PrepRedzoneMN 2025 Midseason Awards and Superlatives

Every fall, I gear myself for the whirlwind of the regular season, and every fall, I'm still surprised by how fast it goes. In a blink, we're at the midway point of the 2025 Minnesota regular season, which means PRZMN gets to pump out one of the more fun features of the season: the Midseason Awards and Superlatives! Midseason POY, state championship predictions, breakout players, freshman of the midseason, 8th grader of the midseason (!), success stories, narrative street, and more! It's the midseason point, so part of this exercise means we HAVE to overhype, guess, and take a swing at some things, so remember that this is all for fun. Dig in!   --   Comeback Player of the Midseason:   [player_tooltip player_id='1289981' first='Caleb' last='Kamara'] (Burnsville) 2026. RB. 5'10, 180 lbs.   One of the fastest high schoolers in the state of Minnesota, especially on the gridiron, Burnsville Blaze senior tailback [player_tooltip player_id='1289981' first='Caleb' last='Kamara'] missed the entirety of the 2024 season due to an unfortunate ankle injury, but after his explosive performance in Week 4 against Two Rivers, I'm ready to say that the verified speedster is officially back, so much so that he's your 2025 Minnesota Comeback Player of the Midseason! 10.8 in the 100 and 21.46 in the 200M shows up well when healthy, and although the Blaze have been hurtin' in 2025, Kamara has finally been able to showcase his athleticism to it's most deserving degree last week. In 2025, Kamara has posted 38 carries for 330 yards and 3 TDs, 4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL, and 6 receptions for 74 yards. Still uncommitted, the Burnsville product holds a D1 offer from Northern Iowa an would make an explosive addition to any college RB room.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CalebKamara2026/status/1969842271316316363 </div></figure>   Honorable Mentions:   [player_tooltip player_id='1255132' first='Jay' last='Sanders'] (Minneapolis North) 2026. WR. 5'9, 185 lbs.   The Polars fantastic wideout was hurt in the first game of the 2024 season against Holy Angels, an injury which required surgery, but he managed to come back in time for sections and scored five TDs in North's two playoff games. Back and better than ever in 2025, as well as still uncommitted, Sanders has posted 19 receptions for 342 yards and 3 TDs through four games of the regular season. Still uncommitted as well!   [player_tooltip player_id='923832' first='Carson' last='Turner'] (Shakopee) 2026. RB. 5'11, 200 lbs.   One of the best RBs in the state of Minnesota, Shakopee's Turner only played in one game in the all-important junior season due to a very unfortunate ACL tear, missing both his junior year on the gridiron and the wrestling mat, where he's a standout on both. After a TON of hard work, Turner is back balling out, and has currently posted 39 carries for 211 yards and 2 TDs, only 60ish yards away from being the Sabres leading rusher. Lot of football left for Turner this season. Still uncommitted as well!   Player of the Midseason:   [player_tooltip player_id='212362' first='Roman' last='Voss'] (Jackson County Central) 2026. ATH. 6'4, 230 lbs. Committed to Minnesota   Lots of strong options for Minnesota's 2025 Midseason POY, but after some serious consideration, PRZMN is handing the award to JCC's [player_tooltip player_id='212362' first='Roman' last='Voss']. Leading the way for Minnesota's defending Class AA champ, as well as the surest bet for a 2025 state championship across all seven classes, the now-6'4, 230 lber.'s highlights are insane for a kid of his size, and he has the stats to back it up, posting 35 carries for 551 yards and 9 TDs rushing, 657 passing yards and 6 TDs, and 1 reception for 37 yards. This kid could be the best OT or CB in Class AA and maybe small school football if you asked him to play there, and he's undoubtedly a unicorn in terms of size/speed/quickness. Get out of JCC's way this year.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/romanvoss2/status/1970888800806261212 </div></figure>   Honorable Mentions:   [player_tooltip player_id='1104940' first='Carson' last='Heimer'] (Byron) 2026. RB/SAF. 6'1, 195 lbs. Committed to MSU-Mankato.   Byron is #1 in Class 4A and 4-0 with wins over the classification's top contenders, and Heimer has been the lynchpin and go-to playmaker. 