Week 8 Recap & Recruiting Roundup: Maple Grove vs. Minnetonka

A beautiful weekday afternoon of MEA break, a Top-10 6A big-school showdown, playoff seeding implications on the line, possible FBS talent on both teams, what more could you ask for? Last Thursday's matchup between the Maple Grove Crimson and Minnetonka Skippers saw two of Minnesota's traditional powerhouses come together for what was a thrilling, explosive, and physical big school matchup that ended the regular season in outstanding fashion. Surrounded by a loud and vivacious band, a packed home bleacher, and a perfect fall afternoon in our Great State of Minnesota, the two sides did battle for 48 minutes of pad-thumping, big play, and talent-rich action that sent the regular season into the past and ignited new hopes and worries for the future sectional battles. It was quite a game, and lucky for our lovely readers, PrepRedzoneMN has the biggest moments and best players highlighted for you in this recap and recruiting-focused rundown. What a game and what a week it was!   --   Game Recap   The game opened in my favorite possible style: a giant hit. With Minnetonka receiving the opening kickoff, stud 2025 LB and prospect [player_tooltip player_id='641131' first='Dylan' last='Hudgens'] took his upback role seriously and absolutely crushed a Maple Grove kickoff coverer that got me fired up right at the start of the game. Things took a while to heat up, though, and 'Tonka's opening drive, which started off strongly on the legs of a Lucas Knox carry, fizzled out from two flags. However, 'Tonka went for a fake punt, and despite the solid execution, Maple Grove's defense swallowed it up and turned the Skippers over on downs. The two squads then traded punts throughout the first quarter, after the first 12 minutes expired we stood at a 0-0 ball game despite the efforts from the aforementioned Knox, stud MG athlete Dylan Vokal, and the Crimson's sophomore QB [player_tooltip player_id='489731' first='Kaden' last='Harney']. It's also worth mentioning that this game was arguably the most fumble-ridden contest I've seen in quite some time, and things got going early, as both teams put the ball on the ground in the first, a theme that would continue throughout the ball game.   Another standout sophomore got the scoring going early into the 2nd, as a Maple Grove offensive drive led by 2026 6'1, 205 lb. LB/TE [player_tooltip player_id='592225' first='Ryder' last='Skanson'] found paydirt with 10:08 left in the half. He had a key reception and some impressive broken tackles earlier in the drive, so it was only right he ended up finishing the drive himself. However, the PAT was missed, so the score stood at 6-0 early in the 2nd. Things began to pick up after this. 'Tonka threw an interception their following drive that was picked off by another standout MG sophomore in CB [player_tooltip player_id='592132' first='Brayden' last='Dozier'], and after that a big hit and forced fumble by Tonka's defensive line gave the ball right back to the Skippers. This gave the away team the momentum they needed to find the endzone, and junior RB/WR Chase Conrad used his slipperiness and vision to get the ball down to the 1, where he punched it in the next play. However, Dozier blocked the PAT, and we stood at a 6-6 contest with 7:07 left in the half. The rest of the half consisted of punts, fumbles, huge hits (hello again, [player_tooltip player_id='641131' first='Dylan' last='Hudgens']), and flags, and as the first half of the ball game ticked off the clock we saw the ball game knotted up at 6-6.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TonkaFB/status/1715074122911187013 </div></figure>   The second half was even more filled with action than the first, however, it wasn't the kind of action you wanted to see if you were a Minnetonka fan. Maple Grove came out of the half swinging for the fences, as the Crimson made an excellent offensive play call on the first play of the third quarter and executed a halfback pass to perfection after do-it-all athlete [player_tooltip player_id='586119' first='Dylan' last='Vokal'] found a streaking Henry Stang wide open downfield for the first points of the new half. 13-6 Maple Grove with 11:50 left in the ball game. 'Tonka then fumbled it back to the Crimson, who fumbled it back to 'Tonka after nearly finding the endzone on a Vokal run that split the Skippers' defense open, but Maple Grove found a way to overcome. With Minnetonka set to punt the ball back to MG, stud 2025 DE [player_tooltip player_id='641221' first='Sam' last='Hanson'] blocked the punt, which was recovered by the Crimson at Tonka's 35 and with momentum behind their sails. This is when I got to witness the best call I've seen all 2023, as Maple Grove once again called a halfback pass that was once again executed perfectly by Vokal to Stang, and before I knew it, Stang and the Crimson had their second TD of the 3rd quarter. 