Minnesota’s Midseason Winners and Stock Risers
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As the saying goes: time flies. In what has felt like a blink of the eye, the 2023 Minnesota high school football season is halfway through the regular season, and boy has it been a ride! I’m sure I’m not…
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Continue ReadingAs the saying goes: time flies. In what has felt like a blink of the eye, the 2023 Minnesota high school football season is halfway through the regular season, and boy has it been a ride! I’m sure I’m not the only person to feel this way, but as an unbiased (somewhat) observer, I thoroughly enjoy when the various competitive classes are more up in the air and anyone’s to win, and I think it’s safe to say almost all of the classes (besides 6A, in my opinion) fall under this category. Within the competition we’re seeing class-to-class, there have been some surprise programs in the state, of which PRzMN is very excited to see find the success they are currently obtaining, and within the programs themselves we are seeing breakout stars and stock rising players who are making noise and creating waves on the recruiting trail and gridirons from the Iron Range to the Iowa border. PrepRedzoneMN is stoked to bring our wonderful readers Minnesota’s Midseason Winners and Stock Risers, and we cannot wait to see how the rest of the season plays out. Keep up the great work, everyone!
*thank you to MNFootballHub for the stats and record history
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Best Surprises and Biggest Winners (Teams)
Class 6A
Eagan Wildcats
The late 2010s were rough on the Wildcat program. 0-8 in 2016, 1-7 in 2017, 0-8 in 2018, 0-8 in 2019, but things began to turn around once 2020 rolled around, despite the 1-6 record in 2020. It’s been onward and upward ever since, with Eagan going 2-7 in 2021 and 5-4 last fall, and there’s a good chance they can match and possibly beat their win total from last year the fall. Off to a 2-2 start, with wins over Rochester Mayo and Rosemount (first time beating the Irish in a decade), the Wildcats are playing good football against the biggest and baddest programs MN big-school football has to offer. This is a bit different then some of the other programs on the list, but it’s important to recognize shifts in cultures, win totals, and overall play quality, especially amongst 6A programs that generally face a gauntlet of competition whether they are ready for it or not. Eagan still has Lakeville North, Farming, Forest Lake, and Eastview left on the schedule, but the way they are playing with confidence and physicality – particularly in the run game, where they’re averaging over 6.3 yards per carry – bodes well for their future, both the remainder of this fall and going into next year.
To wrap up, I wanted to expand on what I meant by “next year.” The Wildcats are loaded with juniors on their 2023 roster, and those 2025s are possessing size, talent, and after this fall, a ton of experience. RB/DB Madden Ison Madden Ison 5'9" | 200 lbs | RB Eagan | 2025 State MN is a fun one to watch and plays physically for his size, and Eagan’s junior class also will return skill players such as Ozzie Cooper, Sam Sisk Sam Sisk 6'1" | 170 lbs | WR Eagan | 2025 MN , Adam Dorsey, Brooklyn Evans, Tate Gage, and Kai Strunk. They’re reinforced with beef such as iOL Cole Will (6’1, 240), LB Bennett Larson Bennett Larson 6'1" | 225 lbs | LB Eagan | 2025 State MN (6’1, 225), LS/OL Beau Thielen (6’4, 225), and some promising sophomores waiting in the ranks such as DE Harrison Brandt, DB/LB Chris Brandt, lineman Joe Noreen, and DB Jayden Phan.
Last but not least, it’s also necessary to shout out the seniors who have played integral roles in Eagan’s turnaround as a program. 6’4, 245 lb. DE/TE Jack Hansen is a scholarship talent with heavyweight NSIC choices for college, DB Jack Kruger Jack Kruger 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Eagan | 2024 MN is having a good season patrolling the secondary, along with 6’2, 190 lber. AJ Clark, a multi-sport standout in hockey and lacrosse, and LB Carter Will, who anchors Eagan in the middle of their defense. Henry Heinlein, Gavin Burbach, Owen Ford, and Carson Schwamb also are doing their parts on the gridiron this fall. The future is bright for Eagan, with a lot of credit going to these seniors who I hope are enjoying their fall in 2023.
Maple Grove Crimson
Yes, it’s not usually a hot take selecting the defending state champs as a midseason surprise or big winner, but with the amount of talent the Maple Grove Crimson lost in their 2023 graduating class, I think we can make an exception here. Two Gopher commits, an Air Force QB, tons of DII and DIII talent, and double-digit starters spreading to both sides of the ball are ridiculously hard to replace, but MG is doing it, doing it well, and only getting better as the weeks go on. Currently ranked #5 in the AP 6A poll, Maple Grove suffered a Week 2, one-point loss to Champlin Park, but has since found their identity and is leaning on some high-quality, D1-worthy juniors to bring juice and leadership to both their offense and defense.
The emergence of RB Charles Langama Charles Langama 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB Maple Grove | 2025 State MN (we’ll get to him below) has set their ground game ablaze, and he’s got some tough, cohesive, and physical, albeit slightly undersized OL in front of him opening up gaps and shredding opposing front-sevens. Sophomore QB Kaden Harney Kaden Harney 6'3" | 185 lbs | QB Maple Grove | 2026 State MN has stepped into the starting varsity role well for a young buck and is playing with poise despite his of age and lack of experience, and he’s surrounded by some outright studs as well. I think TE Nathan Hromadka Nathan Hromadka 6'5" | 220 lbs | TE Maple Grove | 2025 State MN (6’6, 225) is a P5 TE prospect, and fellow junior Dylan Vokal Dylan Vokal 6'2" | 200 lbs | ATH Maple Grove | 2025 State MN (WR/DB/returner – 6’2, 190) is fast, strong, athletic, and productive all over the field, so athletic in fact that I think he’s got the chance to play FBS ball, and definitely FCS football in a couple of years. LB Jacob Wrbanek Jacob Wrbanek 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Maple Grove | 2025 State MN (6’3, 220) has D1-worthy size and plays physically and instinctively, and OT Michael Wagner Michael Wagner 6'6" | 260 lbs | OL Maple Grove | 2025 State MN (6’6, 250) is worth watching as well. I’m also a big fan of DL Sam Hanson Sam Hanson 6'2" | 225 lbs | DL Maple Grove | 2025 State MN (6’2, 225), who is another prospect easily qualifying as a scholarship talent. As mentioned, there’s a ton of underclassmen getting their first sniff of varsity action this fall, but the way they’re getting coached up, improving week-to-week, and moving the football – particularly in the run game – has me both surprised and optimistic for Maple Grove’s chances once the playoffs roll around. These dudes are tough, big, and peak at the right time historically. Don’t count them out in the 6A race.
