Maple Grove vs. Minnetonka: Recap and Top Performers

PrepRedzoneMN was grateful to once again be at one of - if not the single best - football game of the week. During Minnesota's Week 8 MEA game slate, #1 Maple Grove traveled to #3 ranked Minnetonka for what was a heckuva football game and a way to end the 2024 regular season. This had the makings of a thriller and absolutely lived up to the hype. Two of the best OLs in the state, Maple Grove's former HC now at Minnetonka and holding the DC spot, a boatload of D1 and scholarship talent on both sides of the ball for both teams and a packed stadium on a beautiful Thursday afternoon in the western suburbs of Minneapolis. Back-and-forth scoreline, splash plays in all three phases of the ball game, and 6A seedings all on the line, this game had it all! Check out the Game Recap and Top Performers below and only on PrepRedzoneMN!   --   Game Recap   This game, like many I've seen in 2024, began with a fantastic opening drive by the receiving team. The home team Skippers received the opening kick of the ball game and immediately went to work like they have been all season. Behind a monster OL, a two-headed power rushing attack of [player_tooltip player_id='591990' first='Caleb' last='Francois'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1162022' first='Chase' last='Conrad'], and some occasional sprinkles of [player_tooltip player_id='362301' first='Vinny' last='May'] explosiveness, Minnetonka took nearly eight minutes off the clock as they drove all the way down the field and into the endzone after star QB Francois ran over a Crimson DB for six. 7-0 Minnetonka just like that! Maple Grove looked to assert themselves the following possession, driving down to Minnetonka's 7-yard line after a failed pooch kick by Tonka put the Crimson at inside the 50, and junior gunslinger [player_tooltip player_id='489731' first='Kaden' last='Harney'] found junior WR [player_tooltip player_id='402073' first='James' last='Engle'] on a wheel route to get the away team knocking at the door. However, the Skippers D held strong, stuffing Maple Grove four straight downs in the redzone to take the ball back, right as the first quarter was ending. 7-0 Skippers after one.   The Francois-led Skippers offense was humming, and the 2026 breakout star's arm was looking lively too. Francois hit 6'3, 205 lb. 2026 WR/TE Noah Baerenwald for a big gain to Maple Grove's 31, followed by a huge pitch & catch to WR May for a 70+ yard TD up the home team's sideline. Early in the 2nd, Minnetonka looked firmly in control and in command of this big-time 6A showdown. However, we had a lot of ball game left, but Maple Grove needed someone to make a play and a little bit of momentum. Enter NDSU commit [player_tooltip player_id='586119' first='Dylan' last='Vokal'], one of my favorite players I've scouted in my now five years at NFN/PrepRedzoneMN, who took the ensuing kickoff to the Crimson's 39-yard line, running over the kicker to finish the play off. Despite not being the game's longest play, it may have been the most important. It got the crowd on its feet and gave Maple Grove some life, igniting the #1 ranked 6A Crimson for the rest of the game. Sadly, a comeback didn't come that same drive, as Tonka again forced a punt, setting up a tough punt that only landed at Tonka's 45. Maple Grove's defense began to play with some energy, turning the Skippers over on downs after a fumbled snap led to a crazy scramble by Francois, who ended up getting the ball off and nearly completed before DB [player_tooltip player_id='1204368' first='Jack' last='Weigel'] broke the pass up. The Crimson had a fire lit under their rear ends now, and used junior RB Patrick Wright, as well as the legs of Harney, to power into Tonka territory. However, MG faced a 4th and 4 from the 4-yard line, where Vokal ran a beautiful back-shoulder zip fade that Harney put on the money right in the front corner of the end zone. 14-7 Skippers with 1:34 in the half. This is where things got fun. Maple Grove executed a fantastic pooch kid, landing right in a pocket between Minnetonka's return men and bouncing back into the waiting hands of NDSU LB commit [player_tooltip player_id='363115' first='Jacob' last='Wrbanek']. It was thrilling, and the Crimson were really rocking now. Just like that, Vokal ran another beautiful route, Harney put another throw on the money, and we had a tied ball at 14-14. What a half it was!   