20-6 Maple Grove with 7:30 left in the 3rd.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Crimsonfootball/status/1715088287512113160 </div></figure>   The two sides traded punts for the rest of the 3rd, and the opening of the 4th saw Minnetonka amid a balanced and effective offensive drive led by QB [player_tooltip player_id='591990' first='Caleb' last='Francois'], WR [player_tooltip player_id='245323' first='Joran' last='Thomsen'], and RB Lucas Knox, all of whom played a big role in moving the chains and keeping their squad in the ball game. Eventually, WR William Hairston took an end around to the edge of the Crimson before bursting loose and finding daylight, but an incredibly impressive chase-down tackle by safety Vokal saved the home team from allowing a TD, for now. RB Lucas Knox ended up finding the endzone a few plays later on a one-yard run, and Tonka was back in the ball game with 10 minutes left.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TonkaFB/status/1715092476099186824 </div></figure>   Maple Grove received the kickoff and Vokal nearly took the ball to the house, but MG's fumble issues continued and they coughed it up to the Skippers with 9:39 left and in Minnetonka territory. However, once again, Maple Grove's defense stepped up to the plate, and they forced a turnover on downs totake some wind out of the Minnetonka sails. QB Harney found junior Bo Draheim for a late TD that saw big #7 rumble & stumble over some would-be tacklers for six, and that was effectively the ball game. The second half went the way of the Crimson, and for their efforts, the defending 6A state champs finished on top with a 27-13 victory over one of the state's best 2023 teams in the Minnetonka Skippers.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Crimsonfootball/status/1715095606878703852 </div></figure>   MVPs and Standouts   Maple Grove   MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='586119' first='Dylan' last='Vokal'] - 2025. S/WR/RB/Returner.   I didn't think I could get more impressed with Maple Grove's 2025 superstar [player_tooltip player_id='586119' first='Dylan' last='Vokal'], but after seeing him for a full four quarters I came away confident and validated in my thought that Vokal is an FBS prospect. The kid could and will do it all. Passes the eye test as a safety, plays with a ton of range and can cover the whole field in pass and run support. Diagnoses passing concepts quickly, shows off ball skills, is an excellent tackler, explosive as a returner, and is a confident and tough ball carrier who had to step in at RB after pregame warmups for his Maple Grove offense. The testing numbers we have on Vokal back up the athleticism and playmaking ability he demonstrates on the gridiron, and he a great combination of consistent, productive, and physical. I loved watching him play and can't believe he's just a junior. What a day, what a season, and what a prospect Vokal is.   Other Standouts:   [player_tooltip player_id='489731' first='Kaden' last='Harney'] - 2026. QB. 6'3, 180 lbs.   In his first year at the helm of the Crimson's varsity offense, Harney is showing a lot of good stuff for his age. He flashed a big arm that could hit more difficult throws around the gridiron, was accurate to all levels of the field, and is a big kid who stands tall in the pocket and was consistent in his mechanics. Also a good punter who could flip the field and get the Crimson out of danger when needed. Did force some throws throughout the day of action, but when he was calm, cool, and collected, he had the arm talent and poise to move the chains on any defense in the state. One of the early leaders in the budding 2026 MN QB race.   [player_tooltip player_id='641221' first='Sam' last='Hanson'] - 2025. DE. 6'2, 220 lbs.   Hanson rightly warranted a ton of attention from the Minnetonka blockers and OL last week, but despite the constant double teams he still had the juice to make things happen. Recorded a clutch punt block and some much-needed TFLs throughout the day, and used his combination of strength, quickness, and technique to evade would-be blockers in the run game. Did a solid job of holding the edge throughout the ball game as well. Was easily the best defensive linemen between the two teams in last week's contest.   [player_tooltip player_id='1060719' first='Ethan' last='Berry'] - 2025. DL. 6'1, 205 lbs.   