74 carries for 740 yards and 10 TDs rushing, 3 receptions for 23 yards and 1 TD, one pick-six that I saw in person. Byron hasn't updated their defensive stats yet either.   [player_tooltip player_id='402073' first='James' last='Engle'] (Maple Grove) 2026. RB/ATH. 5'9, 185 lbs. Committed to MSU-Mankato   Maple Grove is 4-0 with some tough wins at the midseason point of the regular season, and Engle was asked to step into the Crimson's RB1 role after fellow senior Patrick Wright suddenly moved to Pennsylvania right before the season began. Engle has been a massive asset for the Crimson's offense this year, which has some massive shoes to fill after the 2025 class was sent off in graduation, and has posted 106 carries for 740 yards and 7 TDs, as well as 2 catches for 48 yards and a TD.   Matthew Welter (Chaska) 2026. QB/ATH. 6'6, 210 lbs.   Chaska is 4-0 and is looking and playing like a top contender in Class 5A, and a lot of the success seems to derive behind the powerful legs of 6'6, 210 lb. Breakout Star and massive QB Matthew Welter. 11 completions on 24 attempts for 157 yards and 3 TDs passing, 58 carries for 439 yards and 8 TDs. Try tackling this dude 1v1!   [player_tooltip player_id='1629849' first='David' last='Mack'] (Moorhead) 2027. WR. 6', 175 lbs.   The lone junior to make the list, Mack, along with fellow 2027 P4-offeree in RB [player_tooltip player_id='1288313' first='Taye' last='Reich'], have been godsend's in Moorhead's inaugural season in Class 6A, putting the Spuds on their back in the absence of QB1 [player_tooltip player_id='1194605' first='Jett' last='Feeney'] due to injury. Mack is putting up wild numbers through four games of the 2025 season, toasting any and every Big School cornerback and/or safety he's come across to the tune of 29 catches for 500 yards and 7 TDs at the midseason point. Not used to seeing these kind of numbers from a MN prep wideout in four games.   Breakout Player of the Midseason:   Talan Witt (Alexandria) 2026. QB. 6'1, 185 lbs. Committed to Southwest Minnesota State (basketball)   Another difficult choice for PRZMN, the Breakout Player of the Midseason had some real-deal contenders, but the big difference between our selection and the honorable mentions came down to the fact that Alexandria's Talan Witt played significantly less in 2024. The fellow nominees would be more qualified for a "Most Improved" type of win in an award setting, but Witt is truly embodies the "breakout" part of this superlative, stepping into the shoes of the electric 2026 6'7 QB and Clemson basketball commit Chase Thompson, who led the Cards to a Class 5A state championship and near victory over Elk River. I can't lie, this wasn't on radar for 2025, but Alexandria has barely skipped a beat coming into this fall, and at the midseason point of the 2025 season, Alexandria Area looks like a legitimate Class 5A state championship contender. Credit stud basketball guard Witt with a lot of the success, as he's been dynamic, completing 76% of his passes (63-83) for 729 yards and 7 TDs to only 1 INT + 25 rushes for 148 yards and 2 more TDs on the ground. Alex is also 3-1 going into Week 5, with their lone loss coming in Week 1 to Chanhassen 24-22. Gotta love the Minnesota multi-sport prospects!   Honorable Mentions:   [player_tooltip player_id='1633442' first='Carter' last='Zollar'] (Stillwater) 2027. WR. 6'4, 210 lbs.   19 receptions for 324 yards and 8 TDs despite an offseason injury and despite his former QB1 departing for Ohio in the spring. Looking and playing like a D1 and potential P4 type of prospect through the midseason point.   [player_tooltip player_id='1201408' first='Grant' last='Benson'] (Buffalo) 2026. QB. 6'4, 220 lbs.   Has Buffalo looking like a Class 5A state title contender at the midseason point and has been playing his tail off in the process. Has completed 61 passes on 108 attempts for 977 yards and 6 TDs to 2 INTs, as well as 73 carries for 361 yards and 7 TDs. Buffalo is 3-1 going into Week 5, with their lone loss coming in Week 1 to Brainerd 28-27.   Michael Welter (Chaska) 2026. QB. 6'6, 210 lbs.   Chaska is 4-0 and is looking and playing like a top contender in Class 5A, and a lot of the success seems to derive behind the powerful legs of 6'6, 210 lb. Breakout Star and massive QB Matthew Welter. 