MN Section Recap: Standout Team & Personal Showings

Unsurprisingly, a riveting and competitive 2022 regular season transferred to a thrilling sectional playoff with dominant showings, shocking upsets, and a ton of gripping, one-score finishes all included. This is the most excited I've been for a state tournament in a while, and with quarterfinals slated for this weekend, PrepRedzoneMN wants to take advantage of this little window of time and reflect and recap on the 2022 sectional tournament, the standout teams from the action, and the best personal showings from playmakers all around the gridiron. Heading into the state tourney, the 9man bracket has five undefeated teams and a one-loss, Class A has three undefeated and a one-loss, AA has four undefeated and a one-loss, AAA two and three, 4A up in the air with only one defeat, 5A with three undefeated, and 6A holding two undefeated and a one-loss, so this is gearing up to have some special games and outcomes. Although it's fun to check out the favorites and heavyweights, PRzMN wanted to dig a little deeper and highlight some teams that played their butts off at the end of the season and fought their way into the tournament in a pleasantly surprising fashion. The longer I watch football the more of a believer I become in the playoff ingredient that is: momentum. We see it time and time again, with the biggest spotlight on NFL playoffs, but teams playing their best football at the end of the season is a big factor in playoff success that translates to all levels of football. Get to know some of these streaking teams, as well as dominant personal efforts from the rest of the field, down below with PRzMN. Thanks for reading!   --   Standout Teams   Red Rock Central Falcons - 9man, Section 3 Winner. Record of 8-3   Our 9man representative for this feature, Red Rock Central is coming into the state tourney hot after an impressive three-game sectional run that included a 41-8 win over Westbrook-Walnut Grove, a 14-6 grinding win over Hills-Beaver Creek that avenged one of their three regular season losses, and a gutsy 36-28 victory over a talented Mountain Lake Area squad. I'm sure it was an emotional and exciting ride, but it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, as the Falcons had a competitive regular season against strong competition that gave them experience and grit and the ability to win in close games, avenge losses, and hold leads/come from behind.   During the regular season, Red Rock Central took a tough six-point loss to a loaded Renville County West team on September 16th, an eight-point loss to Cedar Mountain-Comfrey two weeks later at home, and that aforementioned L to Hills-Beaver Creek, but the losses must have lite a fire under their butts, and are playing balanced, tough football at the best of the season. According to MNFootballHub, the junior 6'4, 190 lb. QB Isaac Simonson is an accurate passing threat and has another well-built upperclassman in 6'3, 205 lb. senior TE Vander Mathiowetz. Freshman Carter Therkilsen and 6'2, 175 lb. junior Jayden Lang also have some big-play ability from the limited stats uploaded to MNFootballHub. Therkilsen also doubles as the team's leading rusher, and the 5'9, 175 lber. has a bright future ahead of him no matter the outcome of this tournament. Defensively, 6'2, 170 lb. senior LB Jacob Amsden is a tackle machine as well as a productive FB, but he's aided by a deep crew of defenders such as 6', 215 lb. senior DE Keaton Skarupa, senior LB Bode Determan, and senior 6', 285 lb. lineman Blake Paplow. A huge state quarterfinal matchup Wheaton-Herman-Norcross awaits the Falcons this Thursday!   Breckenridge Cowboys - Class A, Section 6 Winner. Record of 7-4   It was an up-and-down regular season for Breckenridge, with big wins and tight losses, but things are coming together at the right time and culminated in three straight wins during the section playoffs with Menahga falling 35-0, New York Mills losing at home 21-0, and a big 34-6 win at Otter Tail Central last weekend. That victory over OTC must have been particularly sweet, as it was held at the Fargodome and avenged a 27-28 loss in the first game of the season that Breckenridge did a good job of bouncing back from. This squad has talent and size, with well-built prospects such as senior Gibson Hasbargen (6'2, 250), senior Alex Sanchez (6'3, 190), senior Dallen Ernst (6'5, 250), and senior [player_tooltip player_id='19014' first='Landon' last='Blaufuss'] (6'3, 220) enforcing their will upon weaker opponents, and offensive firepower heading by the explosive [player_tooltip player_id='383733' first='Cameron' last='Nieto'], a fun-to-watch QB/RB who bust out big plays and beat tackle attempts in many different ways. However, Class A perennial contender Minneota awaits them this Friday at Alexandria High School, and Breckenridge will have to continue to play and improve upon their best to keep the victories rolling. Best of luck, boys.   Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sundburg Fighting Saints- Class A, Section 4 winner. Record of 8-2   Led by potential P5 recruit in 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='438724' first='Hunter' last='Kallstrom'], the Fighting Saints had one of the more nail-biting sectional finishes with back-to-back one-point wins in the semis over Browerville/Eagle Valley 27-26 and in the finals over Upsala/Swanville 7-6. Those are a couple of spirited victories, and to make things sweeter it was the second time this season Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sundburg had beaten both teams, a hard and unique challenge that's hard to pull off. Their losses during the regular season were against talented opponents in a 26-6 loss at BOLD and in a six-point loss at Kimball Area, so signs are pointing in positive directions for the Fighting Saints as they anticipate the offensively-explosive Springfield High School this Friday. Recent University of Sioux Falls commit Isaac Rudningen will show up all over the field as a physical and dependable utility tool, and senior RB/DB Chase Magaard can also be counted on in the rushing game. Senior OL/RB/LB combo Masyn Olson seems like a beast on the defensive side of the ball as well. Good luck, Fighting Saints!   Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Lakers -Class AA, Section 4 winner. Record of 9-2   The Class AA representative of standout teams from the section tournament, HLWW pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tourney as they took down perennial contender Minneapolis North 21-20 at North High School during the section semifinal on October 29th. They then followed it up with a 29-13 victory over a talent-rich Norwood Young America last Friday 29-13, and during the regular season the Lakers also took down fellow state qualifier Sauk Centre 29-27 in October. Additionally, one of their losses during the regular season also came to a state tourney participant in Section 5 winner Eden Valley-Watkins, so the Lakers are undoubtedly battle-tested and comfortable finishing out wins with the lead, so their upcoming opponent Jackson County Central better come prepared when they faceoff this Thursday. Led by the powerful and productive 5'11, 190 lb. RB Collin Boese, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted also has the talented of 6'1, 210 lb. junior LB Colton Long and ballhawking DBs Steven Heber, Lance Luchsinger, and Cam Jones. Go Lakers!   Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton Rebels - Class AAA, Section 8 winner. Undefeated at 10-0   Three strong opponents were befallen at the hands of the Rebels in the last three games of their 2022 season, with Detroit Lakes seeing a loss on the last game of their regular season 28-21, Thief River Falls seeing defeat in the section semis 14-10, and East Grand Forks falling in a nail-biter 7-6 last Thursday. DGF also got some good wins in the regular season, highlighted by a 36-34 win over Pequot Lakes and a 26-20 victory over Hawley, and they're going to need every bit of that experience and nerve as they are set to face the runaway AAA team that is Esko this coming Saturday. Led by the fantastic two-sport athlete and Preseason AAA POY [player_tooltip player_id='295962' first='Owen' last='Leach'], a 6'6, 200 lb. gunslinger, playmaker, and defensive thumper, and a boatload of fellow 2023 grads, the senior-heavy Rebels are looking to etch their names in the record books and bring some hardware back to their hometowns. If they can beat Esko they have a real shot. Also, RB [player_tooltip player_id='313003' first='Jordan' last='Summers'] has been superb this year and has totaled 261 rushes for 1,884 yards and 19 TDs going into the state tourney, and if the Rebels can keep putting points on the board I like their chances of hanging with and potentially overtaking the Eskimos.   Chisago Lakes Wildcats - Class AAAA, Section 4 winner. Record of 5-6   Sporting one of the least-intimidating records in the state tournament, the Chisago Lakes Wildcats is still a menacing and battled-hardened football squad and the product of one of the most competitive districts in the state: North Central-White. Consisting of foes Becker, Hutchinson, Rocori, Willmar, Delano, St. Cloud-Apollo, and Big Lake, Chisago Lakes finished 6th in the standings but as a testament to the strength of their schedule, popped off three straight wins in the section tourney, highlighted by a one-score semi and final victories over St. Anthony 35-32 and Fridley 43-42, both on the road. That St. Anthony squad had offensive firepower in droves, and the Fridley Tigers were legit in 2022, so those hard-fought, thrilling victories are not a fluke for Chisago Lakes and now they're coming into the state tourney on fire, with momentum behind them, and playing their best football. With a deep RB backfield that has seen eight players post more than 100 rushing yards this season, the Wildcats are led by 6', 220 lb. junior Evan Lavalle, who has totaled 191 carries for 1,051 yards and 14 TDs and reinforced by 5'10, 165 lb, senior Blake Schmidt, who is nearing 500 rushing yards in 2022 at a 7/5 YPC average plus four TDs. Defense is also a team effort, and heading their efforts is 6'1, 170 lb. junior DB Reed Bleymeyer, with 61 tackles, a TFL, a FF, and a blocked kick for a TD, as well as massive sophomore 6'2, 220 lb. LB [player_tooltip player_id='246053' first='Logan' last='Bender'], with 57 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 2 FFs. Senior DB Jack Walker has also added three interceptions. Chisago Lakes host Simley on Thursday at Forest Lake High School. Ball out, Wildcats!   