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Howie

Minnesota Top 25: Maple Grove, Minnetonka stay on top

1 MIN READ
Howie Hanson Howie Note: Howie's daily column is powered by Lyric Kitchen & Bar.
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Maple Grove held steady at No. 1 in the Minnesota Star Tribune’s Strib Varsity statewide football rankings, while Minnetonka, Forest Lake and Eden Prairie rounded out a largely unchanged Top 4 after Week 4 victories.

The Crimson (4-0) overpowered Edina 33-7 and continued their second-half dominance, outscoring opponents 83-17 after halftime this season. Minnetonka (4-0) stayed at No. 2, riding a combined 414 rushing yards from Caleb Francois and Quinton Restrepo in a 33-15 win over Prior Lake.

Forest Lake (4-0) climbed to No. 3 after blanking Woodbury 51-0, extending a shutout streak that stretches back to Sept. 5. Eden Prairie (3-1) rose to fourth with a commanding 37-13 victory over St. Michael-Albertville, signaling that the Eagles may be back in championship contention.

Lakeville South (3-1) cracked the Top 5, powered by running back Nic Swanson, who is drawing comparisons to former Cougar standout Carson Hansen. St. Thomas Academy (4-0) surged to No. 6 after defeating Chanhassen, while Rosemount (3-1) returned to the poll at No. 13 following a 17-10 upset of Shakopee.

Hermantown (4-0) climbed to No. 18 thanks to junior running back Martin Sleen’s spectacular 369-yard, six-touchdown effort in a 41-21 win over Cloquet.

Marshall (4-0) entered at No. 22 after dismantling Hutchinson, and Fergus Falls (4-0) debuted at No. 25 with sophomore quarterback Eston Bethel throwing four touchdown passes.

The Top 25, as compiled by Star Tribune Strib Varsity:

  1. Maple Grove (4-0)
  2. Minnetonka (4-0)
  3. Forest Lake (4-0)
  4. Eden Prairie (3-1)
  5. Lakeville South (3-1)
  6. St. Thomas Academy (4-0)
  7. Shakopee (3-1)
  8. Andover (3-1)
  9. Centennial (3-1)
  10. Moorhead (3-1)
  11. Byron (4-0)
  12. Chanhassen (3-1)
  13. Rosemount (3-1)
  14. Elk River (3-1)
  15. Jackson County Central (4-0)
  16. Chaska (4-0)
  17. Mahtomedi (3-0)
  18. Hermantown (4-0)
  19. Spring Lake Park (4-0)
  20. Minneota (4-0)
  21. Annandale (4-0)
  22. Marshall (4-0)
  23. Pine Island (4-0)
  24. Mankato East (3-1)
  25. Fergus Falls (4-0)

Games to Watch This Week

No. 1 Maple Grove at No. 2 Minnetonka — A potential state championship preview and the biggest regular-season clash of the year so far.

No. 21 Annandale at Holy Family — A matchup of unbeatens that could shake up the Class 3A picture.

No. 18 Hermantown at Grand Rapids — Another proving ground for Sleen and the Hawks’ high-powered run game.

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