Minnesota State Semifinals All-Tournament Team: Friday Edition

I don't know about you, but I'm still buzzing from the wild weekend of Minnesota state semifinal playoff football. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 14 games, seven classes, some of the best games of the season, and some of the biggest names in the state all came together in Downtown Minneapolis at the US Bank Stadium. I was fortunate to watch ALL 14 games representing PrepRedzoneMN, and am thrilled to announce the 2024 Minnesota State Semifinal All-Tournament Team is live! Next up: the All-Friday Team. Check out the top performers from Jackson County Central, Kimball Area, Orono, Totino-Grace, Chanhassen, Elk River, Chatfield, Staples-Motley, Maple Grove, and Shakopee who make up the All-Tournament Team: Friday Edition. Dig in!   --   Game MVPs   Jackson County Central vs. Kimball Area: [player_tooltip player_id='1582495' first='Clay' last='Malchow'] (Jackson County Central) 2025. ATH. 5'11, 190 lbs.   Orono vs. Totino-Grace: [player_tooltip player_id='1221973' first='Marquel' last='Keten'] (Totino-Grace) 2025. RB. Uncommitted.   Chanhassen vs. Elk River: [player_tooltip player_id='1120521' first='Carsyn' last='Kleffman'] (Elk River) 2027. RB/LB/DB.   Chatfield vs. Staples-Motley: [player_tooltip player_id='1552404' first='Colbe' last='Tappe'] (Staples-Motley) 2026. 5'8, 175 lbs.   Maple Grove vs. Shakopee: [player_tooltip player_id='1192021' first='Charles' last='Langama'] (Maple Grove) 2025. RB. 5'9, 205 lbs. Committed to North Dakota   Quarterback   First Team:   Brandon Henkemeyer (Kimball Area) 2025. 6', 150 lbs. Uncommitted. - An athletic two-way contributor as a QB and safety, Hankemeyer was consistently accurate throughout the semifinal and possessed exciting scrambling ability and mobility. Could extend plays and improvise as well as throw to all three levels of the field and put his wide receivers in positions to succeed and make plays.   [player_tooltip player_id='1204490' first='Charlie' last='Cordes'] (Orono) 2025. 6'4, 205 lbs. Uncommitted. Just an all-around balanced and talented skillset at the QB position. Big-time arm that can push the field but also throw with accuracy, timing, and velocity all over the field. Whole route tree is available. Also a good athlete whose big frame can pick up chunk yardage when he tucks and runs. Talented, consistent, fun-to-watch prep QB.   [player_tooltip player_id='1602681' first='Eli' last='Rutten'] (Staples-Motley) 2026. 6'1, 160 lbs. - Good accuracy and impressive command of his offense. Noticeably athletic and did a good job of putting his teammates in positions to succeed. High-quality small school gunslinger with good size and another year of football left to notch under his belt.   [player_tooltip player_id='923833' first='Levi' last='Harris'] (Elk River) 2026. 5'11, 170 lbs. - Harris was once again electric, using a combination of raw speed, twitch, vision, and a casual, loose, fluid playstyle to tear up the Chanhassen defense and put together some hair-raising carries throughout the contest. Also was a physical, hard-hitting presence as a defensive back and a sure tackle in space.   Running Back   First Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='1192021' first='Charles' last='Langama'] (Maple Grove) 2025. 5'9, 205 lbs. Committed to North Dakota State. - Chuck was nothing short of unbelievable on Friday night. Best player on the field in a LOADED Class 6A semifinal filled with P4 and D1 commits. I was holding my breath every single time he touched his ball. His speed, clean cuts and twitchy COD ability, vision, and comfort in space is just untouchable in the state. Had a particular rep where he got to the second level and put two Shakopee DBs on skates, sending both to the turf and sliding the opposite direction away from Langama like they were sliding into second. 18 rushes for 198 yards and 4 TDs don't even begin to tell the story.   [player_tooltip player_id='1221973' first='Marquel' last='Keten'] (Totino-Grace) 2025. 