Jackson County Central vs. Central: Recap & Top Performers

Friday night, I was fortunate to represent PrepRedzoneMN in an excellent AA showdown between two of star-studded programs with some of the best high-end talent in the Minnesota small school ranks. These are two teams I was itching to see during the 2024 season, and thanks to the neutral site rules of the state quarterfinals, I was lucky enough to check out two teams located far from my house, as Orono High School played host to the JCC Huskies and Central Raiders. Jackson County Central - 10-0 and led by recently named 4-star talent [player_tooltip player_id='212362' first='Roman' last='Voss'], as well as 6'7 OT [player_tooltip player_id='1255125' first='Weston' last='Rowe'] and a host of tough, experienced, multi-sport teammates - was staring down the barrel of an 11-0 Norwood Young America (Central) squad spearheaded by one of the most talented defensive lines and front-sevens in four classes of MN prep football. You knew it was going to be a fight, and over the course of four quarters I saw some gritty, competitive, and sometimes testy football that you can only find during the state playoffs. Check out the PrepRedzoneMN Recap & Top Performers from the Class AA quarterfinal between JCC and NYA, below!   --   Game Recap   The stars were out in action early at Orono High School, as Jackson County Central's 6'4, 210 lb. QB/LB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='212362' first='Roman' last='Voss'] opened up the scoring on the first offensive play of the ball game, calling his own number and taking a carry 73-yards for a house call and an early 6-0 lead for his Huskies after the 2pt conversion failed. Momentum stayed with the Huskies, as the following drive by Norwood Young America resulted in a pick-six by senior playmaker [player_tooltip player_id='1160949' first='Ben' last='Dahlin'], snagging an errant throw for a 65-yard splash play, putting JCC up 14-0 after the 2pt conversion run by Voss found paydirt. However, as fast as the tides can come in, they can also recede, and after JCC once again got the ball back, stud do-it-all athlete [player_tooltip player_id='212362' first='Roman' last='Voss'] went down with a tough-looking ankle injury, spending the rest of the game on the sidelines holding himself up with crutches. This is where the game got interesting. JCC, with their best player out, was now tasked with playing almost four full quarters of win-or-go home playoff football with a backup QB and facing a monstrous defensive unit with one of the best defensive lines in Class AA and small school football.   Lucky for the Huskies, senior Grant Freking was convinced by his buddies to come out for football this fall, and the 6'5 stud hooper was more than ready for the bright lights and opportunity. With poise under center and a healthy mix of offensive options to choose from, the Huskies didn't panic, putting together first downs, but were still unable to find points the rest of the first half. Norwood Young America, whose defense was scratching, crawling, and fighting, led by D1-worthy DE [player_tooltip player_id='1102620' first='Micah' last='Fenney'] and a host of physical teammates, was doing its job, but the offense was struggling behind a lack of a passing game, cycling between two QBs and unable to get any type of real offensive momentum going. Good plays on both sides, including an interception by senior Benjamin Molnau of the Raiders and a pick by junior DB Ben Gallagher of the Huskies, but at the half, we sat at a 14-0 scoreline in favor of Jackson County Central.   The Central Raiders received the second-half kickoff and picked up a first down on a couple strong carries, but fizzled out once again, sending the ball back to JCC with 7:23 left in the third. The Huskies then put together a fantastic offensive drive led under the legs of the Huskies' monster 6'7 LT [player_tooltip player_id='1255125' first='Weston' last='Rowe'], who opened some major holes for RBs [player_tooltip player_id='1582495' first='Clay' last='Malchow'] (2025) and [player_tooltip player_id='489643' first='Gage' last='Johnson'] (2027). Strong carries, well-timed screens, and a fade from Freking to Gallagher put the Huskies up another score, and after a 2pt run in from Malchow, the score stood at 22-0 in favor of Jackson County Central. The Raiders then fumbled the next possession on a mean stick by senior DE Aiven Farmer, and the Huskies got right back to work. Freking hit an unreal across-the-body toss to senior Carson Pohlman, and just like that, it was 28-0 at the end of the third.   