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Minnesota’s Week 1 Top Performers

Minnesota’s Week 1 Top Performers
Photo: Josiah Donat
Oliver West
Oliver West September 4, 2023 @ 06:02 PM
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In this article:

Ayden Helder
Ayden Helder 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB | 2024
MN
Mason Delzer
Mason Delzer 6'1" | 200 lbs | RB | 2024
MN
Carson Ray
Carson Ray 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB | 2024
MN
Jacob Williams
Jacob Williams 5'11" | 225 lbs | ATH | 2025
MN
Seth Newbern
Seth Newbern 6'1" | 175 lbs | ATH | 2024
MN
Maurice Brown
Maurice Brown 5'10" | 170 lbs | WR | 2025
MN
Peyton Ransom
Peyton Ransom 6'2" | 160 lbs | WR | 2024
MN
KhiJohnn Cummings-Coleman
KhiJohnn Cummings-Coleman 5'11" | 180 lbs | WR | 2024
MN
Quentin Cobb-Butler
Quentin Cobb-Butler 5'9" | 155 lbs | DB | 2024
MN
Melvin Mensah
Melvin Mensah 5'7" | 170 lbs | RB | 2024
MN
Zach Bengston
Zach Bengston 5'7" | 155 lbs | ATH | 2024
MN
Will Steil
Will Steil 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB | 2024
MN
Elijah Johnson
Elijah Johnson 5'9" | 190 lbs | RB | 2025
MN
George Bjellos
George Bjellos 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB | 2024
MN
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finally, the seemingly never-ending, incessant, and occasionally gloomy offseason is over and the glorious high school football season is back. Last Thursday and Friday, we saw hundreds of games kick off and officially get the 2023 season underway, and from 9man to 6A, we had some thrilling nailbiters, absolute butt whoopings, surprising upsets, and competitive contests that makes me thing the fall of 2023 is going to be one to remember. Helping to assemble these fantastic Week 1 games were some eye-popping personal performances from Minnesota prep football players around the state, and <em>PrepRedzoneMN </em>has diligently cataloged the most notable for your enjoyment below. Offense, defense, and special teams all included; let's get to it! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-- </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["242452"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The senior offensive weapon from u003cemu003eSt. Paul Highland Parku003c/emu003e had a big day against 651 rival St. Paul Johnson as he rushed for 160 yards and a TD, recorded 30 receiving yards, and compiled 98 return yards and a TD for 288 all-purpose yards in total. Added a couple tackles as well. The Scots got the victory 32-18.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/MelvinMensah2/status/1697728686588338576?s=20u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/MelvinMensah2/status/1697728686588338576?s=20u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["242409"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cemu003eBecker'su003c/emu003e QB1 u003cstrongu003eZach Bengtsonu003c/strongu003e went off vs. u003cemu003eHill-Murrayu003c/emu003e to the tune of 20 completions on 30 attempts (66.7%) for 250 yards and 5 TDs. Also punted twice for 73 yards, successfully kicked a FG, and was 4-5 on PATs. His favorite target was fellow senior u003cstrongu003eKyan Blomquist,u003c/strongu003e who caught 10 passes for 127 yards and 2 TDs. u003cemu003eBeckeru003c/emu003e got a big win 40-14.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14664681/64f18e3df326d70ae4995dd2u0022u003ehttps://www.hudl.com/video/3/14664681/64f18e3df326d70ae4995dd2u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"Isaac Olson","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"Little Falls","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_2_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"In a 30-16 win over u003cemu003ePierzu003c/emu003e, u003cemu003eLittle Falls'u003c/emu003e 2024 standout u003cstrongu003eIsaac Olsonu003c/strongu003e posted a balanced stat-line of four receptions, two of which went for TDs, 208 all-purpose yards, 13 tackles, and an INT. Some of those 13 tackles were massive collisions as well.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/isaac_olson01/status/1697729238772642162?s=20u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/isaac_olson01/status/1697729238772642162?s=20u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["551393"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"A u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneMNu003c/emu003e Showcase standout from u003cemu003eSt. Cloud Apollou003c/emu003e, junior pass-catcher u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='551393' first='Maurice' last='Brown']u003c/strongu003e had a monster night through the air and recorded eight catches for 171 yards and 4 TDs, plus an INT on defense. Also posted 8 solo tackles, 6 assisted tackles, a PBU, a fumble recovery, and a defensive TD. Sadly, u003cemu003eApollou003c/emu003e took a tough, one-score loss to u003cemu003eChisago Lakesu003c/emu003e 44-38.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/maurice2fast/status/1697689816601641092?s=20u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/maurice2fast/status/1697689816601641092?s=20u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"Hudson Dillon","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"Bethlehem Academy ","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"In u003cemu003eBethlehem Academy'su003c/emu003e 58-7 beatdown of u003cemu003eWinona Cotteru003c/emu003e, 6'3, 185 lber. u003cstrongu003eHudson Dillonu003c/strongu003e tallied 10 receptions for 164 yards and 3 TDs.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2LWNmFu0022u003ehttp://www.hudl.com/v/2LWNmFu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["438689"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"In a tough loss (48-22) to fellow Anoka County competitor u003cemu003eCentennialu003c/emu003e, u003cemu003eCoon Rapids'u003c/emu003e star wideout u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='438689' first='KhiJohnn' last='Cummings-Coleman']u003c/strongu003e had an excellent showing and finished with 9 catches for 252 yards and 3 TDs.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/khijohnn/status/1698034644224999467?s=20u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/khijohnn/status/1698034644224999467?s=20u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["704470"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"A part of u003cemu003eRobbinsdale Armstrong'su003c/emu003e 42-18 shellacking of u003cemu003eSt. Francisu003c/emu003e, 2024 WR u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='704470' first='Seth' last='Newbern']u003c/strongu003e caught six passes for 164 yards and 4 TDs. Gotta love the catch to TD ratio there!rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/NewbernSeth/status/1697769932514009289?s=20u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/NewbernSeth/status/1697769932514009289?s=20u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["501866"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"In the u003cemu003eAustin Packer'su003c/emu003e nail-biting 28-27 loss to u003cemu003eWatertown-Mayeru003c/emu003e, 2024 WR/CB u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='501866' first='Peyton' last='Ransom']u003c/strongu003e caught 9 passes for 190 yards and 3 TDs.