Anoka Tornadoes
The biggest and best surprise out of the 6A class is another Northwest suburban program in the Anoka Tornadoes. The home of my dear mother (s/o to you Mom, go Tornadoes), Anoka is currently ranked 10th in the AP 6A poll and is sitting at 3-1, already having tripled their 2022 win total when they went 1-8. The youthful inexperience from their 2022 campaign last fall is paying off in droves this fall, as their 2025 class is overflowing with talent and has led the way for Anoka to get early wins over Champlin Park, St. Michael-Albertville, and Blaine, and it is important to note that two of these wins came with one-score finishes. Winning tight ball games is a great quality to have, and it’s also worth noting that their only loss came to the aforementioned Maple Grove Crimson, the defending 6A champs who are playing some of the best ball in the state right now.
The strength of their 2023 team comes from the passing game, with 2025 QB Peyton Podany Peyton Podany 6'3" | 190 lbs | QB Anoka | 2025 State MN (6’3, 180) showing why he’s arguably the best QB in the 2025 class, and he’s got a duo of dangerous and productive wideouts to throw to in fellow juniors Trey Borchers Trey Borchers 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Anoka | 2025 State MN (6’2, 180) and Afy Ibekwe Afy Ibekwe 6'1" | 185 lbs | WR Anoka | 2025 State MN (6’1, 175), both of whom are on track to near the 1,000 yard receiving mark this season. Senior RB Terrell Cummings (5’10, 200) adds some balance to their offense, and there’s a boatload of defensive standouts keeping the Tornado’s defense in games, and helping close them out as well. The 2025 class is once again worth noting here, and the LB corps, especially Zach Welch Zach Welch 5'11" | 200 lbs | LB Anoka | 2025 State MN and Luke DeChene Luke DeChene 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB Anoka | 2025 MN , are two experienced, productive, and hard-hitting ‘backers who project well to the college level. They’re aided by fellow LB in senior Zach Anderson and defended on the back end by safety Austin Meyer, both of whom are also having good seasons. Tucker Olson Tucker Olson 6'2" | 300 lbs | OL Anoka | 2025 MN (2025 – 6’2, 285), Maxwell Knudson (2024 – 6’3, 220), and Greyson Saline (2024- 6’2, 225) bring the beef to the trenches as well. Similar to the aforementioned Eagan, next year is also looking fruitful for Anoka, but I’m pumped to see how the rest of 2023 plays out for the Tornadoes. That passing game is a good one.
Class 5A
Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks
One of Minnesota’s most consistent recruiting hotbeds, particularly at the top end, Robbinsdale Cooper had a down year in 2022 and finished with a 3-7 record. However, they’ve already matched their win total in 2023 and sit at 3-1 and are ranked as the AP’s #10 5A squad at the midseason point. They’ve moved from one top recruit to another, as 2023 #1 ranked Jaxon Howard (now at LSU) has seen his shoes filled by Emmanuel Karmo Emmanuel Karmo 6'3" | 205 lbs | LB Robbinsdale Cooper | 2025 State MN , another excellent LB who is a top 3 prospect in the 2025 class. Karmo is also a dangerous and productive WR with a ton of offensive juice, and he sets the tone for a roster filled with a good mix of youth, experience, and size. Their lone loss came in a one-score battle with crosstown rival Armstrong, a game I could see finishing in the opposite direction if the two squads played again, and they’ve also pulled off big wins over Minneapolis Southwest and St. Louis Park, with a two-score win coming against Park Center. I’d be surprised if they don’t win out in their remaining four regular season contests, which would make one think that the Hawks would be playing with momentum and efficiency come section time. Either way, they’re back to big dog status in the 5A ranks and should see that AP ranking climb as the wins keep coming.
In addition to the aforementioned stud Karmo, the Hawks have some noteworthy players & prospects on both sides of the ball. Fellow 2025 LB Tony Kollie Tony Kollie 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Robbinsdale Cooper | 2025 State MN is by far the leading tackler and has been a playmaking defensive presence, and sophomore breakout LB Abel Nelson is having a nice season as well. Mannie Allen Mannie Allen 5'10" | 210 lbs | LB Minneapolis North | 2025 MN , a 5’10, 210 lb. transfer from Minneapolis North, is also providing quality defensive play for the LB corps, as is Ray Heiland, another sophomore standout. On the backend, sophomore Amari Davison Amari Davison 5'10" | 150 lbs | ATH Robbinsdale Cooper | 2026 State MN is transitioning to varsity play well, and he’s aided by 6’4, 170 lb. safety and WR Talan Williams Talan Williams 6'3" | 170 lbs | WR Cooper | 2024 State MN , who could be a high-ceiling college prospect on either side of the play. Speaking of WRs, the Hawks WR corps is balanced and have a lot of weapons who can beat ya, with the aforementioned Williams and Karmo joined by Sema’j Young and Dalon Gurley Dalon Gurley DB Robbinsdale Cooper | 2025 MN , a sophomore and junior respectively, who have all been productive for the passing attack of the Hawks, led by QB Kameron Fox Kameron Fox 5'11" | 190 lbs | QB Cooper | 2024 State MN . Additionally, Randy Smythe Randy Smythe 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Cooper | 2025 MN , a Big Lake transfer, is adding some muscle to the running game, and he’s got some big boys opening holes for him, namely Lowell Grosslein (2024 – 6’2, 280), Jeremiah Hoskins (2025 – 6’5, 350), and Lucas Johnson (2024 – 6′, 280). Look for the Hawks to keep the momentum going the rest of 2023 and far off into next fall.