Maple Grove received the second-half kickoff and immediately went 3 and out, stifling a comeback attempt out of the gates. The Skippers reasserted control on their following drive, powering back down the field and converting a 4th and 4 at MG's 29 with a big catch by [player_tooltip player_id='362301' first='Vinny' last='May']. However, the Crimson emphasized a "bend but don't break mentality" holding Minnetonka out of the endzone on a 4th and 4 from the 4, where LBs [player_tooltip player_id='592225' first='Ryder' last='Skanson'] (2026, 6'2, 220) and Cornell University commit [player_tooltip player_id='1120518' first='Bo' last='Draheim'] (2025, 6'2, 225) doubling up to turn the ball over on downs. Maple Grove used a big gain from Harney to Draheim down the seam, and from 42 yards out, [player_tooltip player_id='586119' first='Dylan' last='Vokal'] struck again. On an effective flood concept, space was cleared out for a streaking Vokal, who caught the rock and burst upfield down his sideline to go untouched for six. Just like that 21-14 Maple Grove with 2:35 left in the game. Minnetonka faced a 3rd and 2 as the 3rd quarter ticked away.   <a href="https://twitter.com/Crimsonfootball/status/1846996924089749616">https://twitter.com/Crimsonfootball/status/1846996924089749616</a>   Francois once again found May to move the chains, this time on a 4th and 5, and Francois finished the drive off himself a few plays later on a TD run to the corner of the endzone. 21-21 with 9:54 left in the game, and everyone in the building knew we were bound for more fireworks. Minnetonka got the ball back after ball-hawking safety [player_tooltip player_id='1202015' first='Malachi' last='Boadi']-Aboagye picked off a Harney pass into double coverage on a 3rd and 20 from inside Tonka's territory. However, things got really wonky, as Tonka faced a 3rd and 4 right outside of their endzone, but a fumbled snap, forced by DB Gavin Elmquist, was recovered by Draheim in the endzone and Maple Grove was up 28-21 with 7:14 left. After this, Tonka looked to rebound, but their following drive ended on a great INT by senior [player_tooltip player_id='1204368' first='Jack' last='Weigel'], which led to a 38-yard FG by Henry Sievers, and the ensuing drive after that picked off as well after [player_tooltip player_id='592132' first='Brayden' last='Dozier'] tipped the ball to Beaux Thyen. Maple Grove was able to run the clock out and secure a Top 3 win on the road. What a game!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/WillHallKARE11/status/1847028060425433230 </div></figure>   Top Performers   Game MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='586119' first='Dylan' last='Vokal'] (Maple Grove) Senior. WR/DB. 6'2, 200 lbs.   Every time I am lucky enough to see NDSU commit [player_tooltip player_id='586119' first='Dylan' last='Vokal'] live and in person, he shines and balls out in a new way. Vokal was the sparkplug, consistent playmaker, and overall best player on the field on Thursday afternoon. His second-quarter kick return was a massive kickstart for his Crimson squad, and his route running was on full display in his three-TD catch performance yesterday. I've seen him pop off big returns before, but the route running was what really stood in yesterday's game, and his overall skillset, as he was polished, sudden, and unguardable at times. Long arms, quick out of his breaks, big target, instinctive, and strong hands, Vokal was especially deadly in the redzone but showed off his ability to shred opponents in space and after the catch as well. The three-phase contributor was also, as always, a physical and rangy presence from his safety spot. Vokal is always in the right position, keeps everything in front of him, is aggressive in both run and pass defense, and both oh boy can he lay the lumber. The 200 lber. looked like he was shot out of a cannon on a couple of downhill collisions cleaning up Minnetonka ball carriers, and never let his foot off the gas through four quarters. One of the best all-around football players I've seen in my time with PrepRedzone.   Maple Grove   [player_tooltip player_id='489731' first='Kaden' last='Harney'] - 2026. QB. 6'3, 180 lbs.   Another great showing by Maple Grove's standout signal-caller on Thursday afternoon. Harney was in command of his offense, especially his passing attack, and made some big-time throws to help keep the chains moving. Harney's got a great frame that can add weight, and his timing and accuracy were consistent, he was able to get through his reads and saw the field well, and showed some noticeable ball placement on a couple of throws as well. He did force a throw on the INT, but in general, I like how secure he is with the football. Harney had a couple good reps of him extending plays with his legs and keeping his eyes downfield, but instead of trying to force something, he tucked the ball and ran, picking up some key first downs and even forcing a flag on a late hit as well.   Patrick Wright - 2026. RB. 5'11, 185 lbs.   