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/Peytonransom18/status/1698050427797823823?s=20u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/Peytonransom18/status/1698050427797823823?s=20u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["105394"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"The u003cemu003eWoodbury High Schoolu003c/emu003e seasoned gunslinger had a big day in the u003cemu003eRoyalsu003c/emu003e 55-14 dismantling of u003cemu003eRosevilleu003c/emu003e and finished the day with 15 completions on 20 attempts for 219 yards and 3 TDs. He's going to have a big year statistically.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/george_bjellos/status/1697850415121833999?s=20u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/george_bjellos/status/1697850415121833999?s=20u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["242496"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"Another u003cemu003eWoodburyu003c/emu003e standout, explosive senior u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='242496' first='Quentin' last='Cobb-Butler']u003c/strongu003e finished the day with four receptions for 65 yards and a TD and two big-time returns totaling 185 yards and 2 TDs. He's arguably the best returner in the state this fall. As mentioned above, u003cemu003eWoodburyu003c/emu003e got a big W 55-14.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/QCobbButler/status/1697713327223308763?s=20u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/QCobbButler/status/1697713327223308763?s=20u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["945919"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"One of the top RBs in Outstate MN and the 2025 class overall, u003cemu003eAitkinu003c/emu003e put up a lot of points - 41 to be exact - in their smothering of u003cemu003eChisholm u003c/emu003eand u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='945919' first='Jacob' last='Williams']u003c/strongu003e ended his night with 15 carries for 195 yards and 3 TDs, plus 2 receptions for 60 yards and a receiving TD, and two tackles a PBU. Good start to the season if I do say so myself!rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/7908Jacob/status/1697989210173485070?s=20u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/7908Jacob/status/1697989210173485070?s=20u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["234777"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"Another standout RB in Minnesota's 2025 class, u003cemu003eFairmontu003c/emu003e junior u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='234777' first='Elijah' last='Johnson']u003c/strongu003e led the u003cemu003eCardinalsu003c/emu003e rushing efforts in a 48-0 blanketing of u003cemu003eTri-City Unitedu003c/emu003e and finished with 9 carries for 152 yards and 3 TDs.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/ElijahLJohnson8/status/1698365072786018645?s=20u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/ElijahLJohnson8/status/1698365072786018645?s=20u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_12_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_12_player_details_player_name":"Logan Stedman","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_12_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_12_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_12_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_12_player_details_school":"Rockford ","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_12_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_12_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_12_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_12_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"u003cemu003eRockford'su003c/emu003e Preseason All-State ATH u003cstrongu003eLogan Stedmanu003c/strongu003e kicked his season off on a good note in his squad' 42-24 victory over Royalton as he tallied 16 carries for 216 yards and 3 TDS.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/loganstedman5/status/1698108451363135894?s=20u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/loganstedman5/status/1698108451363135894?s=20u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_13_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_13_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_13_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1142977' first='Ayden' last='Helder'] ","_player_evaluations_13_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_13_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_13_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_13_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_13_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_13_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_13_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_13_player_details_school":"Stewartville ","_player_evaluations_13_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_13_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_13_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_13_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_13_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"u003cemu003eStewartvilleu003c/emu003e is loaded with top-end talent this fall, and their stud QB u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='1142977' first='Ayden' last='Helder']u003c/strongu003e went off last week in a narrow, hard-earned victory over u003cemu003eWasecau003c/emu003e. u003cstrongu003eHelderu003c/strongu003e was 18-26 for 263 yards and 4 TDs and added 15 carries for 42 yards on the ground. There is a big argument to be made for it being QB performance of the week. Watch out for u003cemu003eStewieu003c/emu003e this year.