Brainerd Warriors
Sitting inside the Class 5A top-5 at #4 currently, Brainerd is a nice surprise in the big-school Outstate ranks and is undefeated at 4-0 at the midseason point of 2023. Already a win away from matching their 2022 win total when they finished 5-4, Brainerd has been putting up points and has already beat some big-time competition, namely Elk River in week 2 (39-35) and Moorhead last Friday night (28-20). Both of those games were one-score finishes as well, and the offensive output can mainly be credited to the more-than-stellar play of QB Eli Hoelz, a senior who is also a standout hooper for Brainerd. He’s been slinging the rock all over the place, with fellow senior Jake Merseth coming in as his favorite target and nearing almost 400 receiving yards already. Senior FS and RB Sean Holbrook (6’1, 190 lbs.) has been adding some quality play to their running game as well, and he’s already over 500 yards rushing as well. What also excites me is the fact that Brainerd’s best player , 6’2, 225 lb. thumper of a LB Dylan Gross Dylan Gross 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Brainerd | 2024 State MN , has been out all season with a minor injury, but is set to return soon and is going to come out of the gates ready to rock & roll. With a big matchup coming this Friday against Alexandria, the rest of the schedule is very winnable, and with the juice that Gross will provide upon his return, I could see Brainerd going into sections undefeated and with a lot of good football behind them, as well as in their future. They’re more senior heavy than some other teams as well, which could bode well for their playoff chances in 2023.
Additionally, Brainerd has some size worth mentioning. OT Mitchell Wind Mitchell Wind 6'7" | 260 lbs | OL Brainerd | 2024 State MN is a smooth 6’7, 250+ and could potentially project to the FCS level, and he’s got some big boys joining him on the DL in Cody Becker Cody Becker DL Becker | 2025 MN (6’2, 390) and Jaxon Fasching (6’1, 225). Waylon Larson also brings some beef to the OL at 6’1, 250, although he’s a junior. They also have two talented DBs in seniors John Hagen (6’1, 160) and Brandon Stark (6′, 170), and Derron Tumpkin is a big kid at 6′, 210 who plays LB as well. Chad King has been a ballhawk too, with 2 INTs right now. Keep your eyes on Brainerd the rest of the regular season.
Class 4A
Orono Spartans
A major contender in the 4A race, Orono is the AP’s #2 ranked AAAA squad right now and sits at 4-0 at the midway point of the 2023 season. They’ve bounced back nicely from their 6-5 2022 campaign, and it’s been a true team effort if I do say so myself. Everyone has been contributing on both sides of the ball, and Orono possesses a balanced offensive attack and have been running and passing the rock on opponents with equal success. The run game is their current M.O. though, and have already rushed for nearly 1,000 yards through 4 games (5.9 YPC) while giving up 429 yards on the ground defensively. Senior RB Liam Rodgers is leading the way with 402 yards and 4 TDs, but there are four other Spartan RBs over 100 yards already, and QB Charlie Cordes Charlie Cordes 6'4" | 200 lbs | QB Orono | 2025 State MN (2025 – 6’3, 190) has been accurate (68%) and safe with the football (8 TDs to 2 INTs) four games into the season. His two favorite targets have been senior Hunter Fox (6’1, 170) and junior George Perkins George Perkins 6'0" | 165 lbs | WR Orono | 2025 MN (6′, 150), who are both averaging an impressive yard per catch clip, and four other Spartan targets have caught TD passes as well.
Orono has been thumping teams and putting up points each and every game of the season, with big wins over Zimmerman (54-19), Big Lake (30-0), SMB (49-13), and Delano (42-21). That’s a point differential of 175 to 53, which is a perfect transition to quickly talk about their defense. Brady McPherson Brady McPherson 6'2" | 210 lbs | TE Orono | 2024 State MN (2024 – DL – 6’2, 215), Frankie Stevenson (2025), Mason Pankonin (2024 – DB – 6′, 180), and Gage Kracht Gage Kracht 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB Orono | 2024 State MN (2024 – LB) are leading the way tackle-wise, and George Perkins George Perkins 6'0" | 165 lbs | WR Orono | 2025 MN and Victor Ruhland Victor Ruhland 5'8" | 185 lbs | LB Orono | 2024 MN (2024 – ATH) both have two INTs as well. Orono is also far from lacking in size, as Will Hoffman Will Hoffman 6'1" | 215 lbs | TE Orono | 2024 MN (2024), Logan Schleeter Logan Schleeter 6'2" | 235 lbs | DL Orono | 2024 State MN (2024), Blake Van Patten Blake Van Patten 6'2" | 295 lbs | OL Orono | 2025 State MN (2025), Leo Bock (2025), Wes Johnson (2025), and Wes McLean (2026) and Harrison Schleeter (2026) are all over 6’2 and 250 lbs., with the exception of Bock, who is 6′, 250. Recruit-wise, I really like Logan Schleeter Logan Schleeter 6'2" | 235 lbs | DL Orono | 2024 State MN as a DE prospect and think he’s scholarship-worthy, and he’s seen his fair share of double teams in 2023.
