Maple Grove vs. Edina: 6A Quarterfinal Recap & Top Performers

Win or go home, sudden death, knock out round. You name it, it's here! Last night, I was pumped to check out the 6A quarterfinal matchup between #1 Maple Grove and #3 Edina in one of the best games of this action-packed evening. Two of the best QBs in the state, the best RB in the state, two good OLs, Cal-Berkeley, NDSU, South Dakota State, North Dakota x3 commits, and 2026 D1 offerees, this game had it all. Check out the PrepRedzoneMN Game Recap and Top Performers from yesterday's big-time 6A matchup below.   --   Game Recap   Backed by a resounding Maple Grove crowd in attendance, far outnumbering Edina's I may add, the Crimson's defense forced a three-and-out and a punt on the opening series of the ball game, led by their talented LB crops of [player_tooltip player_id='363115' first='Jacob' last='Wrbanek'] (NDSU PWO commit), [player_tooltip player_id='1120518' first='Bo' last='Draheim'] (Cornell University commit), [player_tooltip player_id='592225' first='Ryder' last='Skanson'] (2026), and Beaux Theyen (2026). However, Edina's defense had something to say as well, forcing their own three-and-out led by a big TFL by Cullen Bjerke and some third-down pressure. Now with a fire lit under their butts, the Hornets offense got going on a beautiful pitch & catch from [player_tooltip player_id='592125' first='Mason' last='West'] to Cal-Berkeley commit [player_tooltip player_id='234833' first='Meyer' last='Swinney'], who showed a huge catch radius and contested catch ability on a full extension with multiple defenders around him. RB [player_tooltip player_id='923840' first='Chase' last='Bjorgaard'] added another first down to really get the momentum going. However, Maple Grove bent but didn't break, and led by a [player_tooltip player_id='1206996' first='Kevin' last='Toe'] TFL from his NG spot and a good tackle by Wrbanek, forced Edina into a 4th down situation. The Hornets tried a 1v1 hitch, but Crimson CB [player_tooltip player_id='592132' first='Brayden' last='Dozier'] made a beautiful play on the ball and picked the ball right out of the WRs hands. From then on, it was all Maple Grove. A couple big runs from Draheim and North Dakota RB commit Chuck Langama later, and Maple Grove was up 7-0 with 3:04 in the 1st.   2026 NDSU offeree and big-time stock riser Dozier made his second INT of the ball game the following series, and although Edina showed some fight the following drive, including a big TFL by Hornets LB Nolan Anderson and a sack from junior DL [player_tooltip player_id='924336' first='Sawyer' last='Jezierski'], forcing a 3rd & 15, Maple Grove kept churning out first downs and big plays, led by Langama. Harney found senior WR Ollie Walseth to put the Crimson up 14-0 that drive. Edina missed some opportunities on the ensuing series, and Maple Grove once again found themselves with the rock. Langama popped off a 56-yard run down to the 1 on 3rd and 6, and Harney snuck the ball in from the 1 to put his Crimson up 21-0. Both Maple Grove and Edina nearly scored again before half, but at the end of the first half we had a 21-0 ball game in favor of the Crimson, who looked firmly in control of the ball game.   Maple Grove got right back into the swing of things on the opening kickoff of the ball game, as senior ATH Reggie Williams got up to the 47 on a nice return, and the next play 2026 RB Patrick Wright made the most of his opportunity and bounced a run out to the edge, down the sideline, and down to the six of the Hornets. Draheim finished the drive off with a 1-yard TD jump, and things were looking bleak for Edina down 28-0 with 10:48 left in the ball game. Harney found Draheim down the seam to make it 35-0 later in the 3rd, and Edina also finally found points after West found Swinney on a post and Bjorgaard found paydirt from a few yards out. The two point attempt was missed, and we stood at 35-6 at the end of three.   Patrick Wright added another score nearly two minutes into the 4th to make it 42-6, and the following drive Swinney got open down the sideline for a deep fade and followed it up with a 6-yard slant for six to make it 42-12. The 2pt failed, and the two went back and forth for rest of the ball game. Swinney had a crazy contested catch and Dozier nearly had his third pick of the game in the final six minutes. Final: 42-12, Crimson.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Maple-Grove-vs.-Edina-2-crop-2830x1858-1731099814.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1553020" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Maple Grove vs. Edina </figcaption></figure>   Top Performers   Maple Grove Crimson   [player_tooltip player_id='489731' first='Kaden' last='Harney'] - 2026. QB. 6'3, 180 lbs. - Another in-person data point, another good showing for esteemed Crimson signal-caller. besides his accuracy, and mobility he showed off today, I was most impressed by Harney's game management and ball security. Yes, Harney can hit every throw, with timing, touch, and accuracy, but I got to see a broader part of the Crimson quarterback's skillset. At the end of the first half, Maple Grove had around a minute to try and score again. After completing a big screen to his RB Langama, Harney did a great job of getting getting his offense set and spiking the ball to save his offense precious seconds. He then chose not to force the ball into tight coverage the next play, instead scrambling out of bounds, and executed the next two plays flawlessly, giving his offense one second left on the clock to attempt a FG. The refs didn't give them the second unfortunately, but it wasn't on Harney. I also loved the junior quarterbacks ball security yesterday, which I mentioned above. Harney, knowing what was at stake, chose not to force the ball into tight coverage on more than one occasion, sometimes having to take a rough sack in the process. However, that meant not putting the ball into harms way, and you don't often see a prep QB with that kind of awareness, especially in clutch situations. Harney was nothing short of fantastic last night.   [player_tooltip player_id='1192021' first='Charles' last='Langama'] - 2025. RB. 5'9, 205 lbs. - This is my third or fourth Maple Grove game I've been to in person the last two years and finally my first time seeing Langama live. And boy oh boy, this dude is the best RB in the state. A complete three-down RB, Langama can turn routine runs into eye-popping, dazzling splash plays, thanks to his electric suddenness, acceleration and burst, contact balance, and vision. Langama had a couple big-time runs that never should have gone for as long as they did, and he can break tackles in just about every way you could want. The acceleration and suddenness is where Langama really leaves defenders in the dust, but I was more excited about a couple of other factors in the senior's game. In the modern age, college programs and of course, the NFL, are always looking for three-down RBs. Langama showed he could that and more yesterday. I saw Chuck put a blitzing Edina LB - who had a full head of steam while Chuck was flat-footed - flat onto his butt in a beautiful display of physicality and aggression on a pass pro rep. Additionally, Langama made a fantastic snag on a crossing route or possibly screen at the end of the first half in what was a great snag in traffic. Plus the smoothness and speed he brings to the table makes Langama one of the most fun-to-watch ball players in all of the Land of 10,000 Lakes, regardless of position. North Dakota got a GREAT one.   [player_tooltip player_id='592132' first='Brayden' last='Dozier'] - 2026. CB. 6', 170 lbs. - I really need people to pay attention to the rise of Maple Grove's CB [player_tooltip player_id='592132' first='Brayden' last='Dozier']. I can't say enough about how much this kid has improved from his sophomore and junior season, and without getting ahead of myself, I think he may be on the cusp of a FBS or P4 offer. The game tape, especially full game tape, really flashes, and last night I got to see Dozier at his best. Against the best WR corps in the state, Dozier was absolutely lock down, rising to the occasion and more than holding his own against P4 and D1 commits and prospects. He's got some very loose hips and gets out of his breaks with urgency and a ton of quickness, which helps him remain sticky and in-phase throughout a WRs route, and any route for that matter. Dozier picked off a hitch on a beautiful read and reaction on a three-step route, but had an even better PBU on a well-timed comeback in the endzone in the second half. He also picked off a fade against a taller receiver, and I couldn't have been more impressed by the suddenness out of his breaks, hips, and ball skills. Plus, Dozier had a couple of big-time sticks in the run and has been tackling at a much improved clip as a junior. There's a reason he already has an NDSU offer. This kid can do it all, and I think we may have our next great CB out of Minnesota on our hands.   [player_tooltip player_id='1120518' first='Bo' last='Draheim'] - 2025. LB/HB. 6'1, 220 lbs. - I already know that Draheim is a great LB, I've seen it more than once now. Great range, identifies and triggers on the ball quickly, smooth open field tackler, and has a ton of thump as a tackler. Last night, Draheim had some especially impressive 1v1 tackles in space, but where he really made an impact last night was on offense. Playing a mix of HB and FB, Draheim had some explosive runs filled with burst and physicality, and he ran behind his pads with some serious authority. He was a load and a half for Hornet defenders to handle, and had a nice goal line carry where he leapt over the dog pile to go untouched into the endzone. Also had a great route down the seam that got him more than a couple of steps open on the opponent's half of the field and saw him easily jog into the endzone for six. Just an overall impactful, dynamic, and physical night for the Cornell Big Red commit.   [player_tooltip player_id='363115' first='Jacob' last='Wrbanek'] - 2025. LB. 6'3, 215 lbs. - NDSU PWO LB commit Wrbanek was playing like his life depended on it last night. It was quite a sight, as he was playing fast and free, sniffing out the rock and making dominant tackles all over the field. He showed off that high-level quickness around the LOS when getting off blocks, sifting through traffic, and rushing the passer, and was sideline-to-sideline in run defense. He had some great 1v1 tackles throughout the night and was a brick wall in the middle of the Crimson' defense. NDSU got a good one!   [player_tooltip player_id='1206996' first='Kevin' last='Toe'] - 2025. DT. 6'1, 205 lbs. - I've written about Toe a couple of times this season already, but he once again showed up and showed in the middle of the Crimson's LOS and as the anchor of their defense. Fast, quick, and tough, Toe isn't scared of anyone's iOL, and he made some seriously impactful TFLs in the backfield last night, including a beautiful read on an Edina reverse to blow both the play and series up. DIIIs really need to get on this kid.   Maple Grove OL of [player_tooltip player_id='362276' first='Michael' last='Wagner'], [player_tooltip player_id='551332' first='Carson' last='Lund'], Landon Albeck, [player_tooltip player_id='743255' first='Dylan' last='South'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1255885' first='Matthew' last='Perusse'].   The Crimson's OL was playing out of their minds last night and were strong, physical, and mobile all four quarters. Not only did their run blocking open up some major holes for stud RB Langama, these guys were excellent in the screen game, showing timing and control while getting out in space and allowing their RB to do his thing. There was one particular rep that stood out, where OC Albeck's facemask broke off DURING the play, and the 6', 240 lb. junior proceeds to make a tenacious block downfield without a facemask, putting his head into an Edina defender face-first. A crazy display of dedication, I think that play was symbolic of the Crimson's OL efforts the entire night. These guys were playing like their hair was on fire.   Patrick Wright - 2026. RB. 5'11, 185 lbs. - Backup RB Wright has made more than the most out of his opportunities this season and has been playing his butt off, giving Maple Grove even more wrinkles of explosiveness and versatility to their offense. Wright is a fun combination of power and speed, and has good vision as well, using all three to pop off some good runs in the second half, including a 50+ yarder and a 30-yarder. He's going to be a breakout star next season and is a big reason why Maple Grove is playing such good football in 2024.   Edina Hornets   [player_tooltip player_id='234833' first='Meyer' last='Swinney'] - 2025. WR. 6'3, 210 lbs. - Cal Bears commit Swinney went out with a bang last night, ending his high school career with more big plays, TDs, and eye-dazzling catches. His catch radius and contested catch ability were especially impressive on Thursday night, as Swinney made some beautiful catches from a full extension with multiple DBs draped all over him. Swinney was also slippery and balanced after the catch, could take the top off a talented Maple Grove secondary, and got open on a variety of routes, including tunnel screens, slants, posts, fades, and comebacks. Route running, athleticism, and consistency. It's been a pleasure watching this kid the last three years and I'm expecting big things out of him in Berkeley. No doubt one of the best WRs to ever come out the Big School heavyweight.   [player_tooltip player_id='819442' first='Trillion' last='Sorrell'] - 2025. DB/WR. 6', 170 lbs. - South Dakota State commit Sorrell had a tough matchup against a variety of talented MG receivers, including NDSU commit [player_tooltip player_id='586119' first='Dylan' last='Vokal'], and did more than his fair share, shutting down his side of the field throughout the night. Sticky and in-phase on a variety of different routes, Sorrell's length, COD ability, and ball skills were all on display last night against some top competition.   [player_tooltip player_id='924336' first='Sawyer' last='Jezierski'] - 2026. DT. 6'3, 265 lbs. - A high energy, fired up, productive defensive lineman who is one of my favorite defenders in the 2026 class, Jezierski came out of the gates hot last night, popping off impressive and deflating TFLs, and a sack, in the first half of he ball game. Jezierski is strong at the point of attack, has a good motor, and does a good job of shedding blocks, including doubles, and as mentioned, productive. I've enjoyed watching him as a junior and am interested in seeing how his recruitment develops.   [player_tooltip player_id='923840' first='Chase' last='Bjorgaard'] - 2026. RB. 6', 210 lbs. - Despite a ton of defensive pressure last night, Bjorgaard had a strong showing, showing some good lateral agility in his cuts, the ability to run behind his pads and gain tough yardage, especially near the goal line, and good vision. Had a couple of nice reps throughout the night against a stingy Crimson defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1255886' first='Evan' last='Gilder'] - 2026. LB. 6'1, 210 lbs. - I've been more and more impressed by Edina Hornets ILB [player_tooltip player_id='1255886' first='Evan' last='Gilder'] throughout the year and I think he's done a good job of solidifying himself amongst the developing 2026 LB group in Minnesota. Showed up in a variety of ways last night, Gilder is always around the football, doesn't get held up around the LOS and attacks blocks with physicality, and is a strong tackler. Can't wait to see how the offseason treats him.

Win or go home, sudden death, knock out round. You name it, it's here! Last night, I was pumped to check out the 6A quarterfinal matchup between #1 Maple Grove and #3 Edina in one of the best games of this action-packed evening. Two of the best QBs in the state, the best RB in the state, two good OLs, Cal-Berkeley, NDSU, South Dakota State, North Dakota x3 commits, and 2026 D1 offerees, this game had it all. Check out the PrepRedzoneMN Game Recap and Top Performers from yesterday's big-time 6A matchup below.