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/AydenHelder/status/1698392861027299357?s=20u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/AydenHelder/status/1698392861027299357?s=20u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_14_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_14_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_14_player_details_player_name":"Spencer Ackerman","_player_evaluations_14_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_14_player_details_graduating_class":"2026 ","_player_evaluations_14_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_14_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_14_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_14_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_14_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_14_player_details_school":"Sauk Rapids-Rice ","_player_evaluations_14_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_14_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_14_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_14_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_14_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"Starting sophomore QB u003cstrongu003eSpencer Ackermanu003c/strongu003e of u003cemu003eSSRu003c/emu003e proved his he up to snuff as a varsity QB as he went 23-31 for 365 yards and 3 TDs as the u003cemu003eStormu003c/emu003e beat a talented u003cemu003eIrondaleu003c/emu003e squad 22-19.","_player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_15_player":["242378"],"_player_evaluations_15_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_15_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_15_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_15_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_15_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_15_evaluation":"Big-time props to u003cemu003eRocori'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='242378' first='Will' last='Steil']u003c/strongu003e here, as he is stepping into the QB role for his u003cemu003eSpartansu003c/emu003e squad out of necessity, and in his first action as a quarterback - against a loaded u003cemu003eDetroit Lakesu003c/emu003e roster no less - u003cstrongu003eSteilu003c/strongu003e went 19-27 for 280 yards and 3 TDs to zero interceptions. The NDSU DB commit also rushed 15 times for 78 yards and posted two tackles as well. The u003cemu003eSpartansu003c/emu003e narrowly lost 27-25 to the u003cemu003eLakersu003c/emu003e.","_player_evaluations_15_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_16_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_16_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_16_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_16_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_16_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1140796' first='Mason' last='Delzer'] ","_player_evaluations_16_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_16_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_16_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_16_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_16_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_16_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_16_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_16_player_details_school":"New London-Spicer ","_player_evaluations_16_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_16_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_16_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_16_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_16_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_16_evaluation":"A big part of u003cemu003eNLSu003c/emu003e' comfortable 48-20 victory over u003cemu003eAlbanyu003c/emu003e, stud RB u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='1140796' first='Mason' last='Delzer']u003c/strongu003e rushed 17 times for 235 yards and 4 TDs at a nearly 14 YPC average. The u003cemu003eWildcatsu003c/emu003e are looking to repeat as Class AAA champions and u003cstrongu003eDelzeru003c/strongu003e is going to be a big part of that effort.","_player_evaluations_16_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_17_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_17_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_17_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_17_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_17_player_details_player_name":"Dominic Mann ","_player_evaluations_17_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_17_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_17_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_17_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_17_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_17_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_17_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_17_player_details_school":"Kasson-Mantorville ","_player_evaluations_17_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_17_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_17_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_17_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_17_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_17_evaluation":"A two-way contributor and multi-sport standout for the u003cemu003eKometsu003c/emu003e, u003cstrongu003eDominic Mannu003c/strongu003e helped add to what was a high-scoring, exciting matchup with u003cemu003eDelanou003c/emu003e that ended in a 49-35 victory for u003cemu003eKMu003c/emu003e in which u003cstrongu003eMannu003c/strongu003e posted 252 rushing yards and 4 TDs on the ground.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/DominicMann2024/status/1698376536108265943?s=20u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/DominicMann2024/status/1698376536108265943?s=20u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_17_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_18_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_18_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_18_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_18_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_18_player_details_player_name":"Carson Ray ","_player_evaluations_18_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_18_player_details_graduating_class":"2024 ","_player_evaluations_18_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_18_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_18_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_18_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_18_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_18_player_details_school":"Benilde-St. Margaret's ","_player_evaluations_18_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_18_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_18_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_18_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_18_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_18_evaluation":"6', 205 lb. OLB/DE Carson Ray had a productive defensive effort in u003cemu003eBSM'su003c/emu003e whoopin' of u003cemu003eColumbia Heightsu003c/emu003e as he finished his day with 7 tackles, a sack, and two fumble recoveries that went for TDs. 12 personal points from a defender is far from anything to scoff at!rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/CRay2921/status/1698078519496974426?s=20u0022u003ehttps://twitter.com/CRay2921/status/1698078519496974426?s=20u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_18_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":19,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64f66202a622c"} /-->