Orono has a beast of a remaining schedule however, with Mound Westonka this Friday, followed by Providence Academy, Totino-Grace, and Rocori, making for three Top-10 ranked teams in the final four games. However, tough competition has shown to pay dividends more so than overall record once section rolls around, so Orono is going to come in battle-tested and hopefully peaking by playoff time.
Detroit Lakes Lakers
Frankly, I was disappointed in Detroit Lakes play in 2022. Finishing at a pedestrian 5-4, they were underwhelming compared to the sheer size and talent they had on their roster, but things are very much coming together in 2023 with their ultra-talented senior class and they are the AP’s #7 ranked 4A squad with a 4-0 record heading into the second half of the regular season. With wins over Rocori (27-25), Perham (42-21), Fergus Falls (31-6), and Thief River Falls (43-24), they’re sitting pretty going into October and have a major matchup with Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton set for two weeks from now. I’m feeling good about where the Lakers stand right now, especially with the up-in-the-air nature of Class 4A this fall, as their size and experience, particularly defensively, is up there with anyone in the state regardless of class.
Led by Minnesota Gophers LB commit Mason Carrier Mason Carrier 6'2" | 225 lbs | LB Detroit Lakes | 2024 State MN , who also plays RB at 6’2, 225, the Lakers‘ LB corps is LOADED, with Will Martin Will Martin 6'2" | 225 lbs | LB Detroit Lakes | 2024 State MN (6’2, 230), Charlie Zok Charlie Zok 5'11" | 210 lbs | LB Detroit Lakes | 2024 State MN (5’11, 215), and Lawson Greene Lawson Greene 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Detroit Lakes | 2024 MN (6’3, 230) all physical, athletic, and able to help out in both the run and pass game. Lineman Isaac Cariveau Isaac Cariveau 6'3" | 280 lbs | OL Detroit Lakes | 2024 State MN is heading to North Dakota next fall on a scholarship, and WR Anthony Reading Anthony Reading 6'3" | ATH Detroit Lakes | 2024 MN is also a matchup problem at 6’3, 190. The Lakers are rounded out by fellow standouts Caden Strand Caden Strand 6'2" | 180 lbs | ATH Detroit Lakes | 2025 State MN (2025 – QB), linemen Brayden Sjoblom Brayden Sjoblom 5'11" | ATH Detroit Lakes | 2024 MN (2024 – 5’11, 230), Mason Goodrich (2024 – 6’2, 230), and Ryan Peterson (2024 – 5’11, 230), and receivers Cody Bartnes (2024 – 5’10, 165), Andy Bartnes (2025 – 6’1, 160), and Reece Borgmann (2024 – 5’11, 160). Junior RB Easton Wahl has some juice as well. I can’t wait to see how Class AAAA plays out and I expect DL to be in the conversation late.
Totino-Grace Eagles
Totino-Grace has had a football history unlike any other MN program in recent memory. Three state titles and a runner-up since 2010, including a 6A title in 2016, an almost unprecedented bump up from 4A to 5A to 6A, but things have been rough as of late and the school’s size began to show itself the past couple seasons, with back-to-back one-win seasons occuring the past two years. This prompted them to drop back down to Class 4A, which is not only a good move, but a fair decision and the right one. The Eagles now sit as the #7 ranked 4A program according to the Associated Press’ recent poll, and are 3-1 at the midway point with their only loss coming to perennial contender Hutchinson 20-3 in Week 3 of the regular season. A big-time matchup with Orono awaits them on October 13th, but the rest of the games are winnable, and the current roster’s experience against 6A competition is paying off in 2023.
TG is one of the biggest and most physically imposing teams in Class 4A, with size along both their line and in the skill position ranks. TE Adam Molitor Adam Molitor 6'7" | 225 lbs | TE Totino-Grace | 2024 State MN is an athletic 6’7, 225, and the trenches are also manned by the likes of senior Owen Swedberg Owen Swedberg 6'5" | 305 lbs | OL Totino Grace | 2024 State MN (6’4, 300), junior Theo Thomas Theo Thomas 6'4" | 260 lbs | DL Totino-Grace | 2025 State MN (6’5, 255), junior Cooper Zeto Cooper Zeto 5'11" | 295 lbs | OL Totino Grace | 2025 MN (5’11, 275), junior Calvin McIntosh (6’1, 220), and senior Quazeill Davis (5’10, 270). The skill spots are where some serious talent lies as well, with 2025 6’3 DB Josiah Young Josiah Young 6'3" | 165 lbs | DB Totino-Grace | 2025 State MN showing a ton of potential to the D1 college level, and QB/DB Will Brands is a hearty 6’4, 200. I also like WR Vincent Zurek (2025 – 6’3, 170), junior LB Michael Strong (6’1, 210), junior athlete Tyler Hand (6′, 175). There are some serious sophomores waiting in the ranks as well. Great to see Totino-Grace competitive again; I think it’s good for MN high school football and now Class 4A again.
Class AAA
Annandale Cardinals
Representing Class AAA, Annandale is currently ranked as the #5 team in 3A and is a healthy 4-0 going into the second half of the regular season. This comes after a 5-5 2022 campaign, so it’s a safe bet that the Cards will be able to top their win total from last season. After a tight week 1 victory over Litchfield that ended 21-13, the Cards have rattled off big wins over Breck (41-19), Spectrum (47-0), and Milaca (48-7), and part two of the regular season will see them matchup with Glencoe-Silver Lake, St. Cloud Apollo, Foley, and New London-Spicer. That NLS game is going to be lit, but the Cards need to take care of business prior to the game for it to be as exciting as possible. However, they’re playing good ball and have the star power in key positions to make a good run at the stat title later this fall.
