MN State Semifinal X-Factors: One Player to Watch Per Matchup

And just like that, Minnesota high school football is at The Bank! In a blink, the 2024 Minnesota playoffs are at the semifinal point of the season, leading 14 teams to the vaunted U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis, setting up a slate of unreal playoff games from 9Man up to Class 6A. To switch things up, PrepRedzoneMN wanted to hammer some player-driven analysis and put a spin on the usual playoff coverage, leading us to name the MN State Semifinal X-Factors: One Player to Watch Per Matchup. Now, an X-Factor isn't necessarily the teams, or games, best player, but rather a more under-the-radar variable that is/has been a key to success throughout the 2024 season, and especially the playoffs. Let's check out the 14 X-Factors below, brought to you only by PrepRedzoneMN. Enjoy! It's going to be a great weekend.   --   Thursday, November 14th   Marshall vs. Becker   X-Factor: Carter Reckelberg (Becker) 2025. WR/DB.   Starting with one of the 4A semis, our X-factor for the Becker vs. Marshall showdown comes out of the wide receiver/defensive back group in senior playmaker Carter Reckelberg. Becker has been the epitome of "team football" in 2024, currently undefeated and the undisputed 4A contender for basically all of the 2024 season. There were a lot of names to choose from on both sides, but PrepRedzoneMN wanted to highlight senior WR/DB Carter Reckelberg. A standout track & field competitor who visited Iowa State on an unofficial visit, Reckelberg has put some serious numbers on the track, including a 10.78 100M, 22.22 200M, 24'1" long jump, and 44'10" triple jump, bringing some legit speed and athleticism to the gridiron that has been paying off in droves in 2024. Reckelberg is the Bulldogs big-play machine and option, posting an astounding 32.2 yard per reception average (19 catches for 612 yards and 11 TDs), as well as 10 rushes for 84 yards and a TD + 30 tackles, a TFL, a forced fumble, and an interception. That game-breaking speed, as well as already-established explosiveness that stands out amongst his Bulldogs teammates, is what we see as the X-Factor if Becker wants to pull off a semifinal victory over the Tigers. A big play can change the course of a game, especially a playoff contest that are traditionally tight and competitive. Keep an eye on #10 tomorrow!   Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1583254' first='Gavin' last='Schaefer'] (Marshall) 2025. FB/DL. 6'2, 230 lbs.   Hills-Beaver Creek vs. Mountain Iron-Buhl   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='1371692' first='Jamin' last='Metzger'] (Hill-Beaver Creek) 2026. QB. 6'5, 200 lbs.   Mountain Iron-Buhl has been an unstoppable force over the course of the 2024 season, putting up points like they're a basketball team, and if Hills-Beaver Creek wants to pull off the upset, we think QB [player_tooltip player_id='1371692' first='Jamin' last='Metzger'] is going to have to have a huge game. HBC is far from lacking in the talent department, with size, physicality, and athleticism, but things begin and end with the QB position in football. Metzger was a PrepRedzoneMN Preseason All-State pick going into the season, with a big arm and the ability to move the chains with both his arm and his legs. His play, ball security, and decision-making is going to be the key for HBC to take down the Rangers when it matters most, and he more than has the ability to make that happen.   Honorable Mention: Micaden Clines (Mountain Iron-Buhl) 2025. QB.   Fertile-Beltrami vs. LeRoy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='1204499' first='Carter' last='Sweeney'] (LeRoy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli) 2025. WR/OLB. 6'1, 185 lbs.   This is a battle of high-profile playmakers, as do-it-all QB/ATH MSU-Mankato commit [player_tooltip player_id='945346' first='Cam' last='Hungerholt'] is set to take on former North Dakota RB commit [player_tooltip player_id='502012' first='Isaiah' last='Wright'] in a clash between two of Minnesota's top stat-stuffers. However, PRzMN believes the X-Factor doesn't lie with the teams two best players. Insert senior ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1204499' first='Carter' last='Sweeney'], a WR/OLB and Hungerholt's favorite target through the air. Sweeney has posted 45 receptions for 812 yards and 13s, and on defense, and on defense, he's added 56 tackles, 5 TFLs, and 3 INTs, all of which he returned for touchdowns in 2024. Sweeney's big play ability is obvious in that pick-six stat, and he's got a nose for the endzone that can't be taught. With so much attention set to be focused on Hungerholt, I think this leaves room for Sweeney to make some plays and potentially change the course of the game for his Cardinals.   Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='502012' first='Isaiah' last='Wright'] (Fertile-Beltrami) 2025. RB. and [player_tooltip player_id='945346' first='Cam' last='Hungerholt'] (LeRoy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli) 2025. ATH. 6'1, 190 lbs.   Anoka vs. Minnetonka   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='485214' first='Peyton' last='Podany'] (Anoka) 2025. QB. 6'3, 180 lbs.   Anoka is playing its best football at the best time and has had a dream playoff run with tight victories over both Lakeville South (35-34) and Lakeville North (14-10). Leading the way for the Tornadoes and their dangerous passing attack is talented multi-sport senior [player_tooltip player_id='485214' first='Peyton' last='Podany'], a talented and experienced gunslinger with a big arm and a ton of reps + production over the course of his high school career. Not only does he play the most important position on the gridiron, Podany is also the biggest X-Factor in this 6A showdown. Podany has thrown at a 68% completion clip (178-261) for 2,212 yards in 2024, but he's thrown 19 TDs to 14 INTs, meaning the team ebbs and flows under the guidance of Podany's arm and decision-making. If he can keep the football safe in this 6A semifinal while still maintaining that accuracy and production, I think Anoka has the chance to upset the Skippers in prime time tomorrow night.   Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='362301' first='Vinny' last='May'] (Minnetonka) 2025. WR.   Friday, November 15th   Jackson County Central vs. Kimball Area   X-Factor: Grant Freking (Jackson County Central) 2025. QB. 6'5, 175 lbs.   We covered QB Grant Freking and his standout performance in the state quarterfinals against Norwood Young America in depth for a recent PrepRedzoneMN game recap, and the senior is now the focal point of the Huskies potential state title run in Class AA. Freking, a standout hooper for JCC who was convinced by his teammates to come out for football as a senior, stepped in and stepped up to the QB role early in the first quarter after star P4 2026 offeree [player_tooltip player_id='212362' first='Roman' last='Voss'] left the game with an ankle injury. In about as bright and pressured of a spotlight possible, Freking played his butt off, keeping the rock safe and secure and producing some clutch throws and big plays throughout the night. Seeing how Voss's ankle injury looked pretty gnarly, I'm going to assume he's out for the state semis, which means Freking has full control of the offense. He's surrounded by talent and experience, but with a stingy Kimball defense looking to wreck some dreams, it's going to be up to the backup QB to see this thing through. I'm looking forward to watching Freking on Friday with the Huskies.   Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1581538' first='Hank' last='Meyer'] (Kimball Area) 2025. DL. 6'2, 210 lbs.   Orono vs. Totino-Grace   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='1221973' first='Marquel' last='Keten'] (Totino-Grace) 2025. RB. 5'9, 175 lbs.   We got an awesome 4A state semifinal on our hands in the rematch of Orono vs. Totino-Grace, and with plenty of offensive firepower and defensive dudes on both teams, this was a hard X-Factor to decide. Having seen both teams already, giving myself some context going into their Round 2 rematch, I think TG's standout WR/SB [player_tooltip player_id='1221973' first='Marquel' last='Keten'] is the game's X-Factor. Totino's 2024 offense begins and ends with its running attack, which begins and ends with Keten, a slippery, strong, and dynamic ball carrier who can also catch the rock out of the slot and make things happen in a variety of ways. Keten has also been one of the 2024 playoffs top performers, regardless of class, including a 10 rush for 190 yard and 6 TD showing in the section finals and a 18 for 156 for 2 TD game last week against Hill-Murray. We think he is the biggest X-Factor and biggest key to success on either squad going into this star-studded semifinal.   Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1602726' first='Simon' last='Vinton'] (Orono) 2026. DE/TE. 6'5, 210 lbs.   Chanhassen vs. Elk River   X-Factor: Carter "Boom" Carstens (Chanhassen) 2025. LB. 6'3, 215 lbs.   