One of the breakout stars of Maple Grove's 2024 season, Wright stepped in at RB for the injured Chuck Langama and had a good day running the rock against a stingy, physical Minnetonka defense, finishing the day with 18 carries for 90 yards. Wright is a strong kid with good contact balance, solid vision, and some quick cuts, and picked up hard-earned yardage in big situations for his offense. Broke some solid tackles and ran hard, getting better as the game wore on. Good athlete with a strong upperclassman campaign both behind and in front of him.   [player_tooltip player_id='402073' first='James' last='Engle'] - 2026. WR/RB. 5'9, 175 lbs.   A versatile and explosive RB and WR, Engle popped off some big receptions throughout the evening and really utilized his speed as a route runner. Can burn ya deep and has some solid ball skills as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='592225' first='Ryder' last='Skanson'] - 2026. LB. 6'2, 210 lbs.   Junior LB standout Skanson was everywhere on Thursday afternoon. Great nose for the football, strong who can eat, shock, and shed blocking attempts from interior linemen, and is a physical tackler. Did a good job of shooting gaps around the LOS and created penetration at key moments in the ball game. Helped stop a 4th and 3 and had some big-time 1v1 tackles.   [player_tooltip player_id='641221' first='Sam' last='Hanson'] - 2025. DE. 6'2, 220 lbs.   Experienced DE Hanson was able to support the run and defeat blocks throughout the four quarters of the ball game. Also picked up his pass rushing throughout the game. Had a huge pressure on Francois where he chased him down from the backside of the LOS and showed off some noticeable closing speed. Tons of varsity reps over his career.   [player_tooltip player_id='1120518' first='Bo' last='Draheim'] - 2025. LB. 6'1, 215 lbs.   Cornell University LB commit Draheim is heading to the Ivy League next season but is looking to make his mark as a senior with his Crimson. He played like it was his last year of football, and was a monster both between the tackles and out in space. Also stepped in at HB/TE and laid some serious wood as a blocker. Draheim is always around the football, reads his keys and processes quickly, and is a powerful kid who thrives in contact-heavy games. Love his makeup, versatility, and physicality. Big Red got a good one.   [player_tooltip player_id='1206996' first='Kevin' last='Toe'] - 2025. DT. 6'1, 205 lbs.   Not your typical defensive tackle, especially in the size department, but senior [player_tooltip player_id='1206996' first='Kevin' last='Toe'] has some serious metal to play 3T or true nose in Minnesota 6A football, and Toe fits the bill. Strong legs, good length in his arms, and can really run. Does a good job of not getting tied up and can pursue and run ball carriers down out on the edge. I kept waiting for him to get physically overwhelmed and it didn't happen, and that's against a heckuva OL in the Minnetonka Skippers. Could be a sleeper of a DL prospect for a DIII or NAIA squad.   Maple Grove OL: [player_tooltip player_id='362276' first='Michael' last='Wagner'] (6'5, 260), [player_tooltip player_id='743255' first='Dylan' last='South'] (6'1, 215), Landon Albeck (5'11, 240) [player_tooltip player_id='551332' first='Carson' last='Lund'] (6'2, 250) and [player_tooltip player_id='1255885' first='Matthew' last='Perusse'] (6'3, 250 lbs.)   In contention for the best OL in the Great State of Minnesota, the Crimson's OL crew put in some serious work against a big, strong, and aggressive Minnetonka defense, going for 4.6 YPC on the ground and not giving up a sack (I think). Big, strong, and cohesive, these kids have played a lot of football together and are anchored by two D1 tackles on the outside in North Dakota 2025 OT commit [player_tooltip player_id='362276' first='Michael' last='Wagner'] and 2026er [player_tooltip player_id='1255885' first='Matthew' last='Perusse']. These five can pull off just about any blocking scheme asked of them, bring a physical edge whistle to whistle, and are consistent in their technique and discipline. Maple Grove's success begins with its OL for a reason.   [player_tooltip player_id='363115' first='Jacob' last='Wrbanek'] - 2025. LB. 6'3, 215 lbs.   NDSU PWO LB commit is the the leader and spearhead of the Maple Grove defense, and especially their front seven. Communicative, can beat blocks with either quickness or power, and has really stepped it up in his strength as a tackler. Can pursue out to the edge as well.   Beaux Thyen - 2026. OLB. 5'10, 175 lbs.   Sneaky good day for the Crimson's OLB, who was all around the football and showed some great 1v1 tackling ability against hard-running Minnetonka ball carriers. Also picked off a pass at the end of the game thanks to his positioning, and was active, physical, and closed quickly. I bet Theyen was sore this morning.   