Finally, the seemingly never-ending, incessant, and occasionally gloomy offseason is over and the glorious high school football season is back. Last Thursday and Friday, we saw hundreds of games kick off and officially get the 2023 season underway, and from 9man to 6A, we had some thrilling nailbiters, absolute butt whoopings, surprising upsets, and competitive contests that makes me thing the fall of 2023 is going to be one to remember. Helping to assemble these fantastic Week 1 games were some eye-popping personal performances from Minnesota prep football players around the state, and PrepRedzoneMN has diligently cataloged the most notable for your enjoyment below. Offense, defense, and special teams all included; let's get to it!

Melvin Mensah

Melvin Mensah

MN
RB
HEIGHT 5'7"
WEIGHT 170
POS RB
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Melvin
Mensah RB
Class
2024
Height
5'7"
Weight
170
HS
Highland Park
|
MN
Minnesota’s Week 1 Top Performers
The senior offensive weapon from St. Paul Highland Park had a big day against 651 rival St. Paul...
Written by Oliver West
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Melvin Mensah

State: Minnesota
School: Highland Park
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Zach Bengston

Zach Bengston

MN
ATH
HEIGHT 5'7"
WEIGHT 155
POS ATH
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Zach
Bengston ATH
Class
2024
Height
5'7"
Weight
155
HS
Becker
|
MN
Minnesota’s Week 1 Top Performers
Becker’s QB1 Zach Bengtson went off vs. Hill-Murray to the tune of 20 completions on 30 attempts (66.7%)...
Written by Oliver West
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Zach Bengston

