High School

Live score recap: Maple Grove defeats Minnetonka in MSHSL Class 6A Prep Bowl (11/22/2024)

Get score updates from the Minnesota high school football Class 6A state championship

Jack Butler, SBLive Sports

Minnetonka faces Maple Grove in the 2024 MSHSL Class 6A Prep Bowl
Minnetonka faces Maple Grove in the 2024 MSHSL Class 6A Prep Bowl / Mark Bloom

MINNEAPOLIS — The Maple Grove Crimson (13-0) defeated the Minnetonka Skippers (10-3) 28-21 in the 2024 MSHSL Class 6A Prep Bowl on Friday at U.S. Bank Stadium. The win gives Maple Grove its second football state championship in school history.

"There is no better feeling than winning it with your class, your friends, and the kids you grew up playing backyard football with," senior linebacker Jacob Wrbanek said.

The Crimson knew they had a talented group of seniors for years now. This season was circled as a possible championship team even after the Crimson took home their first state title in school history in 2022.

A coaching change from Matt Lombardi, who is the defensive coordinator for Minnetonka, to longtime assistant Adam Spurrell didn't change the talent the Crimson had.

On the first drive of the game, Maple Grove linebacker Ryder Skanson hit Minnetonka quarterback Caleb Francois, and the ball fell to the ground. Wrbanek grabbed it and ran 39 yards for a touchdown.

The Crimson defense dominated for three quarters. They built a 28-7 lead with the help of the offense and running back Charles Langama, who finished with 243 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Minnetonka scored two touchdowns in just over two minutes late in the fourth quarter to make it hard on the Crimson.

"Sometimes in life you come up seven points short, but these guys battled all year," Minnetonka head coach Mark Esch said.

The Crimson had the ball on the Minnetonka 49-yard line with 23 seconds remaining. Spurrell had a decision to make. Try to get one yard to seal the win, or punt the ball and pin Minnetonka deep?

"I do trust my defense even though the fourth quarter kind of went away from us," Spurrell said. "I do trust our defense whole heartedly."

He made the correct choice. Dylan Vokal intercepted Francois' pass, and the Crimson became state champions.

"I feel like if you take away that final five minutes, it’s the greatest defense the state has ever seen," Wrbanek said.

Maple Grove vs. Minnetonka Class 6A Prep Bowl Live Updates

First Quarter Updates

Minnetonka receives the opening kickoff and we're underway.

TOUCHDOWN MAPLE GROVE! Minnetonka quarterback Caleb Francois fumbled after a hit from Ryder Skanson, and Jacob Wrbanek picked it up and returned it 39 yards for a touchdown. PAT is good. Maple Grove leads 7-0 with 9:24 remaining in the first quarter.

END OF FIRST QUARTER: Maple Grove 7, Minnetonka 0

Second Quarter Updates

TOUCHDOWN MINNETONKA! Francois finishes a long drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. PAT is good. The game is tied at seven with 11:19 remaining in the first half.

TOUCHDOWN MAPLE GROVE! Charles Langama makes a man miss on his way to the end zone for a 4-yard touchdoan. PAT is good. Maple Grove leads 14-7 with 5:08 remaining in the first half.

TOUCHDOWN MAPLE GROVE! Langama scores on an 18-yard touchdown. PAT is good. Maple Grove leads 21-7 with 33 seconds remaining in the first half.

HALFTIME: Maple Grove 21, Minnetonka 7

The second half will begin at 8:42 p.m.

Third Quarter Updates

Maple Grove receives the second-half kickoff and we're underway.

INTERCEPTION BY MINNETONKA! Kirion Vogel intercepts Maple Grove's Kaden Harney in the red zone. The Skippers will have the ball on their 13 yard line.

INTERCEPTION BY MAPLE GROVE! Dylan Vokal catches a tipped ball by Wrbanek. Maple Grove will take over at its 19-yard line with 3:45 remaining in the third quarter.

END OF THIRD QUARTER: Maple Grove 21, Minnetonka 7

Fourth Quarter Updates

TOUCHDOWN MAPLE GROVE! Patrick Wright scores on a 10-yard touchdown. PAT is good. Maple Grove leads 28-7 with 5:29 remaining.

TOUCHDOWN MINNETONKA! Chase Conrad scores on a 2-yard carry. PAT is good. Maple Grove leads 28 to 14 with 4:06 remaining.

TOUCHDOWN MINNETONKA! After Maple Grove fails to convert a fake punt, Francois connects with Vincent May for a 37-yard touchdown pass. PAT is good. Maple Grove 28, Minnetonka 21 with 2:49 remaining.

Minnetonka has the ball on its own 15-yard line. Twelve seconds remain in the game and the Skippers have no timeouts.

INTERCEPTION BY MAPLE GROVE! Vokal catches Francois' final pass attempt.

FINAL: Maple Grove 28, Minnetonka 21

More 2024 Minnesota high school football coverage

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Jack Butler, SBLive Sports
JACK BUTLER, SBLIVE SPORTS

Jack Butler is a Regional Editor for SBLive Sports, covering Minnesota and Michigan. 

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