QB Nick Walter Nick Walter 5'11" | 185 lbs | QB Annnadale | 2024 State MN has been playing his tail off so far and has been a TD and big play machine through the first four of 2023. Two weeks ago he passed for 4 TDs and he followed it up with a 4 passing TD and 2 rushing TD performance last week against Milaca. His favorite target has been fellow senior Joe Healy Joe Healy 6'0" | 180 lbs | ATH Annandale | 2024 State MN , who has been tearing it up as a WR and DB and has tallied 25 receptions for 357 yards and 2 TDs plus 2 INTs defensively a the midway point. Thomas Westman (2024 – 6’1, 180), Caleb Purcell (2024 – 6’4), Gabe Westman (2026), and Sam Jacobson (2024) have been providing depth on the perimeter at both sides of the ball as well, and Annandale has a two-headed monster in the ground game with Isaiah Turner Isaiah Turner 5'11" | 180 lbs | ATH Annandale | 2026 MN (2026 – 5’11, 175) and Nick Olson (2025 – 5’7. 175), and the amount of playmakers is reflected in the amount of points the Cards‘ offense has been posting in 2023. Defensively, 6’7, 255 lb. 2025 DE Gavin Wang Gavin Wang 6'7" | 255 lbs | OL Annandale | 2025 State MN is one of the state’s most dangerous pass rushers and has the chance to one day play P5 football. He’s a player that the opposition must account for, and I’m sure he’s seen his fair share of double teams in 2023. If Annandale can keep putting up points like they are, they’re going to be hard to stop.
Class AA
St. Agnes Aggies
The Aggies have a slightly different backstory to some of the other surprise teams and winners at Minnesota’s midseason point, as they are coming off a more-than-stellar 8-2 record in 2022 and have kept the momentum going well into 2023. Currently ranked as the #6 team in Class AA, St. Agnes is 4-0 and has popped off impressive wins over Hill-Murray in Week 2 21-12 and is fresh off a win vs. Holy Family 33-14 last Friday. Concordia Academy awaits them this Saturday, but we can definitely see the Aggies sitting undefeated by the time sections rolls around, and having wins and experience against programs in larger classifications bodes well once they see consistent AA competition in the playoffs.
A senior and upperclassman heavy squad in 2023, the Aggies are dynamic offensively, and it all starts with stud QB Landen Mickelson Landen Mickelson 6'2" | 210 lbs | QB St. Agnes | 2024 State MN . The 6’2, 200 lber. is the lynchpin of the offense, and he’s been spreading the rock efficiently to his two favorite targets in Dan Plamann (2025 – 5’11, 160) and William Kiehl (2024 – 6’2, 165). The run game has been no joke either, as senior Elijah Simmons and sophomore Evons Plamann Evons Plamann 5'6" | 150 lbs | RB St. Agnes | 2026 MN are both over 300 yards rushing and have had their success opened up by the hard work of fullback Adam Hernandez Adam Hernandez LB St. Agnes | 2024 State MN . Defensively, their best player is DE Cadman Foley Cadman Foley 6'2" | 215 lbs | DL St. Agnes | 2024 State MN (6’2, 220), but he’s been helped out by fellow senior Raphael Uhlenkott, junior Nicholas Brownell, and the aforementioned Plamann and Hernandez. These dudes aren’t the biggest, but boy are they scrappy and cohesive. Big-time dark horse in the AA race.
Holdingford Huskers
What a turnaround for Holdingford! After a dismal 2-7 2022 record, the Huskers are off and rolling in 2023 and ranked as the #7 team in AA at a perfect 4-0 record. It’s awesome to see them already double their win total from last season, and it’s come after a lot of hard work and buy in from their current roster. They’re putting up points and putting them up consistently, as their first four wins have seen a point differential of 176 to 45 with their closest win coming Week 1 against Sauk Centre 28-16. Matchups with Osakis, Kimball, Paynesville, and Eden Valley-Watkins await them, but they are getting better and better and have a solid mix of youth and experience to keep the win streak going.
The team is made up of a ton of multi-sport standouts, particularly basketball players, and some names to know include junior RB Luke Bieniek, 6’3, 170 lb. junior Chase Lyon, sophomore Masyn Patrick, sophomore 6’4, 210 lb. QB Jaxon Bartkowicz, senior 6’1, 230 lb. lineman David Heinen, 6’3, 200 lb. senior Nolan Streit, and sophomore Nathan Streit.
Class A
Goodhue Wildcats
The biggest turnaround and pleasant surprise coming out of Class A undoubtedly goes to the Goodhue Wildcats, who are a win away from matching their 2022 record of 5-5. Currently, the AP’s Class A #7 ranked team in the state, Goodhue is beating the crap out of teams so far this season and hold a very impressive 149-13 point differential, which is one of the best in the state, and wins over Lewiston-Altura, Winona Cotter, Rushford-Peterson, and Blooming Prairie. There isn’t a ton of available date on how they’re beating up these teams so badly or who is doing the damage, but there have remaining contests against Bethlehem Academy, Wabasha-Kellogg, Kenyon-Wanamingo, and Hayfield, in that order. Sophomore QB Luke Roschen is surely a big part of the current dominance, and TE/LB Max Loos is a player PRzMN already had on our radar and is coming off a strong junior campaign. Senior RB Grant Reed is another big name to know, as is sophomore LB Jack Carlson. Like a lot of other small town Minnesota programs who find success on the gridiron, the team is filled with standout multi-sporters who have high-quality hoopers on their football roster. I’m very excited to see if Goodhue can keep up this dominance on both sides of the ball.