Minnetonka   [player_tooltip player_id='362301' first='Vinny' last='May'] - 2025. WR. 5'8, 165 lbs.   Great day for the explosive slot receiver May. Popped off Minnetonka's biggest gain of the day in his 70-yard untouched TD reception, and did a good job of creating separation and getting open in key moments of the game for the Skippers. Reliable, quick, and brings some explosiveness as a deep threat and returner, this kid should be playing college ball somewhere next year. Hard to find consistent, Big School playmakers like this.   [player_tooltip player_id='591990' first='Caleb' last='Francois'] - 2026. QB. 6'1, 190 lbs.   Yet another Game MVP showing for Minnetonka's stock-rising 2026 QB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='591990' first='Caleb' last='Francois'], who continues to impress me each and every time I see him. Such a smooth, powerful ball carrier who easily glides upfield and through solid tackle attempts like a jog at the park. Great contact balance for his size, fluid change of direction and mover, and is a North-South kid who also has the speed to take the corner on you. It seems like he enjoys and seeks out contact sometimes - which I love - and slips off tackle attempts with ease. I also got to see Francois sling the ball around a little bit yesterday, which was a nice change of pace. He showed some good zip on his passes, and can obviously extend plays thanks to his athleticism and elusiveness. Such a tough, productive, and fun-to-watch athlete. This dude doesn't quit.   [player_tooltip player_id='362280' first='Caleb' last='Taylor'] - 2025. DT. 6', 240 lbs.   Another shoutout game performance for Taylor, who had a good day in the middle of the defensive line for Tonka. Strong, active hands, great base, and can shed blocks and produce against big-time Metro offensive lines. I saw Taylor make some good plays out on the edge during the day as well. I think someone needs to pick this kid up in their 2025 class.   Sterling Bain - 2025. CB. 5'11, 185 lbs.   Had a couple of good reps in coverage and showed he could stay sticky and maintain phase on high-quality receivers. Good ball skills, uses technique to his advantage, and is an athletic kid who has flashed in a couple different exposure points I've had on the Skippers CB.   [player_tooltip player_id='1202015' first='Malachi' last='Boadi']-Aboagye - 2025. Safety. 6'2, 205 lbs.   Another ballhawking showing from the St. Thomas commit, who made a great read on the football to pick an errant Maple Grove pass off deep in his own territory. Coverage instincts are more than present, and I saw him come downhill and make some strong 1v1 tackles as well. Length, athleticism, and instincts are a fun mix. St. Thomas got a good one!   Noah Baerenwald - 2026. WR/TE. 6'3, 205 lbs.   Big-bodied pass-catcher who generally aligned as a TE or HB in Tonka's 12 and 13 heavy personnel packages. Strong kid, long arms, great frame to continue adding weight, willing blocker, and showed he could get open in the second level of the field and move the chains. TEs are such a useful offensive tool and Baerenwald showed he could bring that production to Minnetonka's passing attack.   Minnetonka OL: [player_tooltip player_id='1204083' first='Aidan' last='Becker'] (6'2, 240), Kingston Hamblin (6'4, 285), [player_tooltip player_id='1602687' first='Aiden' last='Zapzalka'] (6', 260), [player_tooltip player_id='1204390' first='Cason' last='Copley'] (6'4, 260), Griffin Moore (6'4, 280)   Another choice for the top OL in the state, Minnetonka's fearsome fivesome was once again legit live and in person. Powerful at the point of attack yet also mobile, they consistently create gaps and holes for their offense, which is predicated on the offensive line's success. I love watching these dudes work, and with a good mix of seniors and juniors, there's a lot to be excited about in their present as well as future.

PrepRedzoneMN was grateful to once again be at one of - if not the single best - football game of the week. During Minnesota's Week 8 MEA game slate, #1 Maple Grove traveled to #3 ranked Minnetonka for what was a heckuva football game and a way to end the 2024 regular season. This had the makings of a thriller and absolutely lived up to the hype. Two of the best OLs in the state, Maple Grove's former HC now at Minnetonka and holding the DC spot, a boatload of D1 and scholarship talent on both sides of the ball for both teams and a packed stadium on a beautiful Thursday afternoon in the western suburbs of Minneapolis. Back-and-forth scoreline, splash plays in all three phases of the ball game, and 6A seedings all on the line, this game had it all! Check out the Game Recap and Top Performers below and only on PrepRedzoneMN!