for the best record in the class with Byron, in fourth. The Vikings also possess the highest scoring offense among remaining teams at 37.5 points per game.

They just haven’t been tested in the way the other three semifinalists have. Nonetheless, Section 7 champion North Branch looked impressive spoiling the underdog story of Section 5 champion Benilde-St. Margaret’s (5-7) in a 38-27 quarterfinals win.

North Branch is on a 10-game winning streak since losing its season opener vs. a tough Class 3A team in Pequot Lakes (8-2).

CLASS 3A

1. Stewartville (12-0)

Next game: 2 p.m. Nov. 18 vs. No. 3 Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton (10-1) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: Stewartville was held to a season low offensive output in the state quarterfinals and still won by three possessions.

The Tigers continued their dominant season, winning 22-0 vs. Waseca (9-3). A potential all-undefeated Prep Bowl could be a memorable one.

2. Annandale (11-0)

Next game: 4:30 p.m. Nov. 18 vs. No. 4 Dassel-Cokato (10-1) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: Esko averages more points per game (50.5) than some teams score in a month. Annandale held the class’s highest scoring offense, led by future Minnesota Golden Gopher Koi Perich, to one touchdown in a 14-7 quarterfinals win. Perich left in the first half with an injury, but it was still a stout effort nonetheless.

Annandale is holding opponents to 8.5 points per game to rank fourth in the class. The Cardinals have held their last three opponents each to one touchdown, as well as five of the last six. Eight of 11 wins have come by double digits.

Annandale hasn’t been quite as dominant as Stewartville, but it’s played an entirely different schedule. It could be fun if the two get the chance to lock horns in the Prep Bowl.

3. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton (10-1)

Next game: 2 p.m. Nov. 18 vs. No. 1 Stewartville (12-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton’s only loss came 14-7 in Week 1 at the favorite to repeat as Class 2A state champion, Barnesville (12-0). Since then, the Rebels have run roughshod. They’ve won by 14-plus in every game of their 10-game win streak, which includes a pair of 21-0 wins over Class 4A foes. D-G-F has shut out three opponents and is fourth in the class in scoring defense (7.0).

They’ll need all hands on deck to get back to the Prep Bowl for the second year in a row.

4. Dassel-Cokato (10-1)

Next game: 4:30 p.m. Nov. 18 vs. No. 2 Annandale (11-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: Dassel-Cokato is plenty capable of winning it all. The Chargers have beaten every team they’ve faced, getting revenge for a 14-13 Week 5 loss at Litchfield (8-2) by winning the rematch 27-20 in the Section 2 championship.

Their only other loss in 2023 came 27-12 in Week 2 to Rocori (9-2), a Class 4A state semifinalist.

CLASS 2A

1. Barnesville (12-0)

Next game: 9 a.m. Nov. 17 vs. No. 3 Jackson County Central (12-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: Barnesville looks keen on repeating as state champion. The Section 8 champion Trojans got a tough draw facing one of the top teams remaining in the quarterfinals, Section 6 champ Osakis (9-2). Barnesville escaped with a 42-36 win.

The Warriors average a class-high 46.6 points per game. After beating Class 3A state semifinalist Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton (10-1) 14-7 in Week 1, Barnesville’s beat everyone else by double digits.

2. Eden Valley-Watkins (11-0)

Next game: 11:30 a.m. Nov. 17 vs. No. 4 Cannon Falls (10-2) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Section 5 champion Eden Valley-Watkins has the second best scoring offense in the class at 45.8 points per game, less than a point behind Barnesville (46.6).

The Eagles showed off their explosivity in a remarkable 60-0 win vs. Moose Lake-Willow River (10-2).

They’ve beaten everyone by 12 or more on the way to back to the semifinals after getting there in 2022.

3. Jackson County Central (12-0)

Next game: 9 a.m. Nov. 17 vs. No. 1 Barnesville (12-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: There’s no shame in Section 3 champion Jackson County Central slotting in at No. 3. The Huskies have to like their chances of reaching the Prep Bowl after seeing their semifinals opponent, Barnesville (12-0), struggle a bit last week. JCC will be fired up to rectify a 41-12 loss to Barnesville in the 2022 semis.

The Huskies are also feeling good about themselves after routing one of the blue blood programs in the state, Caledonia (10-1), 41-0.

JCC has won every game this season by 15 and by 31-plus in the postseason.

4. Cannon Falls (10-2)

Next game: 11:30 a.m. Nov. 17 vs. No. 2 Eden Valley-Watkins (11-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: On paper, there’s a drop off among the semifinalists between Cannon Falls and the rest. The Bombers are still an impressive squad who’ve played a tough schedule.

The Section 4 champions received a favorable draw matching up Triton (6-6), which got to state as the No. 3 seed in Section 2 Cannon Falls didn’t mess around, thumping the Cobras 51-6.