University of St. Thomas linebacker commit Boom Carstens is the Storm's lynchpin and defensive leader of their 2024 roster that is hoping to defend their 2023 Class 5A state championship from last season. Carstens has posted 101 tackles in 2024, as well as 14 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 2 FF, a fumble recovery for six, and 4 PBUs while bringing a physical and intimidating presence to the Storm's defense all season long. It doesn't take a defensive mastermind to realize that to beat Elk River's Power-T offense, you need assignment-sound defense. That's each play, every play, all four quarters, otherwise Elk River will pop one off you for a big gain. For Chanhassen to win the battle against the Power-T, they're going to need their star ILB to step up big-time, not only in his own play, but in getting his teammates in position to succeed. It's a big ask, but Carstens is definitely capable.   Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='348733' first='Brecken' last='Keoraj'] (Elk River) 2025. RB/DB.   Staples-Motley vs. Chatfield   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='1552404' first='Colbe' last='Tappe'] (Staples-Motley) 2026. RB.   A workhorse of a RB that earned the double OT win for his Staples-Motley squad against Barnesville last week, scoring five TDs in thrilling fashion for the walk-off victory over former top contender Trojans. Described by fellow PRzMN scout [player_tooltip player_id='1292716' first='Nate' last='Wahl'] as the "heart and soul of the Cardinals offense" and one possessing grit, COD ability, suddenness, burst, and durability, he's once again going to have to come up big for his Cardinals offense against another top contender in the Gophers, who have an overwhelming defense led by North Dakota commit [player_tooltip player_id='362314' first='Ethan' last='Cole'].   Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1581544' first='Ben' last='Carrier'] (Chatfield) 2025. RB.   Shakopee vs. Maple Grove   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='1191516' first='Max' last='Coles'] (Shakopee) 2025. DL. 6'4, 255 lbs.   Seeing as the Shakopee vs. Maple Grove 6A semifinal is the most talent-rich of the 2024 semifinal slate, this was about as hard of an X-Factor selection as I had while curating this article. After combing over both team's rosters, I think the X-Factor of the 6A semi is Shakopee defensive lineman and South Dakota commit [player_tooltip player_id='1191516' first='Max' last='Coles']. A monstrous, nonstop, and productive presence for the Sabers DL and defense, Coles put together one of the top individual performances I saw over the entire 2024 season while checking out Shakopee vs. Minnetonka in a big-time regular season showdown around a month back. Coles is an absolute game-breaker capable of single-handedly wrecking a play, a series, and a game for an opponent like few Minnesota defenders can, and if Shako wants to upset 6A #1 Maple Grove, I think they're going to need to produce some turnovers, pressure stud QB [player_tooltip player_id='489731' first='Kaden' last='Harney'], and play like their life is dependant on it. At 6'4, 255 lbs., Coles is capable of doing all three of those musts, and when you combine it with the size, you have a seriously dominant presence ready to shake your offensive gameplan up. It's a big ask, as Maple Grove has arguably the best OL in state, led by two D1 OTs, but Coles is a monster and a half and the biggest X-Factor to this game's outcome, especially on the Shakopee side. Can't wait to see this kid in the playoffs.   Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1192021' first='Charles' last='Langama'] (Maple Grove) 2025. RB.   Saturday, November 16th   Springfield vs. Mahnomen/Waubun   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='1255896' first='Tanner' last='Stech'] (Mahnomen/Waubun) 2026. ATH. 6'1, 185 lbs.   This is one of my darkhorses for best game of the weekend. Not sure if we'll see fireworks or a grind-it-out slugfest, but I think the X-Factor in the Class A semifinal between Springfield and Mahnomen/Waubun is going to come down to junior ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1255896' first='Tanner' last='Stech']. The second-leading rusher, tied-for-first INT leader, and #1 receiver for the Thunderbirds, Stech is explosive, and judging from his sophomore film, is also quite the athlete. That athleticism can show up in big-time games and situations, and as a junior, he may be even hungrier to prove something with so much on the line to his senior class. With attention being given to some more statistically-sound seniors, PRzMN thinks there's a lot of room for Stech to have an impact. I'd keep an eye on this game if I was you, folks.   Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1633417' first='Parker' last='Kuehn'] (Springfield) 2027. QB. 6', 160 lbs.   Parkers Prairie vs. Minneota   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='1145278' first='Ryan' last='Meagher'] (Minneota) 2025. RB. 5'10, 205 lbs.   