5'9, 175 lbs. Uncommitted. - One of the best performers of the entire playoffs, Keten was absolutely electric on Friday morning. Impressive burst, sudden and twitchy COD ability who was nasty in space. Had some hair-raising runs involving multiple missed tackles on a single rep and was lethal once he got to the second level of a defense. Good hands out of the backfield who caught a clutch fade from deep in the Eagles' own territory against tight coverage. Keten was dynamite on Friday.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552404' first='Colbe' last='Tappe'] (Staples-Motley) 2026. 5'8, 175 lbs. - Tappe went beast mode on Friday night. 25 carries for 170 yards and 3 TDs against a large and stingy Gophers defensive unit and especially talented front-seven. A strong kid who looked unstoppable at times, Tappe is shifty, strong, and a powerful lower body that can carry defenders for extra yardage and easily run through arm tackles and weaker tackle attempts at his lower body.   [player_tooltip player_id='1581544' first='Ben' last='Carrier'] (Chatfield) 2025. 5'11, 180 lbs. - Dominant showing from Carrier in the last game of his high school career. The size doesn't give the full story of just how strong this dude is as a RB. Fights like heck to stay up and was carrying and dragging Staples-Motley defenders all four quarters of the game. Good burst, great vision, and averaged nearly 10 yards a carry on Friday.   Second Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='489643' first='Gage' last='Johnson'] (Jackson County Central) 2027. 5'9, 180 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1582495' first='Clay' last='Malchow'] (Jackson County Central) 2025. 5'11, 190 lbs. Uncommitted. - Really started to take over the AA semifinal in the second half. Tough runner who runs behind his pads, had a crazy rep TD rep on 4th and 3 where he was stuffed initially, ate the contact, then cut back across the grain and outran a couple pursuers for an electric TD run in the third quarter. Also had a crazy 3rd and 22 conversion where he tipped, tipped, and tipped a screen into his hands before bursting upfield for a first. Playmaker and consistently produced big gains and splash plays.   Franklin Stevenson (Orono) 2025. 5'11, 185 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='348733' first='Brecken' last='Keoraj'] (Elk River) 2025. 5'8, 170 lbs. - The explosive dynamo of the Elk River offense, Keoraj was once again a big play threat and producer who could churn out big chunk gains for his offense and had homerun speed when given the space.   [player_tooltip player_id='743260' first='Gavin' last='Schmidt'] (Elk River) 2025. 6'1, 210 lbs. - Two-way contributor who did some good things on both sides of the ball as a RB and LB. Versatile, and a big, strong, powerful kid who set a tone of physicality in the Class 5A semifinal. Athletic, dynamic, and showed up in a variety of ways throughout the ball game.   Patrick Wright (Maple Grove) 2026. 5'11, 185 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1582837' first='TJ' last='Clark'] (Shakopee) 2025. 5'8, 160 lbs. Uncommitted. - Heckuva showing from the Sabers RB on Friday night. Every yard was hard-earned, and this kid was running hard and not shying away from contact against the best defense in the state. Great burst, carried defenders for extra yardage post-contact, good contact balance that can run through arm tackles easily, and fought like heck every rep. He was fun to watch and had a good showing against a rapid Crimson defense.   Wide Receiver   First Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='457241' first='George' last='Perkins'] (Orono) 2025. 6', 150 lbs. Uncommitted. - One of the top performers all of Friday. Did a little bit of everything and was dynamic, explosive, and impressive all four quarters. Great route runner who was nasty at the top of the top. Had the speed to beat DBs vertically and did so multiple times throughout the contest. Also sticky in coverage and had some impressive PBUs throughout the day. Played his butt off.   [player_tooltip player_id='1582843' first='Alex' last='Schultz'] (Staples-Motley) 2025. 6'3, 175 lbs. Uncommitted- Very impressed with the big-bodied wide receiver from the small school ranks. Not only did Schultz have size, which he knew how to use to his advantage, Schultz, had some impressive speed and could take the top off the defense with easy. Owned a big catch radius, was a threat after the catch, and had sure hands that his team used and counted on. Strong route runner who consistently created significant separation and was also a thumper of a safety who didn't take a play off. Someone needs to get this kid on a college roster.   [player_tooltip player_id='1583252' first='Bryant' last='Knaus'] (Kimball Area) 2025. 6'4, 180 lbs. Uncommitted. - Explosive, splash-play wide receiver with great size and a great frame for the next level. Vertical threat who could take the top off the defense as well as break tackles and gain chunk yardage after the catch. Moved well and had some good speed as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1160949' first='Ben' last='Dahlin'] (Jackson County Central) 2025. 5'11, 165 lbs. Uncommitted. - Dynamic, consistently got open in the passing game, dangerous in space, productive on both sides of the ball.   Second Team:   Owen Mortenson (Kimball Area) 2025. 5'9, 160 lbs. Uncommitted. - Tough, reliable, quick. Mortenson was a good route runner who consistently got open and created separation.   [player_tooltip player_id='1528749' first='James' last='Kopfmann'] (Chanhassen) 2026. 6', 160 lbs. - A deep threat and splash play wide receiver who beat Elk River's defense vertically more than his fair share of the ball game, Kopfmann created consistent separation on a variety of routes.   [player_tooltip player_id='979572' first='Ty' last='Jensen'] (Chanhassen) 2025. 6', 175 lbs. Uncommitted. - Took snaps as both a wide receiver and wildcat ball carrier. Jensen did a good job of creating separation at the top of the route, was a dynamic ball carrier, a tough competitor, and a reliable offensive threat for the defending 5A state champs.   Turner Beachy (Staples-Motley) 2026. 5'8, 150 lbs. - A reliable offensive weapon and pass catcher for his Cardinals, Beachy had soft hands and was a crafty route runner who got open at key and clutch times for his offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='586119' first='Dylan' last='Vokal'] (Maple Grove) 2025. 6'2, 200 lbs. Punt Returner. Committed to North Dakota State.   Tight End/Fullback   First Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='1104843' first='Kade' last='Bush'] (Chanhassen) 2026. 6'4, 200 lbs. - One of the most dynamic athletes on Friday as well as the entire weekend. Bush was a versatile offensive weapon for the Storm who caught the ball out of the backfield and carried the rock as a RB. Powerful with ball in hand, Bush carried multiple defenders for extra yardage every opportunity he got, pumping his legs post-contact and moving dog piles across the first down marker. He could beat tackle attempts in a variety of ways and had the size to make significant impacts on the course of a ball game.   D'Andre Williams (Chatfield) 2026. 6'1, 200 lbs. Fullback. - Powerful ball carrier and North-South runner who was a load-and-a-half to bring down and could consistently help move the chains for his offense. Also was a great blocker and opened some big holes for his fellow RBs, taking out tough LBs in the process. Did a great job of identifying the most dangerous defender and erasing him from the play.   Second Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='1581562' first='Michael' last='Strong'] (Totino-Grace) 2025. 6', 205 lbs. Fullback. Uncommitted. - Strong, physical, powerful ball carrier, fullback, and linebacker. Had a big seam catch down in the redzone for a momentum-building play.   Tate Winter (Kimball Area) 2026. TE. 6'3, 180 lbs. - Good hands, could win contested catches, and shows a big catch radius.   Offensive Line   First Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='1255125' first='Weston' last='Rowe'] (Jackson County Central) 2026. 6'7, 280 lbs. - Towering presence and one of the most dominant blockers of the weekend. Rowe's versatility and mobility helped him open up a ton of holes and opportunities for his offense. Was fun to watch get out in space and run down LBs and DBs out on the edge and at the second and even third level of the field. Solid in pass pro and great overall strength and balance at his size.   [player_tooltip player_id='490046' first='Owen' last='Linder'] (Chanhassen) 2026. 