Moorhead Spuds - Class 5A, Section 8 winner. Record of 5-5   It's a little odd seeing recent 5A contender Moorhead limp to a 3-5 regular season record, but odder things have happened and I was relieved to see them get back on track during the section tournament as they downed a talented Alexandria squad 35-28 and followed it up with a dramatic 28-26 win over Sartell-St. Stephen to propel them into the state playoffs. That section's final win over Sartell also avenged a regular-season loss to the Sabres 36-12 on September 30th. Like many other teams on this list, the state qualifier saw good competition and opponents during the regular season which no doubt helped their determination and pride going into playoffs, and Moorhead saw some dang good squads this season such as Elk River, Rogers, and Brainerd. With 6'1, 185 lb. senior QB [player_tooltip player_id='268929' first='Gavin' last='Quade'] at the helm and throwing to 6'4 WR [player_tooltip player_id='19024' first='Michael' last='Haugo'], the stats on MNFootballHub show a team that wants to beat you through the air, and with the aforementioned Haugo tag-teamed with 6'2, 170 lb. sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1204473' first='Owen' last='Thielges'], the Spuds have the goods to throw on just about anybody. 5'11, 200 lb. 2023 LB Ben Hrdlicka and productive two-way senior Karson Wendt seem to be leading the charge defensively for Moorhead. A rematch with Elk River awaits Moorhead this Saturday, and it's definitely a good thing that the Spuds have played ER before and know what they're going up against. No, it's time to stop them.   Rosemount Irish - Class 6A. Record of 10-0   The 6A choice was a tough one, especially with 6A scrapping sections and going with a meta playoff model, a route I am definitely in favor, and with the East Ridge Raptors pulling off a 28-27 win over Prior Lake last weekend they nearly had my choice for 6A must-know going into state. However, just like all season, the Rosemount Irish have been too hard to ignore after coming into the season as no one's 6A title watch except themselves. Now, they are certified giant killers, having toppled Eden Prairie 14-7, Lakeville South 10-7 on the road, and Prior Lake 27-17 all during the regular season and certifying themselves at the top of the 6A heap once again after shutting down Wayzata 42-17 last Friday. Confidence, momentum, scheduling, and physicality are all in the Irish's favor going into the state quarters, and I've loved their mix of new names and already-verified studs that are all combining to help Rosemount go undefeated this fall. Junior RB Jackson Ganser has been a productive name I sadly didn't have on my radar going into the season, and he's posted 97 rushes for 568 yards and 8 TDs out of the backfield, and senior William Priest has taken control of the Rosemount offense's saddles and run with it, posting 97 rushes for 831 yards and 11 TDs in his senior campaign. Sophomore QB [player_tooltip player_id='234783' first='Gavin' last='Caswell'] has stepped up into the varsity role well, and on defense I can't watch enough of recently committed Iowa State PWO LB [player_tooltip player_id='112053' first='Kade' last='Gilbertson'], as well as the strong and powerful Arizona State throwing commit [player_tooltip player_id='188150' first='Hayden' last='Bills']. Senior Chance Swansson and junior DB [player_tooltip player_id='1145311' first='Will' last='Peroutka'] have also been outstanding for the Irish defense this fall. Set to play Centennial this Thursday, Rosemount's luck of the Irish may be set to continue. I'll be keeping a close and excited eye on the 6A tourney coming up.   Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights   I had to give a special shoutout to 4A contender Benilde-St. Margaret's, who chose the win-or-go-home time of the season to earn their first wins of the season. The Red Knights came into sections 0-8 but surprised everyone and banged out wins against Richfield 44-7 and SMB 25-7 before meeting Holy Angels and seeing their season end last Friday. However, it was a valiant and impressive end to their season and the seniors no doubt have something to hang their hats on. I'd be proud if I were them. Junior QB Nirvaan Yogarajah has been a monster this season with a 61% completion percentage, 2,594 yards, and 18 TDs through the air. There are also some excellent young wideouts coming up their ranks, so the future is bright for BSM.   Foley High School Falcons   Foley came into the playoffs with one win and seven losses, the win coming the final game of the season in an 11-point victory over Holy Family and used that momentum to upset Spectrum 38-12 and then a tough Mora squad 21-20 in the section semis. Milaca ended their season the next week, but that flutter of victory and upsets must have been a fun ride to experience and I hope the Foley seniors are proud of their fortitude and resolve in not giving up on the season and finishing things out with heart. They were led by QB Evan Miller, RB Josiah Petersen, WR [player_tooltip player_id='1150023' first='Bryce' last='Gapinski'], and DB Derek Dahmen. Good job, boys!   --   Standout Performers   [player_tooltip player_id='120956' first='Caden' last='Spence'] (Zimmerman) Senior. RB. - The 6'1, 190 lb. stat monster posted 5 TDs in the section semifinal and a TD last weekend in a win versus Orono.   [player_tooltip player_id='323504' first='Makoi' last='Perich'] (Esko) Junior. ATH. - 10 tackles and 9 carries for 50 yards in a hard-fought section final win over Pequot Lakes. Perich has been tearing it up all regular season and playoffs so far.   Corey Bohmert (Mahtomedi) Senior. RB. - The Zephyrs didn't have the toughest road to the state tourney, but a lot of that has been due to Bohmert's productivity. He posted 246 yards and and 3 TDs in the semis vs. CDH and followed it up with 198 yards and a TD last weekend against St. Paul Central.   Aiden Doughty (Lakeville South) Junior. LB. - Helped Lakeville South shut down White Bear Lake last weekend and posted 3 tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 2 FFs.   [player_tooltip player_id='112060' first='Cade' last='Osterman'] (Elk River) Senior. QB. - Helped Elk River win one of the most thrilling matchups of the weekend against Andover that finished 51-49. Osterman totaled 22 rushes for 221 yards and 4 TDs for 351 all-purpose yards and added 5 tackles defensively.   Reginald Carter (Robbinsdale Armstrong) Senior. RB. - In the section championship win against Robbinsdale Cooper that ended in a gutsy 13-7 win for the Falcons, Carter carried the ball 25 times for 217 yards and 3 TDs.   [player_tooltip player_id='368532' first='Jalen' last='Smith'] (Mankato West) Junior. WR. - In the gripping victory over Chanhassen in the section final, Mankato West junior wideout [player_tooltip player_id='368532' first='Jalen' last='Smith'] caught 4 passes for 86 yards and a TD in the tight 23-21 finish.   Connor Fournier (Maple Grove) Senior. K. - Helped Maple Grove beat upstart Forest Lake and contributed two field goals of 47 and 43 yards plus a pooch kick recovered by Maple Grove as well as an onside that was successfully recovered by the Crimson as well.   Brody Koberoski (Mankato West) Junior. DB. - In the two sectional contests for Mankato West the junior posted 3 interceptions and a forced fumble to help in the victories.   Chisum Schmiedeberg (Kittson County Central) Senior. RB. - Kittson County Central is rolling and Schmiedeberg was a big part in their victory last week as he posted 35 carries for 206 yards and 4 TDs in a win against Goodridge-Grygla-Gatzke.   Jakob Nachreiner (Springfield) Senior. QB. - In the 40-28 playoff victory over Tracy-Milroy-Balaton, Nachreiner was 14-16 for 319 yards and 5 TDs.   [player_tooltip player_id='105372' first='Savion' last='Hart'] (St. Thomas Academy) Junior. RB. - The Cadets star junior rushed 6 times for 111 yards and 3 TDs in a beatdown of Two Rivers.   [player_tooltip player_id='105365' first='Carter' last='Holcomb'] (Rochester Mayo) Junior. WR. - Minnesota's most dangerous WR had another big night as Mayo took down Owatonna last weekend and posted 5 catches for 105 yards and 2 TDs in the win.   [player_tooltip player_id='112123' first='Reese' last='Littlefield'] (Centennial) Senior. LB. - In the tough 14-7 win over Edina, Littlefield finished with 20 tackles and a TFL in another standout defensive effort.

Unsurprisingly, a riveting and competitive 2022 regular season transferred to a thrilling sectional playoff with dominant showings, shocking upsets, and a ton of gripping, one-score finishes all included. This is the most excited I've been for a state tournament in a while, and with quarterfinals slated for this weekend, PrepRedzoneMN wants to take advantage of this little window of time and reflect and recap on the 2022 sectional tournament, the standout teams from the action, and the best personal showings from playmakers all around the gridiron. Heading into the state tourney, the 9man bracket has five undefeated teams and a one-loss, Class A has three undefeated and a one-loss, AA has four undefeated and a one-loss, AAA two and three, 4A up in the air with only one defeat, 5A with three undefeated, and 6A holding two undefeated and a one-loss, so this is gearing up to have some special games and outcomes. Although it's fun to check out the favorites and heavyweights, PRzMN wanted to dig a little deeper and highlight some teams that played their butts off at the end of the season and fought their way into the tournament in a pleasantly surprising fashion. The longer I watch football the more of a believer I become in the playoff ingredient that is: momentum. We see it time and time again, with the biggest spotlight on NFL playoffs, but teams playing their best football at the end of the season is a big factor in playoff success that translates to all levels of football. Get to know some of these streaking teams, as well as dominant personal efforts from the rest of the field, down below with PRzMN. Thanks for reading!