Despite Norwood Young America's part-time QB/part-time WR [player_tooltip player_id='979977' first='Jack' last='Strickfaden'] starting to cook a little bit, an unlucky bounce off an NYA receiver's hands landed squarely in the breadbasket of JCC's fantastic senior LB Ian Titterington, who took the INT back deep into Raiders territory. Senior playmaker [player_tooltip player_id='1582786' first='Tavion' last='Diggs'] put the rock into the endzone right through the gut of NYA, and we had a 34-0 ball game with 10:14 left in the contest. The Raiders did manage to get a tuddy in before the final whistle, as Strickfaden found senior Bradyn Daugs on a beautiful post route followed by another great throw from Strickfaden to Daugs, but the damage was done. Daugs had another crazy catch before half, but it was too little, too late. Final: Jackson County Central 34, Norwood Young America 7   The big question now, and one that is a must-follow for my fellow state semi and championship fans, is if Jackson County Central can finish these next two games without their star player. I'm not sure what the status is on Voss right now, but it didn't look good in terms of him playing in the next two weeks (it's not going to impact anything recruiting-wise), so Freking may have a massive opportunity/task on his hands. JCC has the pieces, and it's far from a one-man band in terms of talent on that roster, so this is an awesome storyline to keep track of going forward, and one we'll expand on later this week on PrepRedzoneMN.   Top Performers   Game MVP: Grant Freking (Jackson County Central) 2025. QB. 6'5, 165 lbs.   A standout combo guard on the Huskies' soon-to-be highly-touted basketball squad, Freking accomplished one of the hardest tasks that can befall a football player, and that is stepping in successfully as the backup QB once the starter goes down mid-game. Freking, even after watching a tough injury to his buddy and QB1 Voss, didn't miss a beat once his number was called on Friday night, taking over the reins of the Huskies offense and leading his team to victory, with some big throws mixed in as well. Not only was Freking poised and noticeably in command of the offense, he showed some accuracy and arm strength on a variety of throws throughout the evening. Could throw the ball with accuracy to all three levels of the field, good touch on his deep balls, and had one of the craziest throws I've seen all season in the second half. Freking, rolling right, and buying time for his receivers, had the arm strength and zip to overcome a cardinal rule of football and successfully whip the rock across his body for a successful TD throw while on the move. Not an easy throw to pull off, but what Freking pulled off on Friday was far from easy anyway. With the multi-sport background, obvious size, and natural ability (this is his first year of high school ball), I can't say enough how integral this senior was to his Huskies' success on Friday night. Easy pick for Game MVP.   Jackson County Central   [player_tooltip player_id='212362' first='Roman' last='Voss'] - 2026. QB. 6'4, 210 lbs.   Recently - and finally - recognized by national media outlets as one of the best 2026s in the nation, Voss sure made a splash before an injury took him out of the state quarterfinal on Friday night. We've evaluated the young man in-depth, but in person, he sure does pass the eye test and keep your attention with the size/speed/explosiveness combination, as well as the big-play ability. His 70-yard TD scamper looked about as easy for him as walking to the park. Even with only a drive or two under his belt from his matchup with Norwood Young America, Voss looked every bit of a P4 athlete. I'm lucky to finally have gotten some eyes on the young man bound for bright lights of Saturday, and maybe Sunday, football.   [player_tooltip player_id='1255125' first='Weston' last='Rowe'] - 2026. LT. 6'7, 265 lbs.   A towering, can't-miss presence along the Huskies' offensive line on Friday night, I'm all-in on Rowe (not that I wasn't before) after seeing him in person at Orono High School. All of his reported 6'7 - with a dad who is 6'9 to boot - Rowe had lead in his hands and could take DL out of the play thanks to his powerful punch. He was also smooth and balanced in pass protection and was generally physically dominating rep to rep throughout the four quarters of action. I made a point of watching him every snap, and what really struck me was his mobility. We had seen this on tape, but Rowe's foot speed and ability to pull, reach, and set the edge for his offense was incredibly useful in the Huskies' rushing attack, as well as incredibly impressive given the size. Rowe can change direction and start/stop well in space and I didn't see him miss an assignment when lead blocking as well. Rowe opened a ton of holes for his ball carriers and looked like a runaway freight train when let loose by his staff. The size, athleticism, strength, and mobility back up our long-time thoughts that this kid should be playing D1 football one day.   [player_tooltip player_id='1582786' first='Tavion' last='Diggs'] - 2025. ATH. 5'11, 190 lbs.   One of the better uncommitted athletes in Minnesota's 2025 class, Diggs was the obvious explosive element to the Huskies' offense and had a good showing on Friday night. Able to stretch the edge and take the sideline on a defense, Diggs could consistently beat defenders with his speed but also had some nice carries up the gut of the NYA defense as a RB.   [player_tooltip player_id='1160949' first='Ben' last='Dahlin'] - 2025. WR/DB. 6', 160 lbs.   One of the biggest reasons for JCC's Friday night victory, Dahlin opened the proverbial floodgates with his first-quarter pick-six on a nice read on the ball while showing off some solid speed and playmaking ability in his return. Instinctive two-way contributor who was elusive with the ball in hand, Dahlin's consistency, experience, and athleticism looked great on the field, and potentially in a 2025 recruiting haul. Someone get on this kid!   Ian Titterington - 2025. ILB. 5'11, 205 lbs.   One of my favorite players I've seen all season, JCC ILB Titterington had "the look", as well as the play, to back it up. Neck roll, no gloves, thick build, and a knack for big hits and physicality, Titterington was all over the field on Friday night and was playing like he had a fire lit under his rear end in both run and pass defense. The instincts, ability to read/react, and sniff out the rock, and physical dominance at the contact point stood out all four quarters, and Titterington was on the ball like a dog on a bone, showing off noticeable play and closing speed that could get him on the ball in a blink. I had multiple checks in my written notes about Titterington's dominating tackle ability. "Great stick", "good tackle", "big TFL" all showed up multiple times in my notes, and Titterington also had the biggest hit of the night in an audibly booming thump on a helpless NYA ball carrier. Also showed some coverage ability in his solid INT and return on an errant Raiders throw. A DIII or NAIA program would be lucky to get this kid in their 2025 class.   Thomas Liepold - 2025. DE/OL.   One of the hardest hitters I've seen all season, Liepold got more physical as the game wore on. Good size, though I can't find any measurables on him, Liepold was insanely aggressive into contact, throwing out some seriously impressive collisions on defense, offense, and special teams throughout the night. On kickoff coverage, Liepold embarrassed an NYA blocker, putting him flat on his butt in front of his friends and family, and he did one better as a blocker on an onside return, taking out two Raiders on a full head of steam and pinballing them off each other like he was running with an exercise ball in front of him. This kid can hit! Liepold also put consistent pressure on NYA's QBs and used his size, aggression, and length to beat blocks and get into the backfield easily. Also produced some cracking collisions lead blocking for his RBs as an offenisve lineman. I loved watching him play on Friday night.   [player_tooltip player_id='1582495' first='Clay' last='Malchow'] - 2025. RB. 5'11, 190 lbs.   A consistent and productive presence in the JCC offense, Malchow was a powerful ball carrier with impressive go-forward. Strong, ran behind his pads, and possessing great contact balance, Malchow was especially hard to bring down behind a full head of steam and had some big runs going North-South and right into the teeth of the NYA defense. Tough, strong, and able to handle a full game worth of carries, I loved watching Malchow run on Friday night.   Aiven Farmer - 2025. DE. 6'3, 180 lbs.   Another consistent presence from the JCC DL, Farmer was able to get a ton of pressure on opposing QBs throughout the night and had one of the biggest plays of the evening in his awesome chase down and forced fumble on NYA's QB early in the third quarter. Great motor, long arms, and did a good job of disengaging from blocks at the LOS, Farmer showed up all throughout the night for his JCC defense.   Ben Gallagher - 2026. WR/DB. 5'11, 175 lbs.   Produced big plays on both sides of the ball, as his interception and endzone fade for six helped turn the tides and secure the victory for his Huskies. Smooth, good ball skills, instinctive, and athletic, Gallagher showed up at the biggest moments and in a variety of ways for JCC last Friday night.   [player_tooltip player_id='489643' first='Gage' last='Johnson'] - 2027. RB/LB. 5'10, 190 lbs.   A good combination of speed and power, Johnson was the sophomore I was most excited to see on Friday night, and he lived up to the hype. Could beat defenses up the gut or out on the edge, Johnson could run you over or run past you, and gave NYA's defense more than they could handle throughout the night. Like the size and how comfortably he fit into the JCC offense and against high-quality playoff defenses as well.   Norwood Young America (Central)   [player_tooltip player_id='1102620' first='Micah' last='Fenney'] - 2026. DE. 6'5, 210 lbs.   