6'5, 280 lbs. - One of the most high-profile names of the weekend was as impressive as advertised. Excellent pass set who stonewalled rushers all four quarters, especially once he dropped his hips and sets his anchor. Heavy-handed with a strong punch and could gain ground and adjust his body laterally, as well as change direction well. Size, strength, versatility, athleticism, and technique were an impenetrable combination on Friday afternoon.   [player_tooltip player_id='641224' first='Blake' last='Van Patten'] (Orono) 2025. 6'2, 295 lbs. Committed to Gustavus. - Tough kid with strong hands and good balance. Can easily shed blocks, good tackler with a good motor, and does a great job of eating and working off multiple blocking attempts in a rep. Crushing and mobile interior OL with a good pass set who had some strong reps against a D1 commit. GAC got a beast.   [player_tooltip player_id='1602705' first='Adrian' last='Gomez'] (Staples-Motley) 2026. 6'3, 250 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1255885' first='Matthew' last='Perusse'] (Maple Grove) 2026. 6'4, 255 lbs.   Second Team:   Thomas Liepold (Jackson County Central) 2025. 6, 210 lbs. Uncommitted.   Leo Bock (Orono) 2025. 6', 270 lbs. Uncommitted.   [player_tooltip player_id='362314' first='Ethan' last='Cole'] (Chatfield) 2025. 6'3, 250 lbs. Committed to North Dakota.   [player_tooltip player_id='743264' first='Jacob' last='Stevens'] (Chatfield) 2025. 6'5, 265 lbs. Uncommitted.   [player_tooltip player_id='1120583' first='Trey' last='Boyd'] (Shakopee) 2025. 6'5, 255 lbs. Committed to Northwestern. - B1G commit Boyd looked and played the part of a P4 lineman on Friday night. Towering presence playing as an OT in a triple-option attack, Boyd showed some good bend and flexibility, and I was impressed by how fast he got off the ball and quickly worked to the second and third level. Can also unlock his hips well and has noticeable strength at the point of attack. Also played some serious DL reps and looked good under the bright lights of 6A semifinal football.   Defensive Line   First Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='1581538' first='Hank' last='Meyer'] (Kimball Area) 2025. 6'2, 210 lbs. Uncommitted. - First time seeing the Minnesota All-Star live and in person and he lived up to the hype. Consistently created penetration and was a great tackler 1v1 and in space. Nonstop motor and sideline-to-sideline range from the DL spot. Strong kid with noticeable pop at the point of attack. Low pad level and good get-off helped him win a ton of leverage battles.   [player_tooltip player_id='1191516' first='Max' last='Coles'] (Shakopee) 2025. 6'4, 260 lbs. Committed to South Dakota. - Tremendous night for the South Dakota 'Yotes commit. Was single-handedly taking over the game and impacting it in favor of the Sabers, especially in the 3rd quarter. Played both ways but was especially impactful defensively. Impressive play speed for his size, and nonstop motor, and got in the backfield so quick you'd think he was being left unblocked. Was in MG's QB's face all night long and forced a couple INTs for his effort. Also stuffed a 2pt rush by himself. Unstoppable at times and was in the backfield all night long. South Dakota got a beast!   [player_tooltip player_id='1602726' first='Simon' last='Vinton'] (Orono) 2026. 6'5, 210 lbs. - Noticeably and impressively active and productive around the LOS. Chasing down ball carriers from the backside of the LOS, TFLs in the backfield, and rushing the passer with consistency. Continued to find work through four quarters and is a tough blocking assignment thanks to his length, strength, and bend.   [player_tooltip player_id='945348' first='Theo' last='Thomas'] (Totino-Grace) 2025. 6'4, 260 lbs. Committed to Northern Iowa. - One of the premier names of Friday and lived up to the hype. Dominant chop/rip, great first step who consistently created penetration and was disruptive in both run and pass defense. Big size, big closing speed, and had some big TFLs and sacks in his Class AAAA semifinal game.   [player_tooltip player_id='362314' first='Ethan' last='Cole'] (Chatfield) 2025. 