Minnesota's Midseason Winners and Stock Risers

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 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   --   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 [player_tooltip player_id='348721' first='Madden' last='Ison'] 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, [player_tooltip player_id='348805' first='Sam' last='Sisk'], [player_tooltip player_id='1581726' first='Adam' last='Dorsey'], [player_tooltip player_id='1582446' first='Brooklyn' last='Evans'], Tate Gage, and Kai Strunk. They're reinforced with beef such as iOL Cole Will (6'1, 240), LB [player_tooltip player_id='362307' first='Bennett' last='Larson'] (6'1, 225), LS/OL Beau Thielen (6'4, 225), and some promising sophomores waiting in the ranks such as DE [player_tooltip player_id='1602808' first='Harrison' last='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 [player_tooltip player_id='348741' first='Jack' last='Kruger'] 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 [player_tooltip player_id='1192021' first='Charles' last='Langama'] (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 [player_tooltip player_id='489731' first='Kaden' last='Harney'] 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 [player_tooltip player_id='490031' first='Nathan' last='Hromadka'] (6'6, 225) is a P5 TE prospect, and fellow junior [player_tooltip player_id='586119' first='Dylan' last='Vokal'] (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 [player_tooltip player_id='363115' first='Jacob' last='Wrbanek'] (6'3, 220) has D1-worthy size and plays physically and instinctively, and OT [player_tooltip player_id='362276' first='Michael' last='Wagner'] (6'6, 250) is worth watching as well. I'm also a big fan of DL [player_tooltip player_id='641221' first='Sam' last='Hanson'] (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 [player_tooltip player_id='485214' first='Peyton' last='Podany'] (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 [player_tooltip player_id='446976' first='Trey' last='Borchers'] (6'2, 180) and [player_tooltip player_id='945329' first='Afy' last='Ibekwe'] (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 [player_tooltip player_id='641223' first='Zach' last='Welch'] and [player_tooltip player_id='234771' first='Luke' last='DeChene'], 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. [player_tooltip player_id='234782' first='Tucker' last='Olson'] (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 [player_tooltip player_id='362273' first='Emmanuel' last='Karmo'], 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 [player_tooltip player_id='234778' first='Tony' last='Kollie'] 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. [player_tooltip player_id='234913' first='Mannie' last='Allen'], 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 [player_tooltip player_id='206354' first='Amari' last='Davison'] is transitioning to varsity play well, and he's aided by 6'4, 170 lb. safety and WR [player_tooltip player_id='704477' first='Talan' last='Williams'], 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 [player_tooltip player_id='234871' first='Dalon' last='Gurley'], a sophomore and junior respectively, who have all been productive for the passing attack of the Hawks, led by QB [player_tooltip player_id='105407' first='Kameron' last='Fox']. Additionally, [player_tooltip player_id='551409' first='Randy' last='Smythe'], 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 [player_tooltip player_id='242494' first='Dylan' last='Gross'], 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 [player_tooltip player_id='1140779' first='Mitchell' last='Wind'] 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 [player_tooltip player_id='234877' first='Cody' last='Becker'] (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 [player_tooltip player_id='1204490' first='Charlie' last='Cordes'] (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 [player_tooltip player_id='457241' first='George' last='Perkins'] (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. [player_tooltip player_id='1145339' first='Brady' last='McPherson'] (2024 - DL - 6'2, 215), Frankie Stevenson (2025), Mason Pankonin (2024 - DB - 6', 180), and [player_tooltip player_id='1146303' first='Gage' last='Kracht'] (2024 - LB) are leading the way tackle-wise, and [player_tooltip player_id='457241' first='George' last='Perkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='242422' first='Victor' last='Ruhland'] (2024 - ATH) both have two INTs as well. Orono is also far from lacking in size, as [player_tooltip player_id='792433' first='Will' last='Hoffman'] (2024), [player_tooltip player_id='368593' first='Logan' last='Schleeter'] (2024), [player_tooltip player_id='641224' first='Blake' last='Van Patten'] (2025), Leo Bock (2025), Wes Johnson (2025), and [player_tooltip player_id='1602733' first='Wes' last='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 [player_tooltip player_id='368593' first='Logan' last='Schleeter'] 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 [player_tooltip player_id='242433' first='Mason' last='Carrier'], who also plays RB at 6'2, 225, the Lakers' LB corps is LOADED, with [player_tooltip player_id='242442' first='Will' last='Martin'] (6'2, 230), [player_tooltip player_id='551335' first='Charlie' last='Zok'] (5'11, 215), and [player_tooltip player_id='724373' first='Lawson' last='Greene'] (6'3, 230) all physical, athletic, and able to help out in both the run and pass game. Lineman [player_tooltip player_id='242435' first='Isaac' last='Cariveau'] is heading to North Dakota next fall on a scholarship, and WR [player_tooltip player_id='743240' first='Anthony' last='Reading'] is also a matchup problem at 6'3, 190. The Lakers are rounded out by fellow standouts [player_tooltip player_id='481570' first='Caden' last='Strand'] (2025 - QB), linemen [player_tooltip player_id='551312' first='Brayden' last='Sjoblom'] (2024 - 5'11, 230), Mason Goodrich (2024 - 6'2, 230), and [player_tooltip player_id='1288334' first='Ryan' last='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 [player_tooltip player_id='704466' first='Adam' last='Molitor'] is an athletic 6'7, 225, and the trenches are also manned by the likes of senior [player_tooltip player_id='433675' first='Owen' last='Swedberg'] (6'4, 300), junior [player_tooltip player_id='945348' first='Theo' last='Thomas'] (6'5, 255), junior [player_tooltip player_id='363555' first='Cooper' last='Zeto'] (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 [player_tooltip player_id='641135' first='Josiah' last='Young'] 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 [player_tooltip player_id='1581562' first='Michael' last='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 [player_tooltip player_id='650239' first='Nick' last='Walter'] 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 [player_tooltip player_id='368537' first='Joe' last='Healy'], 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 [player_tooltip player_id='1257442' first='Isaiah' last='Turner'] (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 [player_tooltip player_id='641138' first='Gavin' last='Wang'] 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 [player_tooltip player_id='706024' first='Landen' last='Mickelson']. 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 [player_tooltip player_id='1256233' first='Evons' last='Plamann'] are both over 300 yards rushing and have had their success opened up by the hard work of fullback [player_tooltip player_id='1146305' first='Adam' last='Hernandez']. Defensively, their best player is DE [player_tooltip player_id='706023' first='Cadman' last='Foley'] (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 [player_tooltip player_id='945346' first='Cam' last='Hungerholt'], 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! [player_tooltip player_id='1204499' first='Carter' last='Sweeney'] 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 [player_tooltip player_id='1290743' first='Reid' last='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)    --   Honorable Mentions   [player_tooltip player_id='348789' first='Brett' last='Salmonson'] (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.   [player_tooltip player_id='706019' first='Keenan' last='Paschall'] (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.   [player_tooltip player_id='945893' first='Chris' last='King'] (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.   [player_tooltip player_id='551378' first='Kalvin' last='Eull'] (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.   [player_tooltip player_id='348771' first='Leyton' last='Patzer'] (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.   [player_tooltip player_id='485214' first='Peyton' last='Podany'] (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.   [player_tooltip player_id='945919' first='Jacob' last='Williams'] (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.   [player_tooltip player_id='368595' first='Gage' last='Schmidt'] (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.   [player_tooltip player_id='1191536' first='Josh' last='Diggs'] (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.   [player_tooltip player_id='1142977' first='Ayden' last='Helder'] (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.   [player_tooltip player_id='224134' first='Nick' last='Kinsey'] (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.   [player_tooltip player_id='362273' first='Emmanuel' last='Karmo'] (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.

