Week 2 Recruiting Roundup & Recap: Andover vs. Mankato West

I said it last week in my game recap and recruiting spotlight on Chan vs. Elk River, but it's a helluva year in Class 5A, and that fact was reinforced last Friday after watching Andover take on Mankato West. It was yet another gorgeous Friday night in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and Husky Stadium was packed to the brim with Andover's faithful, who were hyped and hungry to watch their home team take on the defending Class 5A state runner-ups as the Scarlets made the hour and forty-five-minute trip northeast up highway 169 to take on a heavyweight competitor in their classification of competition. And what a game it was! Both teams were primed and prepared for not only the matchup but a deep run at the 5A state title, and possessed depth, top-end talent, size, and playmakers in all three phases of the game. After four quarters of hard-fought, balls-to-the-wall, big-play action, the visitors made their road trip worthwhile and left Andover victorious: 35 - 21. It was a heckuva game, and to get a recruiting-focused recap and learn the top performers, just keep scrolling. What a year it is in Class 5A!   --   Game Recap   The Huskies came to play, and the opening drive of the game proved fruitful for the home team as they came out swinging and scored the first points of the ball game barely a minute into the contest as Andover's talented and collected QB [player_tooltip player_id='652799' first='Chase' last='Pemberton'] saw an opening on a 3rd and 8 post route by junior wideout [player_tooltip player_id='752525' first='Cameron' last='Begalle'] and threw a strike that Begalle used to slip out of a tackle and run the remaining 45 yards to the endzone for six.   Mankato West snapped back however, and drove almost the entire length of the field, which involved two converted 4th downs and a lot of bruising ball carrying by senior QB and Bemidji State commit [player_tooltip player_id='246028' first='Bart' last='McAninch'], before McAninch finished things off with a TD run from five yards out. It was an exclamation point on a ground-and-pound, up-the-gut of the Andover defense type drive that also saw some accuracy and strong decision-making from McAninch, a theme that would continue throughout the night. Still a lot of points remained for this exciting first quarter, however!   Andover answered quickly, as they continued to air things out and capitalize on what MW's defense was giving them. Their following drive used a combination of option plays and attacking the sideline of the Scarlet's defense, which helped eat up big chunks of yardage downfield which helped set up Pemberton to find Begalle on a beautiful seam route for a 20-yard score that had West reeling. Pemberton also used his legs on the drive, and were stoked with explosiveness from the electric senior RB D'Mario Davenport, who was incredibly elusive and showed off great burst with the ball in-hand all night.   Once again though, Mankato West had an answer, and this time used the explosiveness that Andover was getting used to in the game. McAninch, one of the best QBs in the entire state, hung in the pocket through a massive oncoming hit by 6'3, 220 lb. LB [player_tooltip player_id='992967' first='Ben' last='Peterson'] and delivered a strike to recent Augustana commit [player_tooltip player_id='743247' first='Brody' last='Koberoski'], who caught the ball on his back shoulder, stuck the landing, took off towards the endzone and easily evaded the final defender for a beautiful TD through the air for Mankato West. It was the last score of the 1st quarter, which saw the game knotted at 14.   Things didn't pick back up until halfway through the second quarter, which saw McAninch plow through the teeth of the Andover defense on a 30+ yard carry to put his Scarlets' up 21-14 with 5:59 left in the half. He was a bulldozer and quite effective with his legs all night long, a testament to both his toughness and athleticism from the QB position.   Andover again had an answer, but their offense was forced to pivot after their second offensive scoring drive in the first quarter. Sadly, after a big run, Pemberton fell awkwardly onto his shoulder, which would later be diagnosed as a broken collar bone. He did finish that series with a beautiful TD toss, so that should be noted, but Andover had to put in DB and backup QB [player_tooltip player_id='348753' first='Hudson' last='Maynard'] to man the QB spot, a move which showed promise, as Maynard was elusive in the pocket thanks to his footwork and had a clean throwing motion and good touch, the latter two of which he used on a beautiful little fade ball to [player_tooltip player_id='241915' first='Obe' last='Eyafe'] to tie things up with 1:10 left in the half. A strong answer by the Huskies.   <a href="https://x.com/OJW_Scouting/status/1700312166149067118?s=20">https://x.com/OJW_Scouting/status/1700312166149067118?s=20</a>   Mankato West did get close to taking the lead before halftime, but their FG attempt missed and the score remained tied up at 21-21 going into half.   The second half of the ball game was generally all Mankato West, who used some back-and-forth with their Huskies counterparts to boom a punt down to the Andover 1-yard line, where Maynard forced a ball downfield and into the waiting arms for sophomore DB Ben O'Neil, who set up MW for a Koberoski TD reception off a slant and a quick cut that left an Andover would-be tackler grasping at air as the Augie commit easily ran into the endzone. 28-21 Mankato West with 4:45 left in the third quarter.   <a href="https://x.com/OJW_Scouting/status/1700324218980663444?s=20">https://x.com/OJW_Scouting/status/1700324218980663444?s=20</a>   <a href="https://x.com/OJW_Scouting/status/1700324575655887209?s=20">https://x.com/OJW_Scouting/status/1700324575655887209?s=20</a>   Andover struggled to find any consistency or momentum the rest of the ball game, and after giving the ball back to McAninch one time too many, the Bemidji State commit used those legs to put a dagger in the ball game as he took the rock 45 yards between the tackles for another TD scamper past almost half a dozen pursuing Huskies. The score ended in a 35-21 finish for the visiting Scarlets, who took out a top contender in Class 5A while having to overcome and match some explosiveness and physicality from their opponents. Pemberton going out was a big hurdle for Andover to battle through, but he'll be back this season and I would not be surprised if these two meet again. Andover has more than enough athleticism and firepower to make a deep run and rattle off some victories while he's recovering. Heckuva game for Week 2!   Recruiting Roundup/Top Performers   Quick Hitters:   <ul> <li>Andover was one of the bigger teams I've seen in my years covering MN prep football for PrepRedzoneMN. The backend of their defense was especially massive, with their LB corps weighing in as probably the biggest in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='945922' first='Kaleb' last='Weikel'] (2025, 6'1, 215 lbs.), [player_tooltip player_id='992967' first='Ben' last='Peterson'] (2024, 6'3, 220), and Luke Beck (2024, 6'2, 220) all passed the eye test and had individually great games. Andover's DB corps was also large, as CB [player_tooltip player_id='241915' first='Obe' last='Eyafe'] was a legit 6'3, 195 (he needs a ton more recruiting attention), and FS [player_tooltip player_id='470809' first='Luke' last='Dehnicke'] (6'5, 205 lbs.) was all of his reported size and was my individual POTG despite the loss. This isn't to say their DL was small, as Kaden Weikel was 6'4, 280, [player_tooltip player_id='1204492' first='Tramaine' last='Davis'] was 6', 240, and Ian Olson was also a hoss at 6'4, 265. This is a massive 5A defense that is going to be very hard for opponents to run on all season long. </li>   <li>The micro-battle between the aforementioned [player_tooltip player_id='241915' first='Obe' last='Eyafe'] (CB) and Mankato West's stud WR and Minnesota Gophers commit [player_tooltip player_id='368532' first='Jalen' last='Smith'] was a fun-to-watch showdown that Eyafe definitely got the better of. His length, COD ability, and competitive mentality helped him render Smith basically useless all night for the Mankato West offense. Eyafe, especially with how DB recruiting is trending as of late, looked like a FCS-level prospect and deserves a ton more recruiting attention than he's currently sitting at. He's going to make a DB coach look very smart soon. </li>   <li>Mankato West's DB corps could TACKLE! These boys, which included senior Calvin O'Connor (6'3, 190), sophomore Ben O'Neil (5'11, 160), Kolten McGregor (2024 - 6'1, 190 lbs.), and Koberoski (6'1, 190 lbs.) excelled in the open field and did not allow extra gains once they got their pads on opposing ball carriers. As a former DB and tackling superfan, this was fun to watch all night. </li>   <li>Mankato West could also generate a helluva pass rush, and got better and better as the night went on. Andover's OL was big, experienced, and played cohesively, but they could not get a grip on the Scarlets' DL throughout the night. Led by [player_tooltip player_id='945933' first='Denim' last='Blackstad'] (2025, 6'3, 225) who was all over the field and had at least 2-and-a-half sacks by my count, they produced pressure and penetration at clutch times throughout the ball game. [player_tooltip player_id='245762' first='Axel' last='Lorenz'] (2025 - 6'2, 280) was statistically productive, as well as [player_tooltip player_id='368595' first='Gage' last='Schmidt'] (2024 - 6'4, 290), [player_tooltip player_id='743241' first='Austin' last='Nommensen'] (2025 - 6'2, 225), Camden Ellwein (2024. - 6'1, 235 lbs.), and [player_tooltip player_id='242491' first='Greg' last='Meidl'] (2024 - 6'4, 270). A couple other