The two teams it fell to, Caledonia (10-1) and Chatfield (7-3), are two of the top programs in the state.

CLASS 1A

1. Minneota (12-0)

Next game: 11:30 a.m. Nov. 18 vs. No. 3 Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa (11-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: Minneota is looking primed to repeat as state champion. The Vikings made mincemeat of Braham (9-3), winning 55-0 in the state quarterfinals.

Scores like these are common for a team that’s won all but two games by 22 or more. The exceptions were both against BOLD (9-2), which was ranked No. 4 in the Oct. 15 Associated Press poll. Minneota was No. 1.

The Vikings lead the class in scoring offense at 50.2 points per game and defense at 7.8. They’re the top dogs until someone knocks them off.

2. Mahnomen/Waubun (11-0)

Next game: 9 a.m. Nov. 18 vs. No. 4 Springfield (11-1) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: There are no fluke semifinalists in this class. Mahnomen/Waubun punched its ticket to U.S. Bank Stadium thanks to another dominant defensive performance in an 18-0 win vs. Parkers Prairie (9-3).

This was the fourth time in 2023 the Thunderbirds held an opponent scoreless. M/B is second in the class allowing 8.5 points per game.

3. Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa (11-0)

Next game: 11:30 a.m. Nov. 18 vs. No. 1 Minneota (12-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: It’s really splitting hairs between No. 2 and No. 3. Even the No. 4 team was in the Prep Bowl last season. Mahnomen/Waubun gets the nod over Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa based on the strength of its defense and appearance at the 2022 state tournament.

The B-B-E Jaguars are still a fearsome bunch hailing from Section 4. They’re surrendering just a shade over seven points per game over their last seven games. B-B-E punched its ticket to the semifinals with a 28-6 win vs. Mayer Lutheran (8-3).

4. Springfield (10-1)

Next game: 9 a.m. Nov. 18 vs. No. 2 Mahnomen/Waubun (11-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: Springfield is two points away from being undefeated. The Tigers have also beat every team they’ve played this year.

They avenged a 16-14 Week 5 loss at state-ranked Sleepy Eye United (8-3) by winning the neutral site rematch in the Section 3 championship, 36-18.

The Tigers won their sixth straight game by upsetting Fillmore Central (11-1), 22-12. They trailed 12-8 at halftime before putting on a master class on defense to stop a high-potency offense in its tracks.

Springfield has scored 50-plus in four games and 48 in two others. It’s hungry to get back to the Prep Bowl for a potential rematch with Minneota.

9-PLAYER

1. Nevis (11-0)

Next game: 1 p.m. Nov. 16 vs. No. 3 Ottertail Central (11-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: The Tigers are riding high after knocking off defending state champion Mountain Iron-Buhl (11-1), snapping the Rangers’ 24-game win streak. Section 5 champion Nevis got on the board with 33 seconds left in the first half on the Eli connection from Eli Lewis to Eli Kimek for a 26-yard touchdown to go up 6-0 at the half.

This was the first time the Tigers have been tested. Their closest win was a 34-8 result vs. Ogilvie (9-2) in Week 6.

2. Fertile-Beltrami (12-0)

Next game: 10:30 a.m. Nov. 16 vs. No. 4 Kingsland (12-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium

With defending state champion Mountain Iron-Buhl knocked out in the state quarterfinals, Fertile-Beltrami is now one of the favorites to take home the title.

The F-B Falcons were state semifinalists in 2022 and had no issue getting back this year with a 35-6 win in the quarterfinals against Goodridge/Grygla/Gatzke (9-2). They’re second in the state in fewest points allowed at 8.3 and tops among remaining teams.

3. Ottertail Central (11-0)

Next game: 1 p.m. Nov. 16 vs. No. 1 Nevis (11-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: All four teams remaining are undefeated. It’s hard to separate the semifinalists, but Section 4 champion Ottertail Central gets the nod for No. 3 in the class after a resounding 28-8 win vs. Cedar Mountain (7-4).

All wins this year came by double digits. Bulldogs opened the season with a 20-0 win over a state quarterfinalist, Goodridge/Grygla/Gatzke (9-2).

While Ottertail Central missed out on the state tournament in 2022, it looks like it could go all the way in 2023.

4. Kingsland (12-0)

Next game: 10:30 a.m. Nov. 16 vs. No. 2 Fertile-Beltrami (12-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Ranking rationale: There will be no Cinderella stories in 9-player this year. Kingsland comes in at No. 4 but could very easily hoist the trophy in a couple weeks. The Knights are a tenth of a point from being tied for the class lead in points per game (48.8) and are first among semifinalists. Kingsland is headed to U.S. Bank Stadium after downing Hills-Beaver Creek (10-1) 26-14.

Published Nov 13, 2023

MIKE RANDLEMAN