9Man
Edgerton Flying Dutchmen
In addition to having one of the best mascots in the state of Minnesota, Edgerton is having one of the best seasons in 9man, especially given their neutral 5-5 record in 2022. Currently sitting at #7 in the AP’s 9Man poll, the Flying Dutchmen having taken down some traditional heavyweights so far this season and done so in impressive fashion. GHEC/Truman (36-20), Renville County West (60-20), Grand Meadow (38-0), and Heron Lake-Okabena/Fulda (44-0) have all fallen to the Flying Dutchmen in 2023, with Hills-Beaver Creek, Cedar Mountain, and Red Rock Central remaining on their schedule. 6’3, 185 lb. RB/LB Chase Bootsma is a big-time stud having a heckuva senior season, and is joined by standouts Kenneth Reyes (2025 – lineman), Richie Whipple (2025 – TE), and Michael Gunnink (2026 – RB). Lots of youth on the Edgerton roster as well, don’t be surprised if they stay relevant in the 9man state title conversation the next few seasons as well.
LeRoy-Ostrander Cardinals
LeRoy-Ostrander is having one of the best turnarounds in Minnesota this fall, flipping their 2-7 record in 2022 to an undefeated 4-0 so far this fall, with wins coming against Westbrook-Walnut Grove (63-0), Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons (63-28), Houston (59-50), and Southland (24-21). As you can see from the scorelines, the Cardinals are both putting up points and winning tight ball games, and are the #9 ranked 9Man squad in the state as of right now. We’ll get to him more in the Stock-Risers & Breakout Stars section below, but a lot of their success is due to junior Cam Hungerholt Cam Hungerholt 6'2" | 175 lbs | ATH Leroy-Ostrander | 2025 State MN , who is having one of the best individual seasons in the state regardless of classification or age, as he’s the team’s leading rusher, pasher, and tackler. He’s already over 1,000 yards rushing only four games in! Carter Sweeney Carter Sweeney 6'1" | 190 lbs | ATH LeRoy-Ostrander | 2025 State MN is also having a productive season as a WR and LB for the Cards, and defensively, it’s been a team effort, as seven players are over or nearly over 20 tackles, eight have recorded a sack, four have forced a fumble, and five have tallied an interception. Logan Diemer has added 3 sacks and 2 INTs, and Reid Hungerholt has broken up four passes and and picked off a pass as well. Team ball, lots of points, and winning tight games is a solid recipe for playoff success come late October/early November.
Stock-Risers & Breakout Stars (Players)
Charles Langama Charles Langama 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB Maple Grove | 2025 State MN
Charles Langama Charles Langama 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB Maple Grove | 2025 State MN
Breakout Star
I mentioned it briefly in Maple Grove’s breakdown of a top surprise/biggest winner from the 6A class, but RB Charles Langama has been a saving grace for the Crimson and has helped them find and solidify their identity at the midway point of the 2023 season. Impressively, this is first season of varsity action after tearing up JV competition last year, and he’s posted 673 rushing yards and 13 TDs through four games, as well as 156 receiving yards. Maple Grove has been beating up their opponents on the ground behind the pads and on the shoulders of Langama, who displays burst, lateral quickness, and good hands out of the backfield. He sees the field well, finds holes around the LOS and has the patience to let blocks develop, and possesses the speed to get the edge. Once he’s in space he’s very hard to corral, and most impressively, I love his contact balance that can power through tackle attempts with surprising ease. His power and the strength in his lower body is a force that 6A defenders have not been able to adjust to in 2023.
Cameron Begalle Cameron Begalle 6'0" | 180 lbs | WR Andover | 2025 State MN
Cameron Begalle Cameron Begalle 6'0" | 180 lbs | WR Andover | 2025 State MN
Breakout Star
My choice for the #1 breakout star of the 2023 season, Andover’s explosive WR Cameron Begalle Cameron Begalle 6’0″ | 180 lbs | WR Andover | 2025 State MN has been fantastic in 2023, and his play has elevated his recruiting stock to the highest levels of college football. Begalle is the only MN prep to secure recruitment from the Golden Gophers who hadn’t previously heard from the U. The tape, production, size, and athleticism all help justify the breakout star status and recruiting attention from the Gophs, as Begalle posted a 11.02 100M time last spring and reports a 37″ vertical. He’s tied for first in the state with 6 receiving TDs, is 2nd in the state with 535 receiving yards, and is 5th with 28 receptions. Fast, both as a route runner and after the catch, controlled and impressive when climbing the ladder and high pointing the ball in the air, and quick, physical, and balanced after the catch Begalle is a talented, athletic, and electric WR who looks like a FBS wideout on tape. I cannot wait to see more tape of him, and he’s got the chance to continue to develop into a total stud.
Breakout Star
After taking two seasons off from football, Esko’s Braedyn Male Braedyn Male 6’5″ | 230 lbs | DL Esko | 2024 State MN is blew back into the MN high school and recruiting scene in very impressive fashion. Standing at 6’6, and 235 pounds, Male runs a 4.9 40 and recorded a 6’5″ high jump last fall, and that athleticism transitions very well to the gridiron, to no one’s surprise. Possessing a quick get off, the strength to easily shed blocking attempts and efficient hand usage and uses leverage to his advantage, and very impressive closing speed, Male’s athleticism shows up on tape in exciting fashion. Given the aforementioned athleticism, rawness in terms of football experience, size, and impressive tape, he’s a heckuva new prospect in the 2024 class who would fit in very well at the D1 level of collegiate football.