Long, lean, mean, and competitive, Fenney was all over the field on Friday night and one of the most impactful and effective defensive lineman I've seen all season for PrepRedzoneMN. As a standup EDGE rusher, Fenney's first step, play speed, overwhelming length, and motor were a lethal combination, and he seemed to have a TFL or splash play each and every defensive series for his Raiders. What really stood out to me was Fenney's play and closing speed. This kid could find and sniff out the ball in seemingly a blink, and was on ball carriers like white on rice, barely giving them a chance to get out of the backfield, much less put a move on. Besides the impressive processing and closing speed, Fenney was great at tackling in space, did a good job of staying square and not getting out of position when tackling or defeating blocks, could beat blocks with strength, leverage, length, or quickness, and did a great job of setting the edge. Fenney had multiple reps of him running down loose ball carriers from the backside of the LOS, showing off some serious speed for the position. He's got D1 DE/EDGE written all over him.   [player_tooltip player_id='1602715' first='Taylor' last='Hackbarth'] - 2026. DE. 6'4, 215 lbs.   We broke down Hackbarth's film earlier this fall for a Midseason Film Room special, and boy, Hackbarth didn't disappoint in person. Not only is he another big, strong, long, and physical Raiders defensive lineman, Hackbarth was quite productive against a good JCC offense, creating penetration and securing big TFLs and drive-halting tackles all throughout the night. Great size with more room to fill in, Hackbarth was extremely clutch, pulling off his TFLs at great moments for his squad, and was physical at the point of attack and hard to block for opposing OL. He had two of the harder hits of the night in the JCC backfield and rose to the occasion of win-or-go-home playoff football. Love how he projects to the next level and wish I could have watched him more.   Lucas Conser - 2025. CB. 5'8, 155 lbs.   Not a lot of passing on Friday night, but Conser had some great reps on downfield deep balls, showing off good eye discipline, the speed and comfortability to stay in-phase with receivers going deep, and good ball skills once the rock was in the air.   [player_tooltip player_id='979977' first='Jack' last='Strickfaden'] - 2025. QB/WR. 6'1, 185 lbs.   NYA's most dynamic player, Strickfaden was the only spark of the Raiders night and made some good plays happen with both his arm and his legs throughout the game. Solid speed and vision and had some good shake as a ball carrier, Strickfaden also got his arm going later in the evening, stretching the field and putting some balls right into the breadbasket of his receivers on third-level throws. Good touch, versatile, and athletic, he could make a college program better next season.   Benjamin Molnau - 2025. DB. 5'9, 155 lbs.   Had a great pick on a fade route and was athletic enough to stay in good position on a variety of routes throughout the night. That pick he had was a massive momentum-builder for his defense on Friday night.   [player_tooltip player_id='973742' first='Zach' last='Wickenhauser'] - 2025. 6'2, 200 lbs.   Talk about a great tackler! Wickenhauser was a physical presence from his OLB/SS spot and was long, mean, and easily able to tackle in space with effectiveness. Strong enough to find work in the box, Wickenhauser could also operate in space and was a steadfast and consistent 1v1 tackler who stonewalled JCC ball carriers and halted big plays all night long. He absolutely needs to be on a college roster next fall.   Bradyn Daugs - 2025. WR. 6', 155 lbs.   Daugs absolutely came alive in the second half and asserted himself as the most dangerous pass catcher on either team competing at Orono High School. Made a great catch in traffic, a deep post for 40 yards, and a beautiful endzone fade for six in the second half, and showed off a consistent ability to separate, impressive ball skills, and the speed to get open vertically. Was fun to watch and kept coming up clutch in key moments for his offense, despite the scoreline.

Friday night, I was fortunate to represent PrepRedzoneMN in an excellent AA showdown between two of star-studded programs with some of the best high-end talent in the Minnesota small school ranks. These are two teams I was itching to see during the 2024 season, and thanks to the neutral site rules of the state quarterfinals, I was lucky enough to check out two teams located far from my house, as Orono High School played host to the JCC Huskies and Central Raiders. Jackson County Central - 10-0 and led by recently named 4-star talent Roman Voss Roman Voss 6'4" | 230 lbs | ATH Jackson County Central | 2026 State MN , as well as 6'7 OT Weston Rowe Weston Rowe 6'7" | 270 lbs | OL Jackson County Central | 2026 State MN and a host of tough, experienced, multi-sport teammates - was staring down the barrel of an 11-0 Norwood Young America (Central) squad spearheaded by one of the most talented defensive lines and front-sevens in four classes of MN prep football. You knew it was going to be a fight, and over the course of four quarters I saw some gritty, competitive, and sometimes testy football that you can only find during the state playoffs. Check out the PrepRedzoneMN Recap & Top Performers from the Class AA quarterfinal between JCC and NYA, below!