With a ton of attention paid to fellow 2025 DL [player_tooltip player_id='641221' first='Sam' last='Hanson'], 6'1, 205 lber. [player_tooltip player_id='1060719' first='Ethan' last='Berry'] went to work and made the most of his opportunities. Was effective and consistent at shedding blocks, used his hands well, played with a good pad level, and closed quickly. He'll make the play when given the opportunity and isn't shy nor scared of taking on larger OL in the trenches. He made some big plays for his defense throughout the afternoon.   [player_tooltip player_id='592132' first='Brayden' last='Dozier'] - 2026. CB. 6', 150 lbs.   Had his best game of the season last week. Sticky in coverage, Dozier possesses the speed to stay on top of streaking wideouts and waited right until he was in the hip pocket of the receiver to get his head back around and make a play on the ball. His plus-length was also a benefit, and he showed off ball skills and soft hands that helped him pick off the 'Tonka QB when the opportunity presented itself. Also got out of his breaks well and did a good job of staying with the receivers when a play broke down and wideouts were improvising. I don't like focusing on negatives, but I can't lie, Dozier was far from motivated in run support. I definitely didn't love that, and it's something he's going to have to mentally get over if he wants to be the best collegiate CB prospect possible. The coverage skills look good, though.   [player_tooltip player_id='490031' first='Nathan' last='Hromadka'] - 2025. TE. 6'6, 220 lbs.   The biggest eye-catcher of the two squads last Thursday was easily junior TE [player_tooltip player_id='490031' first='Nathan' last='Hromadka'], and he had the skills to back up the size. I was most excited to check out big #8 going into the game and he didn't disappoint. A beast of a blocker at the edge of the Crimson's LOS, Hromadka was more than able to blanket defensive linemen and win 1-on-1 assignments as an inline TE, and I was also impressed by how he could work to the second level to reach LBs and safeties. He was just as effective in space as he was at the LOS, and additionally, Hromadka seemed to be open every single passing play he was a part of. I really wish MG could have gotten him the ball, I was stoked to see him with the ball in-hand. I still think he's a high-ceiling, P5-worthy TE prospect, especially in this evolving recruiting world where TEs are basically XL wide receivers and blocking occasionally takes a backseat to pass-catching prowess.   Henry Stang - 2024. DB. 6', 180 lbs.   Stang was very much in the running for MVP honors after his performance against Minnetonka. For all four quarters, Stang was all over the field. Dynamic, instinctive, physical, and tough, Stang forced a PBU with arguably the biggest hittest of the afternoon on an attempted Minnetonka pass, made tackles from sideline to sideline in both the run and pass game, and could sniff out the Skippers offensive plans right as they developed. With his exceptional nose for the football, Stang also brought the juice to the offensive side, and was a tough and quick ball carrier who also netted his squad positive yardage. Plus, he had the two TD catches for what were the biggest plays of the game. You don't find kids that versatile and instinctive very often. Great to watch and great showing last Thursday.   Cedric Buchholz - 2024. OLB. 5'11, 170 lbs.   Played and punched well above his weight class. Tough in the box as a run defender, Buchholz was great at shocking & shedding blocking attempts and was a standout tackler who could bring down ball carriers in space or through contact. Was a key cog in the Crimson's gritty defense last Thursday and all season.   [player_tooltip player_id='363115' first='Jacob' last='Wrbanek'] - 2025. 6'3, 220 lbs.   Great size and knew how to use it. Wrbanek is creating his own recruiting momentum and has stayed busy on the trail since the summer, and the interest is for good reason. Wrbanek is strong at the point of attack, does a great job of diagnosing, reading/reacting, and triggering on the football with speed and intent. He had sideline-to-sideline range and effort, had a knack for forcing the football loose, and was a solid tackler as well. Given the size and instincts, it's easy to see why he's gaining some steam as a college LB prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='592225' first='Ryder' last='Skanson'] - 2026. TE/DE/LB. 6'1, 205 lbs.   Another must-know 2026 for MG, Skanson was a tough, hard-nosed, versatile, and gritty contributor who did the dirty work for the Crimson and did it well. Tough and physical blocker, good tackler, soft hands, and overall dynamic. If he can keep putting on weight and strength he's going to be one of the least-fun-to-deal-with blockers in all of 6A. Brother was a beast too.   