Remember Jackson Carver? The former St. Thomas Academy standout, the one-time Notre Dame lacrosse commit who transferred to a prep school out east before picking football back up and becoming one of the hottest TE recruits in the nation before committing to Miami (FL)? Well, he has a brother, and Hunter Carver Hunter Carver 6’4″ | 230 lbs | DL St. Thomas Academy | 2024 State MN can play! Also a lacrosse standout with great size at 6’4, 230 lbs., the younger Carver has only been playing DL for a few months but is showing that he has a high ceiling and a ton of potential at the position if he chooses to play football in college.
Here are some things I like about Carver’s game:
Effective with his hands and possessing some instinctive pass rush moves
can bend at the top of the arc
power in his initial pop to to put blockers on their butts
strength to more than hold a gap vs. double teams
physical at the point of attack
good motor
Breakout Star
What a season it’s been for Leroy-Ostrander’s junior playmaker Cam Hungerholt. He’s put up some astounding statistics and individual performances so far this year, with his 488 total yard and 8 total TD showing against Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons. He’s the state’s leading rusher through four games by 200 yards, as his 105 rushes have gone for 1,029 yards and 17 TDs in only four games of action. He also plays QB, has picked off two passes on defense, and is Leroy-Ostrander’s leading tackler to boot. Hungerholt can play!
Highlights
Stock Riser
Caledonia has a great history of standout defensive linemen, and 2024 6’2, 240 lber. Jordan Tornstrom is keeping the tradition alive. A beast in the weight room who posted a 315 lb. clean, 360 lb. bench, and 500 lb. squat, Tornstrom has been playing LB for Caledonia in 2023, and his play has earned him his first two collegiate offers this month. First Upper Iowa and followed by Winona State, he’s easily a scholarship player and has seen his stock rise through the midway point of his senior season. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Stock Riser
It’s hard for a North Dakota State RB commit to raise his stock even more, but Maxwell Woods of Chanhassen High School is doing just that. It’s been a while since Minnesota has had a RB with as much twitch, explosiveness, and prowess in space as Woods, and his senior midseason film is looking fantastic. It’s still early, but we’ve been hearing that some major P5 programs have been kicking the tires on Woods *insert eyes emoji* so stay tuned here for some possible developments in this recruitment. I want to make sure to note that he’s still solid with NDSU, his recruitment is not open or active, but his play is keeping big-time programs interested. This is how recruiting works, so don’t hold it against Max that teams are hitting him up. Not much you can do there as a prospect. This dude is absolutely electric, and it’s awesome to see it solidified on the recruitment trail. NDSU got a STUD!
Highlights
Parker Schultz
Parker Schultz
Stock Riser
The 6’2, 175 lb. athletic Eden Valley-Watkins wideout Parker Schultz has seen his recruitment pick up this fall thanks to his stellar play and impressive athletic numbers, which includes a 4.5 pro-agility, 9’7″ brad jump, 29’9″ triple jump, and some solid speed as well. South Dakota offered an exciting FCS PWO offer for his exploits, and he’s been physical, dynamic, and elusive in his senior game tape from 2023.
Stock Riser
We are finally seeing some steam on the recruiting trail for Bloomington Jefferson’s XL WR Danny King, although it’s still coming slower than it should be. In September, he took unofficial game day visits to Minnesota, South Dakota State, and Boston College, which is well deserved when you combine the size, athleticism, and tape. His senior film is looking impressive, just like the junior tape, and he’s a big time asset in the passing game and has added a dimension of blocking and physicality that should exccite potential college suitors. We have verfied athletic testing numbers available for college programs as well, so please hit us up if you’re interested in King. I want to see that stock rise into offers soon. King deserves it.
Highlights
Stock Riser
6’2, 190 lb. Monticello athlete Luke Emmerich has had a busy and exciting start to the all-important junior season recruiting trail as he’s visited Kansas State, South Dakota State, Iowa State, and blue-blood Notre Dame, all in September. Yes, he’s still waiting on that first offer, but it’s a big deal that these teams are reaching out with gameday invites and he’s very much on their big boards for the 2025 class. I’m assuming they’re waiting to see how the rest of junior film looks, but Emmerich will surely back it up with his play, as he’s one of the most athletic and dynamic prospects in the state. Keep up the great work, Luke. It’s going to pay off soon.
Stock Riser
Another Stock Riser on the recruiting trail out of the 2025 class, Buffalo’s stud OL Ryan Babatz has visited Minnesota, Kansas State, and Nebraska so far this fall. Similar to the aforementioned Emmerich, he’s up on P5 big boards but is still waiting for that coveted first offer. He’s getting closer and closer to earning it however, and has been arguably the most popular 2025 in the state so far this fall. Hard work is going to pay off soon, Ryan!
Jett Feeney
Jett Feeney
I’ll save the details for tomorrow’s PRzMN’s feature highlighting the top 2027s emerging in the state this season, but I can’t not let our wonderful subscribers know about the impressive freshman season Moorhead’s stud QB Jett Feeney is putting together Up North. With D1 bloodlines and a very familiar last name, Feeney already possesses good size at 6’1, 175 lbs. and has been very impressive in his first year of varsity football as a young 14-year-old. Playing 5A football with the Spuds, Feeney has completed 66% of his passes on 114 attempts for 967 yards and 12 TDs through the midseason point. There are still some obvious growing pains, but you have to be excited about a first-year finding this much success, especially at the most important position in sports: the quarterback. Stay posted for tomorrow’s 2027-focused feature where we’ll break down Feeney in depth for PrepRedzoneMN. We’re very excited for you, Jett!
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Honorable Mentions
Brett Salmonson Brett Salmonson 5'10" | 190 lbs | DB Park of Cottage Grove | 2024 State MN (Park of Cottage Grove) 2024. DB. 5’10, 185 lbs. – Stock Riser – Has been playing his butt off in the defensive secondary for Park. Has been rangy and making plays all over the field, both in the run and pass game. Week-to-week the stats have been catching our attention and he’s earned his first DII offer from Concordia-St. Paul for his efforts.
