Minnesota’s high school football state tournament brackets released

Minnesota’s high school football state tournament brackets have been released, setting the stage for an exciting season of gridiron action. The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) announced the brackets for teams in classes 5A to Nine-Player, with forty-eight teams advancing to the state tournament after winning their respective sections. Among the top seeds are Cretin-Derham Hall, Monticello, Orono, Minneota, and Hills-Beaver Creek.

Tournament Structure and Schedule

The Class 6A bracket is notable for its unique structure, as it begins with a 32-team seeded bracket rather than section playoffs. This is a significant difference from other classes, reflecting the competitive landscape of the state’s largest high schools. The absence of a traditional section playoff means that teams are directly seeded based on their regular season performance, emphasizing the importance of consistent success throughout the year. Forty-eight teams advanced to the state tournament after winning their sections. The state quarterfinals will commence on Thursday at neutral sites across the state. The semifinals and Prep Bowl will be held at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov. 19-21 and Nov. 27-28, respectively, with tickets priced at $18 for adults and $12 for students. Tickets can be purchased [here](https://www.mshsl.org/). The Prep Bowl, the championship game, is a tradition in Minnesota high school sports, drawing large crowds and generating significant excitement statewide.

Key Seeds and Matchups

In Class 5A, Monticello was given the No. 1 seed in the North bracket and will face fourth seed Bloomington Jefferson in the quarterfinals Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. Monticello’s dominance in the North bracket is a testament to their consistent performance throughout the season, building on a strong tradition of football excellence in the region. Bloomington Jefferson, while seeded fourth, is a formidable opponent known for its aggressive defense and balanced offense. Cretin-Derham Hall received the No. 1 seed in the South bracket and will face fourth seed Northfield on Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. Cretin-Derham Hall’s strong showing in the South bracket reflects their reputation as a perennial powerhouse in Minnesota high school football, consistently attracting top talent and competing for championships. Northfield, despite being seeded fourth, presents a challenge with its disciplined play and experienced coaching staff. Other top seeds include Orono and Byron in 4A, Pierz and Waseca in 3A, Aitkin and Caledonia in 2A, Upsala/Swanville and Minneota in 1A, and Hills-Beaver Creek and Kittson County Central in Nine-Player.

Star Power on Display

Several highly anticipated games promise to showcase Minnesota’s top football talent. In Class 5A, the Hastings vs. Mankato West matchup features Hastings star running back and Gophers commit Zack Shatek, who has 2,610 yards rushing and 33 touchdowns this season, against Mankato West quarterback Osborne Lorenz, who has passed for 1,388 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushed for 1,053 yards and 23 touchdowns. Shatek’s commitment to the University of Minnesota adds another layer of intrigue to the game, as fans will have a chance to witness a future Gopher star in action. Lorenz represents the continuation of a long line of talented quarterbacks who have donned the Scarlets’ colors, upholding a proud tradition of offensive excellence. The Class 4A game between Hill-Murray and Willmar promises a high-scoring affair; Hill-Murray is the highest-scoring team in Class 4A (46.7 ppg) while Willmar is third (43.9 ppg). The game is expected to be a shootout, captivating fans with its fast-paced action and explosive plays. The defending 3A champion Annandale, ranked No. 1 in the final state media poll, will face Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton, which finished the regular season ranked No. 2.

A Deeper Dive into the 3A Championship Picture

The Annandale vs. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton matchup in Class 3A is particularly significant, pitting the defending champions against the team with the second-best regular season record. Annandale’s championship run last year was a testament to their resilience and teamwork, overcoming adversity to claim the title. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton, on the other hand, has consistently demonstrated their strength throughout the season, showcasing a well-rounded team capable of competing with the best in the state. The rivalry between these two programs adds an extra layer of excitement to the game, promising a battle of skill and determination.

Community Reaction and Team Mentality

The news of the state tournament brackets has generated excitement among fans and players alike. Cretin-Derham Hall’s victory over Mahtomedi in the Section 4AAAAA championship, with key contributions from De’mandre Frierson-Hollie and Gavin Russell, has heightened anticipation for the upcoming games. Gavin Russell completed 20 of his 28 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown, while Frierson-Hollie finished the night with 10 catches for 147 yards. The win over Mahtomedi was a crucial moment for Cretin-Derham Hall, solidifying their position as a top contender in the state tournament. Minneota coach Jim Smith expressed confidence in his team. Minneota’s unwavering confidence reflects their years of dominance in Class 1A, establishing them as a benchmark for success in Minnesota high school football.

The Significance of Nine-Player Football

The inclusion of the Nine-Player division highlights the unique appeal and community support for smaller schools across Minnesota. Nine-player football requires a different skill set than traditional 11-player football, emphasizing speed, agility, and open-field tackling. Teams like Hills-Beaver Creek and Kittson County Central, representing rural communities, demonstrate the passion for football that thrives even in smaller schools. The tournament provides a platform for these communities to celebrate their athletic achievements and showcase the spirit of small-town Minnesota.

Looking Ahead

The state quarterfinals will kick off the postseason action, with teams competing to secure a spot in the semifinals and ultimately the Prep Bowl. The tournament provides a platform for smaller communities like Hills-Beaver Creek and Minneota to compete on a grand stage, highlighting the importance of local support and community spirit. The tournament is a testament to the hard work and dedication of players, coaches, and fans who have worked tirelessly throughout the season. For updated brackets and schedules, visit [here](https://www.mshsl.org/). The road to U.S. Bank Stadium will be challenging, requiring teams to overcome adversity and demonstrate exceptional teamwork and resilience.

Katherine's Take

The release of the Minnesota State High School League football state tournament brackets is a moment of great anticipation for the community. It marks the culmination of months of hard work and dedication from athletes, coaches, and supporters. The high-profile matchups promise to deliver thrilling games, showcasing the best of high school football in Minnesota. While the focus is on the big games and star players, it's important to remember the broader impact on families and communities. The tournament serves as a celebration of commitment, effort, and the values that define our community. As we look ahead, let us continue to support our young athletes and the teams that represent our schools with pride and enthusiasm. The tournament not only provides entertainment but also fosters a sense of unity and shared experience among Minnesotans, creating lasting memories for players, families, and fans alike.