Minnetonka   MVP: Lucas Knox - 2024. RB. 5'9, 170 lbs.   Minnetonka RB Knox had a good day on the ground for his Skippers despite the loss. Good vision, standout contact balance, tough, and soft hands were my favorite qualities of the senior, and he could be counted on all day for Minnetonka against a more-than-stout Crimson run defense. He'll make a college RB coach very happy if he wants to play college football.   Other Standouts:   [player_tooltip player_id='641131' first='Dylan' last='Hudgens'] - 2025. LB. 6'2, 215 lbs.   The hardest hitter of the day is also one of the state's top LBs, regardless of graduating class. Hudgens was a force at the contact point. I saw him blow up more than a few blocking attempts throughout the afternoon and leave some linemen, TEs, and HBs on their butts once he got done with them. Did a great job of reading his keys and finding the football, showed solid closing speed, and was exceptionally physical at the point of attack. Big kid, no-doubt leader of the Skippers defense, and was productive all afternoon long.   [player_tooltip player_id='1204083' first='Aidan' last='Becker'] - 2025. DL. 6'2, 220 lbs.   Was great against the run. Used his hands well to get off blocks, disruptive around the LOS, and a solid tackler when given the opportunity to make a play. Showed up throughout the afternoon along the Skippers' DL.   Chase Conrad - 2025. RB/WR. 6', 180 lbs.   The second half of the two-headed rushing attack for Minnetonka last Thursday, Conrad was a nice change of pace for Minnetonka's offense and was a tough runner with burst and physicality. I was especially impressed with his work in pass-pro from the RB spot, and he did a lot of the gritty, underlying, important tasks for his offense. Did them well too.   [player_tooltip player_id='591990' first='Caleb' last='Francois'] - 2026. QB. 6', 160 lbs.   Only a sophomore, Francois was a heckuva athlete who dropped some dimes in the passing game for his Skippers, particularly in the opening quarters of the ball game. He was also a super slippery runner with quickness and suddenness as a ball carrier and was a big-time asset with his legs. When he got under pressure, he did force the football into unnecessary windows and situations, but he's a young buck and has time to figure things out. Really solid athlete at the position.   [player_tooltip player_id='242383' first='Tobias' last='Williams'] - 2024. CB. 6', 175 lbs.   Undoubtedly the fastest player on the field, Williams was a pleasant surprise in terms of physicality. He laid some big hits in both and run and pass support, and did a good job in coverage as well. No one is beating this kid over the top.   [player_tooltip player_id='1202015' first='Malachi' last='Boadi']-Aboagye - 2025. LB/DB. 6'1, 200 lbs.   Big hitter, plus length, and great off the edge as a standup OLB. Excelled in contact, used his length and hands to his advantage, and productive in run support.   [player_tooltip player_id='241907' first='Luke' last='Speedling'] - 2024. OL. 6'4, 260 lbs.   My favorite lineman to watch on the day. It's no surprise that Speedling has a ton of NSIC offers, as he's a mauler at the point of attack with good feet and an impressive pass set. Good pad level, heavy hands, balanced, and showed some mobility as well. Had a good day against some tough Maple Grove defensive linemen.   [player_tooltip player_id='128810' first='Keagan' last='Zabilla'] - 2024. Specialist. 6'1, 185 lbs.   Booted the ball great all afternoon. Flipped the field, was cool under pressure, and stuck to his technique. Got his offense out of tight spots on multiple occasions.

A beautiful weekday afternoon of MEA break, a Top-10 6A big-school showdown, playoff seeding implications on the line, possible FBS talent on both teams, what more could you ask for? Last Thursday's matchup between the Maple Grove Crimson and Minnetonka Skippers saw two of Minnesota's traditional powerhouses come together for what was a thrilling, explosive, and physical big school matchup that ended the regular season in outstanding fashion. Surrounded by a loud and vivacious band, a packed home bleacher, and a perfect fall afternoon in our Great State of Minnesota, the two sides did battle for 48 minutes of pad-thumping, big play, and talent-rich action that sent the regular season into the past and ignited new hopes and worries for the future sectional battles. It was quite a game, and lucky for our lovely readers, PrepRedzoneMN has the biggest moments and best players highlighted for you in this recap and recruiting-focused rundown. What a game and what a week it was!