Keenan Paschall Keenan Paschall 6'2" | 245 lbs | DL Delasalle | 2024 State MN (Delasalle) 2024. DL. 6’2, 250 lbs. – Stock Riser – One of the state’s top sack leaders (4 through 4 games) and earned his first overall college football offer on the 20th from NSIC heavyweight Bemidji State.
Chris King Chris King 6'3" | 255 lbs | DL Mt. Iron-Buhl | 2025 State MN (Mountain Iron-Buhl) 2025. DL/OL 6’2, 255 lbs. – Stock Riser – MIB is the top contender in 9man and King is a big part of the success. 4 sacks through 4 games, got on the radar of North Dakota and took an unofficial gameday visit in early September. Has since received a couple of recruiting graphics from North Dakota State.
Ty’John Brooks (Park Center) 2025 WR. – Stock Riser – A natural and impressive route runner at the high school level, Brooks has been hearing from some notable college programs thanks to his ply in 2023. Sioux Falls, Northern Iowa, and NDSU have all reached out in the last week, with UNI sending a gameday invite.
Kalvin Eull Kalvin Eull 5'11" | 195 lbs | RB Rogers | 2025 State MN (Rogers) 2025. RB. 5’11, 195 lbs. – Breakout Star – The Rogers tailback has been putting up monster numbers all season long and has been a nice offensive surprise on a roster stacked to the brim with talent. Week 3 he posted 287 yards and 5 TDs. So far this season, he’s at 88 carries for 815 yards (9.3 YPC) and 9 TDs.
Leyton Patzer Leyton Patzer 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB Forest Lake | 2024 State MN (Forest Lake) 2024. RB. 5’8, 175 lbs. – Stock Riser – I’ve heard it from a number of prep coaches as well, but Patzer is a handful-and-a-half to gameplan against and has been a beast on the ground for Forest Lake this fall. 103 carries for 727 yards and 6 TDs so far.
Peyton Podany Peyton Podany 6'3" | 190 lbs | QB Anoka | 2025 State MN (Anoka) 2025. QB. 6’3, 185 lbs. – Stock Riser – Podany has been one of the state’s top QB in 2023. Stat wise, he’s #2 in passing yards (1,087), tied for fifth with TDs (10), is near a 60% completion percentage, and is averaging 272 passing yards a game. His play has also elevated Anoka from 1-8 in 2022 to a Top-10 ranked 6A squad at the halfway point of 2023.
Jacob Williams Jacob Williams 5'11" | 200 lbs | ATH Aitkin | 2025 State MN (Aitkin) 2025. RB. 5’11, 200 lbs. – Stock Riser – Took an unofficial to FBS Northern Illinois last weekend. Teams are beginning to notice his blend of power, speed, athleticism, and production.
Gage Schmidt Gage Schmidt 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Mankato West | 2024 State MN (Mankato West) 2024. OL. 6’4, 290 lbs. – Stock Riser – A key cog in Mankato West’s frontline success in 2023, Schmidt impressed in person when I saw the Scarlet take on Andover and has been receiving new recruiting attention from NDSU and Wyoming during the fall. Wyoming seems especially interested.
Josh Diggs Josh Diggs 6'0" | 205 lbs | RB Park Center | 2025 State MN (Park Center) 2025. RB. 6′, 205 lbs. – Stock Riser & Breakout Star – The Park Center powerback is a growing force in the 2025 MN recruiting conversation and is building nicely on his sophomore season that saw a ton of missed tackles in his wake. The likes of Wisconsin and NDSU have been all over him with recruiting attention this fall, with the Badgers particularly paying attention to the junior. He took a gameday unofficial to NDSU on September 19th.
Zay Wright (Fertile-Beltrami) 2025. RB. 5’11, 180 lbs. – Stock Riser – D1 college programs are beginning to notice Wright’s speed and playmaking ability, and he’s been receiving a ton of attention from North Dakota State this month/season. Two North Dakota coaches came to his game last weekend as well.
Ayden Helder Ayden Helder 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB Stewartville | 2024 State MN (Stewartville) 2024. QB. 6’2, 190 lbs. – Stock Riser – Statistically speaking, Helder’s been playing like the best QB in the state this fall. 73% completion percentage on 71 attempts, 748 yards, 14 TDs to 0 interceptions, and has led Stewie to a 4-0 record.
Nick Kinsey Nick Kinsey 6'3" | 205 lbs | QB Stillwater | 2026 State MN (Stillwater) 2026. QB. 6’3, 195 lbs. – Breakout Star – Kinsey has transitioned to varsity football and his new Stillwater program with scary and impressive ease. He’s been tearing it up this fall against MN big-school, Metro competition and can simply make throws that the vast majority of fellow gunslingers can’t. The big-time offers he holds seem to be solidified with his play.
Emmanuel Karmo Emmanuel Karmo 6'3" | 205 lbs | LB Robbinsdale Cooper | 2025 State MN (Cooper) 2025. LB/WR. 6’3, 210 lbs. – I just broke down Karmo’s play in a recent PrepRedzone Midwest recruiting feature you can find on the MN site, but the point of the post is that Karmo’s play this season has been impressive and reinforced his P5 status both on the field and on the recruiting trail. Michigan State offered on September 7th, before their mess of a situation went down. Karmo is quite the two-way athlete.
Daniel Jackson (Alexandria) 2025. K. – Added a NDSU offer to go along with his U of M PWO. THe North Dakota State offer came only two days ago as well. Jackson is the top specialist in the state regardless of class, and has successfully hit FGs of 48, 40, 31, 28, 28, and 26 yards so far this fall.