11 completions on 24 attempts for 157 yards and 3 TDs passing, 58 carries for 439 yards and 8 TDs. Try tackling this dude 1v1!   Best Duos of the Midseason   [player_tooltip player_id='1612765' first='Logan' last='Lachermeier'] to the Minneapolis Polars WR corps   I don't want to get ahead of myself, but Minneapolis North is playing their butts off in 2025, and I'm bullish on their chances in Class 3A, having seen them live and given their toughness in the trenches and developed passing game compared to most run-first small school programs.   Lachermeier, a 5'11, 160 lber., is leading Minnesota in passing yards, passing yards per game, and passing TDs, and through four games has completed 69 passes on 96 attempts (72%) for 1,306 yards and 17 TDs to only 3 INTs, averaging 14 yards per completion and 327 passing yards per game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1580268' first='Anthony' last='Deline'] - 2026. WR. - 18 catches for 462 yards and 6 TDs (fourth in the state in reception yards)   [player_tooltip player_id='1255132' first='Jay' last='Sanders'] - 2026. WR. - 19 catches for 342 yards and 3 TDs   [player_tooltip player_id='1602750' first='Jeremiah' last='Jackson'] - 2026. WR. - 12 catches for 231 yards and 5 TDs   All uncommitted as well!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LoganLach4/status/1971072052984676391 </div></figure>   Freshman of the Midseason:   [player_tooltip player_id='1555622' first='Jayden' last='Bates'] (Eden Prairie) DE. 6'4, 210 lbs.   This one's tough, as it's hard to reliable stats and information regarding every single 2029 prospect in Minnesota receiving varsity reps, but I do know that Eden Prairie's freshman phenom [player_tooltip player_id='1555622' first='Jayden' last='Bates'] is the only 8th grader to ever earn a Gopher offer from PJ Fleck, because I was there in person this summer. Additionally, I got to see Bates live, starting, and getting after [player_tooltip player_id='592125' first='Mason' last='West']'s butt for four quarters in Eden Prairie's impressive win over Edina in Week 3, it was hard to believe that Bates is only a freshman in his first year playing high school ball. He looked and played like an upperclassmen that night, and I'd be interested to know when the last time - if ever - a freshman has started for Mike Grant at EP. Either way, this kid is something special, with built-in traits to rush the passer with lethal effectiveness in both high school and college, and his motor, twitch, and physicality already stand out four games into his first year of high school football. Get on the bandwagon now, friends.   Honorable Mentions:   [player_tooltip player_id='1270305' first='Fua' last='Taumalolo'] (Totino-Grace) FB. 5'10, 220 lbs.   Got to see Taumalolo Week 1 against Rocori, and although he ate a couple "welcome to varsity football licks", the TG Eagle freshman fullback looked and played the part of a varsity starter and future big-time college prospect. Built like a brick, with strength, a natural leverage advantage, and physicality at the point of attack, Taumalolo was throwing his weight around with effectiveness against a senior-heavy Spartans squad, opening holes for his fellow RBs and getting positive yardage when needed. I'm frightened to think what this kid is going to look like in three-four years in the TG strength & conditioning program. Also one of the best rugby players in the state! Get to know the name now.   [player_tooltip player_id='888363' first='Brayden' last='Hartmann'] (Hill-Murray) QB. 5'8, 170 lbs.   The Hill-Murray Pioneers are 3-1 in 2025 behind the arm of freshman signal-caller [player_tooltip player_id='888363' first='Brayden' last='Hartmann'], a well-established youth quarterback in Minnesota who has made his way to the 4A private school in Maplewood for high school. With a vast array of young athletes and playmakers to choose from, Hartmann has the Pioneers offense in good form going into the latter half of the regular season. According to MNFootballHub, Hartmann has completed 17 passes on 23 attempts for 249 yards and 4 TDs to only 1 INTs. Keep an eye on the Pioneers in Class 4A!   Brody Anderson (Jackson County Central) ATH. 5'8, 160 lbs.   