Scarlets got involved as well. They're going to be quite a handful for OL's to deal with throughout the season. </li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='246028' first='Bart' last='McAninch'] is a heckuva recruiting win for the Bemidji State Beavers, who are in the midst of a season that has seen him ranked the highest in program history. The natural arm talent and accuracy, combined with his athleticism, demeanor, decision-making, and playmaking ability, is going to have him playing and tearing up the NSIC sooner rather than later. Great win by BSU. </li>   <li>Mankato West's OL was also very solid. Filled with size and experience, they gave McAninch a ton of time all night long against a quality front-seven. Made up mostly of the names I already mentioned in the DL group, these dudes are tough, strong, and physical, and able to handle opposition DL against both the run and pass with equal vigor. Technically sound, physical and tenacious, and cohesive, they're easily one of the best OL groups in Class 5A. </li> </ul>   Andover's MVPs   <ul> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='470809' first='Luke' last='Dehnicke'] (2024. WR/FS. 6'5, 205 lbs.) - Possessing eye-popping size and two-way versatility, Dehnicke was very impressive and a big-time underrated prospect in the 2024 recruiting space. Excellent frame, ballhawk from the secondary, strong tackler in space and around the box, and made some gorgeous snags throughout the night. He can play the ball very well in the air, both as a WR and DB, can win contested catches and 50/50 balls, and showed off range defensively as well as closing speed. He was all over the field all night and showed up in just about every situation he was put in. Someone needs to get after this kid and get after him soon. </li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='752525' first='Cameron' last='Begalle'] (2025 - WR. 6'1, 180 lbs.) - Lightning in a bottle and a total deep threat from the WR position, Begalle was responsible for Andover's most explosive plays on the evening and was also quick-footed, shifty, and possessed a terrific stiff-arm he deployed throughout the night. Lots of juice and could turn routine plays into exciting gains, as well as take the top off the defense. </li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='241915' first='Obe' last='Eyafe'] (2024 - DB/WR. 6'3, 195 lbs.) - One of the bigger corners I've seen covering football for PRzMN, Eyafe was a DOG! Shadowed Minnesota Gophers WR [player_tooltip player_id='368532' first='Jalen' last='Smith'] all night and basically shut him down, used his length and size to his advantage in press, showed out as a WR, and was a physical tackler to boot. He can change direction well at his size and is a huge asset for a prep DB room. One of the best players and performances I saw all evening from both sides. </li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='945922' first='Kaleb' last='Weikel'] (2025 - LB. 6'2, 215 lbs.) - A must-know name in the 2025 class of recruiting, Weikel was great in run support and had a productive night in the tackling department last Friday. Reads his keys well, finds gaps in the LOS and beats blockers to the hole and contact point, sees the field well, and is a brickwall once he gets his pads on ball carriers. Also a tough kid who played through some pain last Friday. He was everything I wanted to see from him from a recruiting perspective. The ability to diagnose, react, and trigger on the ball was especially impressive. </li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='992967' first='Ben' last='Peterson'] (2024 - LB. 6'3, 220 lbs.) - Passed the eye test with flying colors and was a hulking 6'3, 220 lbs. that opponents did not want any smoke with on the evening. Loose hips at his size helped him drop into passing lanes, and he was an effective blitzer who found paydirt on a couple blitzes as well. I would not want to be hit by this kid. Three-down 'backer who had a good showing on his home turf. </li>   <li>D'Mario Davenport (2024 - RB. 5'8, 160 lbs.) - I did not have Davenport on my radar coming into the ball game but he left firmly planted on my 2024 tracking. The crowd would hold their collective breath when he'd get the rock, as he his burst was impressive and dangerous, he was sudden in his cuts and general elusiveness, had a knack for making defenders miss, and could catch the ball out of the backfield. Exciting offensive weapon who could pop off big gains for his offense and capture momentum when needed. </li>   <li>Luke Beck (2024. - LB. 6'2, 220 lbs.) - Well built LB prospect who could rush the passer, tackle well in space, and cover ground from his LB position. What a LB corps the Huskies have this fall. </li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1204492' first='Tramaine' last='Davis'] (2025. - DL. 6', 240 lbs.) - The DT played with good consistent pad level, used