This Class A semifinal is a bit more straight-up of a selection. A returning state champ and All-State selection, I think Minneota's senior RB [player_tooltip player_id='1145278' first='Ryan' last='Meagher'] is going to be the best player on the gridiron this Saturday and is too big of an X-Factor to overlook, despite the fact that you know what you're going to get from the kid. Minneota, who is an all-around talented, assignment-sound, technically-consistent, and tough small school squad, still sails the way of its best player, and Meagher is one of the best that the Vikings have had in a while, even with their state championship-heavy lineage. If Meagher has a big game, it's hard to see Minneota losing.   Honorable Mention: Chavous Wendt (Parkers Prairie) 2025. QB/DB. 6'3, 180 lbs.   Dassel-Cokato vs. Pequot Lakes   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='1248642' first='Kobee' last='Thielen'] (Dassel-Cokato) 2025. ATH. 5'11, 175 lbs.   No stranger to success the past half decade+, Dassel-Cokato always seem to have one - or multiple - prospects that are simply better athletes than anyone on the field, and that's a big deal no matter what competition level you play at. For the Chargers 2024 roster, Thielen is that athletic X-Factor and has shown up and shown out at multiple in-person data points that we've compiled over the years. The Chargers are a very balanced football team, but in a game of relative equals, big-time athleticism can make the difference, especially if you're ready for the bright lights. Can't wait to see what Thielen is made of this coming Saturday.   Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1582831' first='Aaron' last='Clark'] (Pequot Lakes) 2025. WR. 6'2, 195 lbs.   Albany vs. Stewartville   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='1370572' first='Ethan' last='Meyer'] (Albany) 2025. ATH. 6'2, 195 lbs.   11-0 Albany has a legitimate shot of upending the defending state champs and have been playing great football all of 2024, leading to an 11-0 undefeated record and a ton of individual success on their roster. As they say, big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games, and for Albany to pull the upset of the playoffs, against a team looking nearly untouchable at the AAA level, I think the Huskies will need their best player to have his best game. Insert Minnesota All-Star [player_tooltip player_id='1370572' first='Ethan' last='Meyer'], a 6'2, 195 lb. playmaker who has done it all for Albany in 2024. Rushing, receiving, tackling, interceptions, punting, kick returning, punt returning, and even passing, this kid just makes plays. Hopefully he can make enough to takedown the Tigers.   Honorable Mention: Vincent Wellik (Stewartville) 2026. QB.   Alexandria vs. Owatonna   X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='945334' first='Mason' last='Gorghuber'] (Alexandria) 2025. WR. 5'11, 195 lbs.   On a team filled with high-major basketball commits, FCS football commits, NSIC commits, and upcoming scholarship talent, including a potential P4 kid, senior WR [player_tooltip player_id='945334' first='Mason' last='Gorghuber'] is having one of the best seasons of all. Already proving he has ice in his veins, proven by his go-ahead 99-yard receiving score to beat the #1 ranked Moorhead Spuds, Gorhuber has been nothing short of fantastic in 2024, adding another dangerous element to the Alexandria offense and one that i think is going to be the X-Factor this coming Saturday. The 195 lber. has posted 48 receptions for 982 yards and 17 TDs in 2024 at a 20.5 YPC clip, and seems to be the always-prepared, always-ready, always-open option to stud QB [player_tooltip player_id='641133' first='Chase' last='Thompson']. I think he's been an underrated part of the Cards success in 2024 and who can finally shine bright on Minnesota's biggest stage this weekend.   Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1120567' first='Nolan' last='Ginskey'] (Owatonna) 2025. WR. 6', 175 lbs.

And just like that, Minnesota high school football is at The Bank! In a blink, the 2024 Minnesota playoffs are at the semifinal point of the season, leading 14 teams to the vaunted U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis, setting up a slate of unreal playoff games from 9Man up to Class 6A. To switch things up, PrepRedzoneMN wanted to hammer some player-driven analysis and put a spin on the usual playoff coverage, leading us to name the MN State Semifinal X-Factors: One Player to Watch Per Matchup. Now, an X-Factor isn't necessarily the teams, or games, best player, but rather a more under-the-radar variable that is/has been a key to success throughout the 2024 season, and especially the playoffs. Let's check out the 14 X-Factors below, brought to you only by PrepRedzoneMN. Enjoy! It's going to be a great weekend.