Fun little addition to the Huskies already-dominate offense, I've been hearing good things about freshman Brody Anderson, who seems to be in the driver's seat to take over as a Huskies go-to playmaker once this current [player_tooltip player_id='212362' first='Roman' last='Voss']-era of JCC football has concluded. The kid is explosive, having already taken a punt back for a 45-yard TD return, and he's going to get plenty of opportunities to make plays in the JCC's prolonged 2025 campaign. Welcome to the scene, young man!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BrodyAnder81194/status/1967800937671692291 </div></figure>   8th Grader of the Midseason:   Carter Cupito (SMB) 2030. QB.   Two years in a row we've had 8th graders display such promise at the varsity level of high school football that we feel obliged to include it on this Midseason special. SMB, the co-op of Minnehaha Academy, Blake, St. Paul Academy, and Hope Academy, has been abysmal the past two seasons, with only one win between the years, which happened to come again Twin Cities Charter. I can't lie, when I heard that their returning rising sophomore QB was out for the season before fall camp started, I thought it was going to be more of the same thing. Enter Carter Cupito, the son of former Golden Gopher QB Bryan Cupito, an 8th grade star hooper who was thrust into the starting role and the ensuing spotlight thanks to some fantastic poise, a big, lively arm, and an experienced group of playmakers to throw, and the next thing you know, the Wolfpack is 3-1! Winona, Delasalle, and Richfield have all been felled by the Wolfpack so far, with their first loss coming last week to BSM. I don't care what you say, this is already a fantastic 2025 season for SMB, and I'm giving the majority of the credit to Cupito. We'll be hearing about this kid in both football and basketball for the next four years+, so strap in now.   Honorable Mention:   Zac Grawey (PACT Charter) 2030. QB. 6', 140 lbs.   PACT Charter, a brand new high school football program based out of Ramsey, is in their first season of football this fall and secured a Week 1 win over Twin Cities Charter. As with any new upstart, their is a lot of youth involved in the Panthers roster, and the squad is led by a 2030 gunslinger in Zac Grawey. Decent stats so far (13-36 for 213 and 4 TDs passing, 3 rushes for 28 yards), led the newly-created PACT Charter team to a win already, and is a reported 6' tall. Keep up the good work, young buck!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ZacGrawey5/status/1967048046317126112 </div></figure>   Most Under-the-Radar Uncommitted Senior   Parker Maloney (St. Peter) 2026. OT. 6'7, 260 lbs.   Representing the 507, and representing it well I must add, St. Peter's Parker Maloney has some fantastic midseason tape, and being that he's a gargantuanly reported 6'7, it's hard to believe he's so under-the-radar as of right now. Maloney told PRZMN that he isn't really talking to anyone right now, so I'm hoping some much-needed visibility and circulation of the tape will do his talent and upside some justice. Watching Maloney dunk on the hardwood is about as eye-catching of an introduction as you can get, but when you turn on the tape you see an offensive tackle with about as much start/stop, COD, and general nimble-footed agility as I've seen in an initial introduction to a Minnesotan tackle. The basketball ability translates incredibly well to the gridiron, and his athleticism and upside are about as obvious as it gets. I hope some college coaches get in touch with this young man soon, we could have the sleeper of the year here   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/OJW_Scouting/status/1971214783962808626 </div></figure>   Most Competitive/Up-in-the-Air Classification:   Class 5A   There's five-six programs I could legitimately see winning a state title from Class 5A in 2025.   Honorable Mention:   Class AAA   Class 9Man   Best Success Story   Austin - 507 4A competitor Austin finally snapped their 17-game losing streak in Week 3, holding onto a thriller against Class AAA Worthington on the road and in electric fashion, 14-13.   Rochester Century - Rochester Century won their first game since September 8th, 2023, taking down Owatonna 12-7 on Friday night. Not only was it the Panthers first win in two years, it was also the first time Century defeated perennial 5A heavyweight Owatonna since the 2010-2011 season, 15 years ago   Mankato East over Mankato West to reclaim the Kato Jug for the first time in 19 years   Andover (and Moorhead?) in Class 6A - The Huskies and the Spuds look like the best of the 5A programs who moved up to Class 6A for the 2025 season. Andover has been especially impressive, with wins over Centennial, Wayzata, and Coon Rapids, with their lone loss coming in a tight 28-24 L to Champlin Park in Week 2.   