6'3, 250 lbs. Committed to North Dakota. - Imposing, filled-out 6'3, 250 lber. who is an All-Tournament Team for both OL and DL but really showed up on the defensive side of the ball. Laterally agile, good bend, good length, and a relentless rushing attack combined for a productive evening from the North Dakota commit defensively. Disrupted both the run and pass game and had some impressive pass rushing ability.   Second Team:   Thomas Liepold (Jackson County Central) 2025. 6', 210 lbs. Uncommitted. - Plays much bigger than the size would suggest, tough kid who loves contact and wins some big collisions. Productive as a pass-rusher and had a big sack in the semifinal win for the Huskies. Mauler in the trenches.   [player_tooltip player_id='641224' first='Blake' last='Van Patten'] (Orono) 2025. 6'2, 295 lbs. Committed to Gustavus.   Leo Bock (Orono) 2025. 6', 270 lbs. Uncommitted.   [player_tooltip player_id='1602705' first='Adrian' last='Gomez'] (Staples-Motley) 2026. 6'3, 250 lbs. - Quick feet and get-off for a big guy and consistently created separation throughout the night against some talented Gophers offensive linemen.   [player_tooltip player_id='641221' first='Sam' last='Hanson'] (Maple Grove) 2025. 6'2, 220 lbs. Uncommitted.   [player_tooltip player_id='1206996' first='Kevin' last='Toe'] (Maple Grove) 2025. 6'1, 205 lbs. Uncommitted.   Linebacker   First Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='363115' first='Jacob' last='Wrbanek'] (Maple Grove) 2025. 6'3, 215 lbs. Committed to North Dakota State. - Wrbanek was fantastic on Friday night in the Class 6A semifinal. Playing like it was his potentially last game, Wrbanek showed unreal hustle, as well as sideline-to-sideline range in run defense and support. Also notched an exciting sack to show off some production and quickness as a blitzer. Consistent tackler in space, reads and reacts with urgency and sees the field well, and was generally disruptive all four quarters. Tough kid and the undisputed leader of the Maple Grove defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1090400' first='Carsen' last='Burckhardt'] (Orono) 2025. 5'11, 215 lbs. Uncommitted. - Playing like it was potentially his last football game. Reading, reacting, and triggering on the football quickly and with urgency and pace. Strong tackler who could pursue to the edge and work off blocks in the middle of the second level.   Mark Schiefelbein (Kimball Area) 2026. 6'2, 160 lbs. - Splash play LB who created a ton of turnovers and made a huge impact in the second half.   Rowan Wiese (Chanhassen) 2026. - Was disruptive behind the LOS for his defense and could beat blockers with either speed or power. Good 1v1 tackler as well.   Remmer Buss (Chanhassen) 2025. LB. - Rocked an old school neckroll and played like it, showing both speed and physicality in his pursuit of the ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='1582786' first='Tavion' last='Diggs'] (Jackson County Central) 2025. 5'11, 195 lbs. Uncommitted.   Second Team:   Ronald Arnold (Kimball Area) 2025. 6', 180 lbs. Uncommitted.   Franklin Stevenson (Orono) 2025. 5'11, 185 lbs.   Noah Januschka (Totino-Grace) 2025. 5'9, 200 lbs. Uncommitted.   Josh Shade (Elk River) 2026. 6', 200 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1207411' first='Michael' last='Naber'] (Shakopee) 2025. 6', 205 lbs. Committed to St. Thomas.   [player_tooltip player_id='284020' first='Mike' last='Doering'] (Shakopee) 2026. 6', 195 lbs.   Defensive Back   First Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='212480' first='Blake' last='Betton'] (Shakopee) 2027. 6'3, 185 lbs. - One of the best 2027s in Minnesota, Betton was far from shy from the spotlight and bright lights of Big School state playoff football, playing with a fire lit under his butt and showing up all over the field in both run and pass defense. Notched an INT on a great play on the ball in the air, saved a TD on a great pursuit angle showed off some serious top-end speed, and was a tackle machine who is great in 1v1 situations all over the field. Tough, ultra-effective, and rangy.   [player_tooltip player_id='641135' first='Josiah' last='Young'] (Totino-Grace) 2025. 