Biggest 5A Section Playoff Stock Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's no secret that I love 5A football, and the section playoff race so far has been electric. With just a few days to go until the section finals, I wanted to show some love to some of the 5A athletes who've been balling out in the playoffs. Without further ado, enjoy!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1633432"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aeb7015cc30c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Without question, the biggest stock riser of the short playoffs has been Hastings senior, [player_tooltip player_id='1633432' first='Zach' last='Shatek']. He was the most productive RB in the state by a wide margin this season, and recently flipped his commitment to stay home with the Gophers. He had an otherworldly performance in the section semifinals, taking 24 carries for 337 yards and an astounding 5 TDs. His numbers this season look like something out of a video game, rushing for over 2,300 yards in just 9 games, with 30 total TDs to boot. His tape is simply incredible. Shatek has breakaway speed, insane patience, and the ability to break the first tackle almost every time. With him taking over a lion's share of the offensive responsibilities, there's no telling how far Hastings could go this season. The 8-1 Raiders host the 4-5 St. Thomas Academy Cadets in the section finals on Friday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1654786"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aeb7015cc3b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lauer has been one of the biggest QB surprises of the 2026 season. The sophomore has had a breakout year and was essential to the Warriors' 49-35 win over Bemidji in the section semifinals, where he went 14/17 through the air for 300 yards, 4 TDs, with a perfect passer rating. He also picked up an insane 73 yards and 2 TDs on 8 carries. This isn't anything new for the young starter, though. He currently stands at just shy of 1,800 passing yards and 500 rushing yards through 9 games, with an incredible TD/INT ratio of 19/5. When you dive into his tape, you realize he is ABSOLUTELY a dual-threat athlete. Capable of making multi-year varsity starters miss in space and hitting tight windows deep downfield with polished touch and precision. Lauer will absolutely be an athlete to watch not just in the playoffs, but over the next two years. The 8-1 Brainerd Warriors will host the 6-3 Sartell Sabres on Friday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1826215"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aeb7015cc432"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Although much of the attention around Robbinsdale Armstrong's offense has focused on the passing attack, last week's win over Park Center wouldn't have been possible without Nix emerging as a bellcow, taking 21 carries for 122 yards and 2 TDs. It was the seniors' 5th 100+ yard game this season, and it couldn't have come at a better time. His tape is sick too. Nix is a zippy back who can make quick cuts and tiptoe through defenders to find open running lanes. He possesses excellent burst through the line of scrimmage as well. He's gotten a handful of D3 interest so far, and I'll be curious to see where his recruiting goes after the playoffs. The 7-2 Robbinsdale Armstrong Falcons host the 5-4 Spring Lake Park Panthers this Friday in the section finals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1120562"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aeb7015cc4e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ribnick has been one of the more productive wideouts in the state this season, a trend that hasn't bucked through the first couple of weeks of playoffs. In a 20-13 win over cross-city rival Minneapolis Washburn, Ribnick caught 6 passes for 118 yards and 2 TDs, playing an essential role in his team's success. Through 9 games, he's just shy of 1,000 receiving yards and has found the end zone 13 times. The Minnesota State Moorhead commit has, unsurprisingly, some great tape as well. On it, Ribnick proves to be a dynamic athlete, capable of extending the smallest catches for massive gains, or even punching in a long TD. He's both a legit deep threat and a serious problem in the screen game. Leaving him alone with your DB is always going to be a problem. The 7-2 Minneapolis Southwest Lakers travel to play the 5-4 Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars on Friday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1581384"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aeb7015cc560"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rochester Century has arguably been the best story out of the 5A section playoffs so far, and a lot of that is due to Tankhamvang. Against #1-seeded Owatonna, he rushed for 155 yards and 1 TD on only 5 carries, while also catching 3 passes for 54 yards. In the section quarterfinals, he caught 3 balls for 47 yards and a TD too. I really wish he had more senior tape out right now, but what he does have is very intriguing. On it, he shows some really good speed (backed up by his 40s at the PRZ showcase) and proved that he's a legit YAC threat. He can make multiple defenders miss on a play with the rock in his hands, and is clearly more than just a slot receiver. I'm pumped to watch Century keep rolling, and I'll be watching Tankhamvang closely in the section finals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2476284"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aeb7015cc5cd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elk River has had a number of very talented QBs running their dynamic Power-T offense over the years, and Davis has been no exception to that trend. He has the 3rd most rushing yards on his team through 9 games, and in the section semis, he was the driving force for the Elk's success. He took 9 carries for an astounding 148 yards on the ground, with 2 TDs and 2 2-point conversions as well. He's done a great job of putting out consistent junior tape. Davis is a dynamic runner in space and does an excellent job of following his blockers to green. He's got the speed to beat defenders to the edge, and the bag to create missed tackles. He does an excellent job of riding his meshes, and his burst once he turns upfield is eye-catching. 7-2 Elk River will travel to 9-0 Monitcello for the most highly anticipated section finals matchup in the state, regardless of class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2476335"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aeb8fa1381b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It isn't too often that we see a sophomore running back emerge as a legit game changer for a #1 seed in the playoffs, but that's exactly what King did against school rival Bloomington Kennedy in the section semifinals. King took 24 carries for 153 yards with an endzone trip in tow. I was pumped when I found out he had a solid amount of tape. King is a thick and dynamic back. He does a great job of exploding through the line of scrimmage, and he showed surprising burst for a sophomore. When he gets vertical, he's a real problem for defenses too. King is absolutely an RB to watch out for going forward, and he has serious potential to be a major stock riser. Bloomington Jefferson hosts Minneapolis Southwest on Friday to determine who goes to the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2476340"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aeb8fa1381de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Opitz has been a solid back all season for the Zephyrs, but had a truly breakout-level performance against St. Paul Highland Park in the section semifinals. He took 27 carries for a very impressive 184 yards, finding the end zone twice in the process. In the biggest game of his senior season, he stepped up in a big way and was crucial in their 20-14 win. He doesn't have a ton of senior tape yet, but what he does have is pretty good. On it, Opitz proves to be a hard runner. He can make quick cuts off his blockers and has tape as both a fullback and a running back. He fights for every yard and has no problem running through a defender's face. Opitz is the definition of an underrated senior ball carrier and needs a serious look from some colleges. Mahtomedi is 7-2 and travels to play the undefeated Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders on Friday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->