Stewartville in Class 4A - The defending Class AAA state championship did have to say goodbye to their 30-game win streak after a Week 3 loss to Kasson-Mantorville 21-18, but the Tigers are 3-1 with three dominant victories in 4A in their first year up a classification of competition. Behind the legs of [player_tooltip player_id='1602765' first='Malik' last='Abdi'], the Tigers are a legit threat at the Class 4A crown.   Albert Lea - first 3-0, now 4-0, start in more than 20 years.   Sartell - snapped their 16-game losing streak in Week 7 against St. Cloud Tech in 2024, now is 2-2 and is coming off a big-time upset of Brainerd in Week 4, 20-16. On the road too!   Biggest Stock Rising Recruit:   [player_tooltip player_id='1452200' first='Nehemiah' last='Ombati'] (Shakopee) 2027. DL. 6'3, 265 lbs.   A recent transfer from Waconia, Ombati cemented himself as an elite prospect in the Land of 10,000 Lakes after earning his first P4 offer during his junior season, from, of course, Iowa State. Maybe the greatest trusters of MN talent, the Cyclones added themselves to a roster list that included North Dakota State, South Dakota State, and North Dakota, and the stud Sabres defensive linemen is the only Minnesotan to earn a P4 offer during this ongoing 2025 regular season, besides Blake Betton's Arkansas offer. Keep it up, Nehemiah!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Nehemiah_Ombati/status/1964342043888525822 </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1289991' first='Jake' last='Gau'] (Eden Prairie) 2026. OT.   A giant of a right tackle, Gau has rocketed himself from the DII to FCS recruiting sphere thanks to some strong midseason tape and a ton of production with his fellow Eden Prairie offensive linemen. In the middle of the month, Gau heard from FCS heavyweight and the recent back-to-back FCS champs South Dakota State with a Missouri Valley scholarship offer. Eden Prairie is back to its road-grading ways in 2025.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Jake_Gau_/status/1967388273434828959 </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='592126' first='Skyler' last='Werner'] (Prior Lake) 2026. DT.   One of the biggest pleasant surprises of the developing 2026 recruiting cycle, Prior Lake's experienced and well-built defensive tackle made an out-of-nowhere commit to the perennial FCS heavyweight and legendary developer of MN prep football talent NDSU. A primarily NSIC offeree who held a UST roster spot, Werner joins one of the strongest legacies of Minnesota talent in all of college football. A big body with a ton of power, 6A experience, and toughness at the point of attack, interior, athletic defensive bodies are always highly-sought after in the portal and on the recruiting trail, and Minnesota is one of the sleepiest best producers. Don't be surprised if you see this dude shining at the Fargo Dome in a few short years.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/skylerwer/status/1967406068478497062 </div></figure>   Talen Taylor (Waterville-Elysian-Morristown) 2026. ATH. 6'3, 185 lbs.   A complete unknown coming into the season, but on college radars and that of PRZMN, Bemidji State proved they once again recruit the state as well as anyone, pulling the trigger and offering the Class AA sleeper out of the Mankato area early in the season.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/12TalenTaylor/status/1968005067786830112 </div></figure>   Midseason Positional MVPs   Midseason's Best QB: [player_tooltip player_id='1255909' first='Nathan' last='Ramler'] (Chanhassen) 2026. AND [player_tooltip player_id='1612765' first='Logan' last='Lachermeier'] (MPLS North) 2026.   