6'3, 170 lbs. Committed to Northern Iowa. - Above and beyond the best defensive back performance of the entire weekend, not just Friday. Young was fiercely competitive and noticeably fired up all four quarters of the Orono game. Big, long, and fast, Young was absolutely lockdown and took Orono's best offensive player out of the game completely. Stayed in phase through a variety of routes and had the speed to carry even the fastest WRs vertically while staying hip-to-hip. Snappy and smooth out of his breaks, long and did a great job of contesting on deep balls at the catch point, and a testy, competitive, and high-energy presence who let the whole Bank know that he was locking these dudes down. Great showing all day long from the UNI commit.   [player_tooltip player_id='1120521' first='Carsyn' last='Kleffman'] (Elk River) 2027. 5'10, 180 lbs. - Kleffman had one of the best games of any Elk River player in their win over Chanhassen. A hard hitter who put some aggressive sticks on Chan WRs and RBs, Kleffman did a lot of the dirty work for his Elks. Cleaned up loose ball carriers and ran down RBs and WRs downfield, enforced with a physical playstyle, and was a great tackler who identified, processed, and got on the ball in a hurry.   [player_tooltip player_id='586119' first='Dylan' last='Vokal'] (Maple Grove) 2025. 6'2, 200 lbs. Punt Returner. Committed to North Dakota State. - Once again a dynamic performance by the NDSU commit Vokal. Three-phase contributor who made an impact on offense, defense, and special teams. Missle from his safety spot who was a thumper and physical presence in the Big School semifinal. Also once again showed off his nuanced route-running ability and got open on some tough routes on key plays in the game for the Crimson.   [player_tooltip player_id='1255890' first='Logan' last='Smith'] (Chanhassen) 2026. 5'10, 170 lbs. - The Storm safety was one of the best tacklers I saw on the weekend and was an excellent last line of defense for the Chan defense. Played with a ton of speed, both in the top end when chasing down ball carriers and when closing on the ball from the third level. Smith reads, processes, and reacts quickly, takes good angles to the football, and is a great 1v1 tackler who is great at tackling in space.   Second Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='457241' first='George' last='Perkins'] (Orono) 2025. 6', 150 lbs. Uncommitted.   [player_tooltip player_id='923833' first='Levi' last='Harris'] (Elk River) 2026. 5'11, 170 lbs.   Ben Hickman (Elk River) 2025. 5'10, 175 lbs. Uncommitted.   Tobin McMahon (Chatfield) 2025. 5'9, 160 lbs. Uncommitted. - Was all over the field on both sides of the ball for the Gophers. Nose for the football and had an interception on defense.   Carson Rowland (Chatfield) 2025. 5'10, 160 lbs. Uncommitted. - Posted 10 tackles and made a great impression over the course of the Class AA semifinal. Strong runner, physical presence on both sides of the ball, powerful player overall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1582843' first='Alex' last='Schultz'] (Staples-Motley) 2025. 6'3, 175 lbs. Uncommitted   Specialists   First Team:   Jimmy McNeil (Totino-Grace) 2025. 5'11, 200 lbs. Kicker/OL/LB. 3 for 3 on FGs, all high pressure and clutch. 36, 26, and 36 yards out on the FGs.   Lachlan Hoffman (Orono) 2025. 6', 175 lbs. Kicker & Punter. Uncommitted.   [player_tooltip player_id='1582456' first='Emmanuel' last='Taye'] (Shakopee) 2025. 5'10, 170 lbs. Kick Returner. Uncommitted.   [player_tooltip player_id='586119' first='Dylan' last='Vokal'] (Maple Grove) 2025. 6'2, 200 lbs. Punt Returner. Committed to North Dakota State.

I don't know about you, but I'm still buzzing from the wild weekend of Minnesota state semifinal playoff football. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 14 games, seven classes, some of the best games of the season, and some of the biggest names in the state all came together in Downtown Minneapolis at the US Bank Stadium. I was fortunate to watch ALL 14 games representing PrepRedzoneMN, and am thrilled to announce the 2024 Minnesota State Semifinal All-Tournament Team is live! Next up: the All-Friday Team. Check out the top performers from Jackson County Central, Kimball Area, Orono, Totino-Grace, Chanhassen, Elk River, Chatfield, Staples-Motley, Maple Grove, and Shakopee who make up the All-Tournament Team: Friday Edition. Dig in!