State: Minnesota
School: Becker
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Isaac Olson

Isaac Olson

HEIGHT 6'2"
POS ATH
CLASS 2024

Isaac Olson

School: Little Falls
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Maurice Brown

Maurice Brown

MN
WR
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 170
POS WR
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Maurice
Brown WR
Class
2025
Height
5'10"
Weight
170
HS
St. Cloud Apollo
|
MN
Minnesota’s Week 1 Top Performers
A PrepRedzoneMN Showcase standout from St. Cloud Apollo, junior pass-catcher Maurice Brown had a monster night through the...
Written by Oliver West
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Maurice Brown

Twitter
State: Minnesota
School: St. Cloud Apollo
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Highlights

Hudson Dillon

Hudson Dillon

HEIGHT 6'3"
POS WR
CLASS 2024

Hudson Dillon

School: Bethlehem Academy
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Iowa State
KhiJohnn Cummings-Coleman

KhiJohnn Cummings-Coleman

MN
WR
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 180
POS WR
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
KhiJohnn
Cummings-Coleman WR
Class
2024
Height
5'11"
Weight
180
HS
Coon Rapids
|
MN
Minnesota’s Week 1 Top Performers
In a tough loss (48-22) to fellow Anoka County competitor Centennial, Coon Rapids’ star wideout KhiJohnn Cummings-Coleman had...
Written by Oliver West
Iowa State
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

KhiJohnn Cummings-Coleman

Instagram Twitter
State: Minnesota
School: Coon Rapids
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Highlights

Seth Newbern

Seth Newbern

MN
ATH
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 175
POS ATH
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Seth
Newbern ATH
Class
2024
Height
6'1"
Weight
175
HS
Armstrong
|
MN
Minnesota’s Week 1 Top Performers
A part of Robbinsdale Armstrong’s 42-18 shellacking of St. Francis, 2024 WR Seth Newbern caught six passes for...
Written by Oliver West
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Seth Newbern

State: Minnesota
School: Armstrong
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Peyton Ransom

Peyton Ransom

MN
WR
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 160
POS WR
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Peyton
Ransom WR
Class
2024
Height
6'2"
Weight
160
HS
Austin
|
MN
Minnesota’s Week 1 Top Performers
In the Austin Packer’s nail-biting 28-27 loss to Watertown-Mayer, 2024 WR/CB Peyton Ransom caught 9 passes for 190...
Written by Oliver West
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Peyton Ransom

Twitter
State: Minnesota
School: Austin
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Highlights

George Bjellos

George Bjellos

MN
QB
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 195
POS QB
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
George
Bjellos QB
Class
2024
Height
6'2"
Weight
195
HS
Woodbury
|
MN
Minnesota’s Week 1 Top Performers
The Woodbury High School seasoned gunslinger had a big day in the Royals 55-14 dismantling of Roseville and...
Written by Oliver West
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

George Bjellos

Instagram Twitter
State: Minnesota
School: Woodbury
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St. Thomas (MN)
Quentin Cobb-Butler

Quentin Cobb-Butler

MN
DB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 155
POS DB
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Quentin
Cobb-Butler DB
Class
2024
Height
5'9"
Weight
155
HS
Woodbury
|
MN
Minnesota’s Week 1 Top Performers
Another Woodbury standout, explosive senior Quentin Cobb-Butler finished the day with four receptions for 65 yards and a...
Written by Oliver West
St. Thomas (MN)
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Quentin Cobb-Butler

State: Minnesota
School: Woodbury
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Southwest Minnesota State
Jacob Williams

Jacob Williams

MN
ATH
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 225
POS ATH
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Jacob
Williams ATH
Class
2025
Height
5'11"
Weight
225
HS
Aitkin
|
MN
Minnesota’s Week 1 Top Performers
One of the top RBs in Outstate MN and the 2025 class overall, Aitkin put up a lot...
Written by Oliver West
Southwest Minnesota State
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jacob Williams