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 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

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 State MN , Adam Dorsey Adam Dorsey 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB Eagan | 2025 State MN , Brooklyn Evans Brooklyn Evans 6'0" | 180 lbs | ATH Eagan | 2025 State MN , Tate Gage, and Kai Strunk. They're reinforced with beef such as iOL Cole Will (6'1, 240), LB Bennett Larson Bennett Larson 6'0" | 230 lbs | LB/DL 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 Harrison Brandt 6'1" | 205 lbs | DL Eagan | 2026 State MN , 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" | 205 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 State 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" | 225 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 5'11" | 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 Robbinsdale Cooper | 2025 State 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 | RB 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 Robbinsdale 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 5'8" | 150 lbs | 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 Robbinsdale Cooper | 2024 State MN . Additionally, Randy Smythe Randy Smythe 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Cooper | 2025 State 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 6'5" | 215 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 State 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 State 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 Wes McLean 6'3" | 263 lbs | OL Orono | 2026 State MN (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 Ryan Peterson 6'1" | 230 lbs | DL Menahga | 2027 MN (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 Michael Strong 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB Totino-Grace | 2025 State MN (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 Annandale | 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 6'0" | 185 lbs | ATH Annandale | 2026 State 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 Reid Hungerholt 6'2" | 150 lbs | ATH LeRoy-Ostrander | 2027 State MN 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)

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Charles Langama Charles Langama 5'10" | 205 lbs | RB Maple Grove | 2025 State MN

HEIGHT 5'10"

POS RB

CLASS 2025

Charles Langama Charles Langama 5'10" | 205 lbs | RB Maple Grove | 2025 State MN

School: Maple Grove

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Is this you, Cameron Begalle Cameron Begalle 6'0" | 180 lbs | WR Andover | 2025 State MN

HEIGHT 6'1"

POS WR

CLASS 2025

Cameron Begalle Cameron Begalle 6'0" | 180 lbs | WR Andover | 2025 State MN

School: Andover

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Is this you, Braedyn Male Braedyn Male 6'5" | 230 lbs | DL Esko | 2024 State MN

HEIGHT 6'6"

POS DL

CLASS 2024

Braedyn Male Braedyn Male 6'5" | 230 lbs | DL Esko | 2024 State MN

School: Esko

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Is this you, Hunter Carver Hunter Carver 6'4" | 230 lbs | DL St. Thomas Academy | 2024 State MN

HEIGHT 6'4"

POS DL

CLASS 2024

Hunter Carver Hunter Carver 6'4" | 230 lbs | DL St. Thomas Academy | 2024 State MN

School: St. Thomas Academy

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Is this you, 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" | 225 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" | 210 lbs | QB Archbishop Hoban | 2026 State OH (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" | 225 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.