Minnesota High School Football Rankings Released
In Minneapolis, the excitement is brewing as the latest high school football rankings have been released, showcasing the top teams in the state regardless of their class. This week’s rankings, the second of the season, highlight the challenging yet intriguing aspect of comparing teams from various sizes.
The rankings are part of an ongoing effort to provide more consistent coverage of high school sports across greater Minnesota. As usual, larger schools dominate the rankings due to their larger student bodies. The Minnesota State High School League divides schools into seven classes ranging from the smallest nine-person football programs to Class 6A, which includes the largest schools with over 3,000 students.
The challenge for smaller schools is evident when it comes to depth of talent. Having more students allows for a greater selection of players, which helps in keeping athletes fresh during games. For instance, a running back can catch a breather after scoring if he doesn’t need to return to defense right away. This becomes less common in smaller schools, where many players often find themselves playing both sides.
This week’s top teams include some expected powerhouses and a few surprises. Standing strong at number one is Maple Grove with a record of 1-0 after defeating Osseo 55-7. Following closely is Edina, also at 1-0, after a solid win against Eagan, wrapping up the game at 35-14.
Here’s how the rankings look:
- Maple Grove (1-0) – Def. Osseo 55-7, Next: vs. Champlin Park
- Edina (1-0) – Def. Eagan 35-14, Next: vs. Eden Prairie
- Eden Prairie (1-0) – Def. Buffalo 40-6, Next: at Edina
- Lakeville North (1-0) – Def. Stillwater 27-7, Next: vs. Rosemount
- Centennial (1-0) – Def. Coon Rapids 42-0, Next: at Blaine
- Anoka (1-0) – Def. Champlin Park 25-13, Next: at St. Michael-Albertville
- Shakopee (1-0) – Def. Hopkins 59-35, Next: at Prior Lake
- Minnetonka (1-0) – Def. White Bear Lake 34-10, Next: vs. Wayzata
- Elk River (5A, 1-0) – Def. Chanhassen 44-22, Next: vs. Brainerd
- Wayzata (1-0) – Def. Lakeville South 17-14, Next: at Minnetonka
- Rosemount (1-0) – Def. Eastview 41-3, Next: at Lakeville North
- Lakeville South (0-1) – Lost to Wayzata 17-14, Next: vs. Farmington
- Alexandria (5A, 1-0) – Def. Chaska 24-6, Next: vs. Monticello
- Mankato West (5A, 1-0) – Def. Northfield 31-6, Next: vs. Andover
- Rogers (1-0) – Def. Sartell 20-0, Next: at Moorhead
- Prior Lake (1-0) – Def. Forest Lake 22-19, Next: vs. Shakopee
- Stillwater (0-1) – Lost to Lakeville North 27-7, Next: vs. Woodbury
- Sauk Rapids-Rice (5A, 1-0) – Def. Irondale 40-14, Next: vs. Sartell
- St. Thomas Academy (5A, 1-0) – Def. Andover 21-14, Next: vs. Waconia
- Becker (4A, 1-0) – Def. Hill-Murray 51-0, Next: at Providence Academy
This upcoming weekend promises more thrilling matchups as teams look to prove themselves in the highly competitive landscape of Minnesota high school football.