Midseason's Best RB: [player_tooltip player_id='1292281' first='Martin' last='Sleen'] (Hermantown) 2027. - 59 rushes for 959 yards and 17 TDs   Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1288313' first='Taye' last='Reich'] (Moorhead) 2027. - 66 rushes for 421 yards and 6 TDs   Midseason's Best WR: [player_tooltip player_id='1629849' first='David' last='Mack'] (Moorhead) 2027. - 29 catches for 500 yards and 7 TDs   Midseason's Best TE: Dre'Mandre Frierson-Hollie (Cretin-Derham Hall) 2027. - 26 catches for 400 yards and 5 TDs   Midseason's Best Pass Rusher: [player_tooltip player_id='592117' first='Howie' last='Johnson'] (Forest Lake) 2026. - 22 tackles, 10 TFLs, 4 sacks through 4 games   Midseason's Best Tackler: [player_tooltip player_id='1255900' first='Kane' last='Thompson'] (International Falls) 2026. - 64 tackles, 9 TFLs, 3 FF, 1 sack   Midseason's Best Ballhawk: [player_tooltip player_id='1579132' first='Ndifor' last='Tamukong'] (Forest Lake) 2026. - 9 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 4 INTs   Play of the Midseason   [player_tooltip player_id='1612777' first='Sammy' last='Stephenson'] catch in Eden Prairie's Week 3 win over the visiting Edina Hornets 40-19.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/samstephenson26/status/1967759129923187092 </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/OJW_Scouting/status/1966662490453934431 </div></figure>   Biggest Upset of the Midseason:   Week 4:   Alexandria over Elk River 52-16   Rosemount over Shakopee 17-10   Best Game of the Midseason:   Week 4, Rochester Mayo over Northfield, 42-35. Feldman's tweet says it best.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PBFeldy/status/1969248834829078756 </div></figure>   Midseason State Championship Predictions:   9Man: Hills-Beaver Creek - 9Man is pretty up in the air right now, but I like HBC's playoff experience from last year, as well as the dynamic duo of Metzger & Bush. In fact, there's a handful of Metzgers I like on the HBC team. I'm not going to bet against the two best players in 9Man until I have to.   Class A: Springfield - Springfield is incredibly talented at the Class A level, already have big-game experience from last year's run, and are going to be hungry to avenge last year's state title L. Importantly, Minneota, although still lean & mean, has lost some key pieces to graduation.   Class AA: Jackson County Central - I don't see anyone being able to get in the way of [player_tooltip player_id='212362' first='Roman' last='Voss'] & co. come playoff time. Remember, Voss missed last year's state run due to an injury. He's going to be hungry for this as a senior.   Class AAA: Waseca, really want to say Minneapolis North   Class 4A: Byron - Byron has already beaten some of the top contenders in 4A. They look like the best team by a good measure at the midseason point.   Class 5A: Elk River - I'm just not ready to bet against the Elks yet. Doesn't help that 5A is as up in the air as it's been in a while. This take could look stupid in a couple of weeks, as Elk River still has Armstrong, Monti, and Cretin-Derham Hall left on the schedule, but the Elks are so heavy at the top end and that offense is so hard to stop later in the season.   Class 6A: Maple Grove - best team in the state. Best OL, best QB, playmakers across the board, size, coaching. After this year, Maple Grove is going to have a big drop off, but this 2026 class is another great one and I think the preseason humbling at the Bemidji State War on the Shore Big School Team Camp did the Crimson some good.   Misc. injuries that have required missing games:   [player_tooltip player_id='1368410' first='Eli' last='Diane']   [player_tooltip player_id='1194605' first='[player_tooltip player_id='1194604' first='Jett' last='']' last='Feeney']   [player_tooltip player_id='1255902' first='Pierce' last='Petersohn']   [player_tooltip player_id='1029336' first='Caden' last='Gutzmer']   [player_tooltip player_id='1633467' first='Angelo' last='Clark'] (Simley)   [player_tooltip player_id='1602754' first='Cedric' last='Tomes']   --

Every fall, I gear myself for the whirlwind of the regular season, and every fall, I'm still surprised by how fast it goes. In a blink, we're at the midway point of the 2025 Minnesota regular season, which means PRZMN gets to pump out one of the more fun features of the season: the Midseason Awards and Superlatives! Midseason POY, state championship predictions, breakout players, freshman of the midseason, 8th grader of the midseason (!), success stories, narrative street, and more! It's the midseason point, so part of this exercise means we HAVE to overhype, guess, and take a swing at some things, so remember that this is all for fun. Dig in!