Instagram Twitter
State: Minnesota
School: Aitkin
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Highlights

St. Thomas (MN)
Elijah Johnson

Elijah Johnson

MN
RB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 190
POS RB
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Elijah
Johnson RB
Class
2025
Height
5'9"
Weight
190
HS
Fairmont
|
MN
Minnesota’s Week 1 Top Performers
Another standout RB in Minnesota’s 2025 class, Fairmont junior Elijah Johnson led the Cardinals rushing efforts in a...
Written by Oliver West
St. Thomas (MN)
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Elijah Johnson

Twitter
State: Minnesota
School: Fairmont
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Highlights

Logan Stedman

Logan Stedman

HEIGHT 6'0"
POS ATH
CLASS 2024

Logan Stedman

School: Rockford
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">Minnesota’s Week 1 Top Performers</span>
        <span class="info-box not-prose" style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(193,25,32, 0.95) 0%,rgba(193,25,32, 1) 100%)">
            <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/09/minnesotas-week-1-top-performers/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/02/TopPerformers.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="Minnesota’s Week 1 Top Performers"></span>
                
                <span class="player-details">
                    <span class="first-name">Minnesota’s</span>
                    <span class="last-name">Week 1 Top Performers</span>
                    <span class="measurables">
                                            </span>
                                    </span>
                <span class="player-rank">
                                                        </span>
                                    <span class="state-abbr"></span>
                            </a>

            
        </span>
    </span>

Ayden Helder Ayden Helder 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB Stewartville | 2024 State MN

HEIGHT 6'2"
POS QB
CLASS 2024

Ayden Helder Ayden Helder 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB Stewartville | 2024 State MN

School: Stewartville
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Spencer Ackerman

Spencer Ackerman

HEIGHT 5'10"
POS QB
CLASS 2026

Spencer Ackerman

School: Sauk Rapids-Rice
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
North Dakota State
Will Steil

Will Steil

MN
DB
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 190
POS DB
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Will
Steil DB
Class
2024
Height
6'2"
Weight
190
HS
Rocori
|
MN
Minnesota’s Week 1 Top Performers
Big-time props to Rocori’s Will Steil here, as he is stepping into the QB role for his Spartans...
Written by Oliver West
North Dakota State
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Will Steil

Instagram Twitter
State: Minnesota
School: Rocori
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">Minnesota’s Week 1 Top Performers</span>
        <span class="info-box not-prose" style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(193,25,32, 0.95) 0%,rgba(193,25,32, 1) 100%)">
            <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/09/minnesotas-week-1-top-performers/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/02/TopPerformers.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="Minnesota’s Week 1 Top Performers"></span>
                
                <span class="player-details">
                    <span class="first-name">Minnesota’s</span>
                    <span class="last-name">Week 1 Top Performers</span>
                    <span class="measurables">
                                            </span>
                                    </span>
                <span class="player-rank">
                                                        </span>
                                    <span class="state-abbr"></span>
                            </a>

            
        </span>
    </span>

Mason Delzer Mason Delzer 6'1" | 200 lbs | RB New London-Spicer | 2024 State MN

HEIGHT 6'1"
POS RB
CLASS 2024

Mason Delzer Mason Delzer 6'1" | 200 lbs | RB New London-Spicer | 2024 State MN

School: New London-Spicer
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Dominic Mann

Dominic Mann

HEIGHT 6'0"
POS LB
CLASS 2024

Dominic Mann

School: Kasson-Mantorville
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Carson Ray

Carson Ray

HEIGHT 6'0"
POS LB
CLASS 2024

Carson Ray

School: Benilde-St. Margaret's
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
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Rankings

685 Players Ranked

  • 1
    Roman Voss

    Roman Voss

    Jackson County Central

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  • 3
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    Forest Lake

    Minnesota
  • 4
    Pierce Petersohn

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    Triton

    Penn State
  • 5
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    Chanhassen

    Iowa
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