his hands well to disengage from blocks, was strong enough to finish tackles through contact, and laid one of the hardest hits of the night from his iDL spot. Tough, strong kid and a hard hitter when he puts the pads on opponents. </li> </ul>   Mankato West MVPs   <ul> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='743247' first='Brody' last='Koberoski'] (2024 - WR/DB. 6'1, 190 lbs.) - Committed to Augustana University shortly before the game and you can see why he's a top-tier NSIC commit. Good build, solid length, two-way versatility, and a natural playmaker who wants the ball in his hands as much as possible. Showed off great body control on his TD catch, as well as powerful and effective cuts, and also laid a crushing block out on the perimeter that got him hyped and rattled the poor DB on the receiving end. Standout athlete with a great playstyle and demeanor on him. </li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='246028' first='Bart' last='McAninch'] (2024 - QB. 6'1, 205 lbs.) - Thick and powerful QB prospect who can sling the rock all over the field with great effect. I mentioned most of his plusses and strengths above, but McAninch's arm strength, accuracy, decision-making, ball security, and collected demeanor spell out good things for MW this fall and McAninch's future in the heavyweight NSIC. When he can't beat you with his arm, he's a tough and natural ball carrier with his legs as well, with the speed to finish long runs and the power to enforce his will at the contact point as well. Balanced, dynamic, and a confident gunslinger who is a heckuva collegiate prospect. </li>   <li>Calvin O'Connor (2024 - DB. 6'3, 190 lbs.) - Lots of room to fill in on his eye-catching 6'3, 190 lb. frame, and was one of the best tacklers I saw all night in Andover. Comfortable and effective against shifty and explosive ball carriers for Andover, O'Connor closes and uses consistent technique to shut down ball carriers as soon as he gets ahold of them. Really strong in space and could turn into a beast in a college strength and conditioning program. </li>   <li>Frankie McAninch (2025 - LB. 6', 200 lbs.) The younger McAninch was another comfortable and effective open field tackler and also did a great job of defeating and eating blocks between the tackles as a front-seven defender. Tough kid, uses his strengths well (you can tell he's a wrestler), and made some clutch tackles in the open field for his defense throughout the night. Plays much bigger than his size would suggest. </li>   <li>Camden Ellwein (2024. - DL. 6'1, 235 lbs.) Provided a ton of juice for his DL throughout the night and started banging off some really clutch sacks in the second half of the ball game for his surging defense. Low center of gravity, strong anchor, and used his hands well in pass rushing settings. Could make the play when he put himself in the position as well. I like his build for the DL and having the pass rush prowess is a huge plus in his recruiting stock. Loved how he celebrated his good plays as well. It got the defense hyped. </li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='945933' first='Denim' last='Blackstad'] (2025 - DL. 6'3, 225 lbs.) - Can't say enough about Blackstad's work rate, production, toughness, and skills in both the run and pass game from last Friday night. Slippery off blocks, has a solid repertoire of moves to defeat blocking attempts, uses counters well, and has a heckuva get-off that helps him win reps from the snap. Great motor, seeks and destroys the ball well, and found consistent penetration all. night. long. Combined with his size, he's a very promising DE prospect to the next level. He's going to have a monster junior season despite garnering most of the attention from opposing offensive linemen. </li> </ul>

I said it last week in my game recap and recruiting spotlight on Chan vs. Elk River, but it's a helluva year in Class 5A, and that fact was reinforced last Friday after watching Andover take on Mankato West. It was yet another gorgeous Friday night in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and Husky Stadium was packed to the brim with Andover's faithful, who were hyped and hungry to watch their home team take on the defending Class 5A state runner-ups as the Scarlets made the hour and forty-five-minute trip northeast up highway 169 to take on a heavyweight competitor in their classification of competition. And what a game it was! Both teams were primed and prepared for not only the matchup but a deep run at the 5A state title, and possessed depth, top-end talent, size, and playmakers in all three phases of the game. After four quarters of hard-fought, balls-to-the-wall, big-play action, the visitors made their road trip worthwhile and left Andover victorious: 35 - 21. It was a heckuva game, and to get a recruiting-focused recap and learn the top performers, just keep scrolling. What a year it is in Class 5A!