Hermantown earned Academic All-State recognitions in Class 4A football this week, collecting a Silver Award for team grade-point average while senior Bode Madill was named an individual Academic All-State selection. The Hawks posted a 3.18 team GPA, placing them in the Minnesota Football Coaches Association’s Silver tier for
Martin Sleen named All-Minnesota, Hawks expected to battle Hibbing-Chisholm in 7A hockey
Hermantown’s 2025 football season came full circle Friday night — ending against the same team that handed the Hawks their first loss of the fall. Grand Rapids, physical and efficient from the start, again proved too much, defeating Hermantown 41-0 in the Section 7, Class 4A championship game to end
Hermantown led 14-8 at halftime and 28-16 after three quarters before Sleen’s third touchdown in the fourth extended the margin to 35-20.
“I thought we were the most physical we have been to date. We did a pretty darn good job bottling up that power-T offense that North Branch runs — which has notoriously caused us problems in the past.” -- Hawks coach Mike Zagelmeyer
“Holding Martin (Sleen, Minnesota's leading rusher) out allowed some of our younger guys to get valuable experience, especially since our JV game was canceled this past week. It was great to see some of them step up and contribute.” -- Hermantown coach Mike Zagelmeyer
On a night packed with pageantry, history and a homecoming crowd that filled Corey Veech Field, Hermantown stumbled early and never fully recovered. Grand Rapids spoiled the celebration Friday, handing the Hawks their first loss of the season in a 34-20 Northeast Red high school football game. “It was just
Hermantown Events to Watch Next Week Football Hermantown visits Esko at 5 p.m. Friday. Boys Soccer The Hawks play two matches on the road: Wednesday at Duluth East, 5:30 p.m. at Ordean Stadium, and Thursday at Duluth Denfeld, 6:30 p.m. at Marv Heikkinen Field. Girls
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
The Hawks finished with 357 rushing yards on 23 carries — a staggering 15.5 yards per attempt. Martin Sleen led the way with 143 yards and five touchdowns on six carries.
“Gary Bowen was more than a coach. He was the patriarch of Hermantown football.” -- Hawks head football coach Mike Zagelmeyer
“We have a lot of experienced returners this year in a lot of skill positions and a line that wants to set the tone.” Hawks coach Mike Zagelmeyer
"I think we have some real playmakers this year who are excited for the challenge ahead. We graduated only eight seniors, although several were major contributors. For the first time in a long time, I like our depth." -- Hermantown Hawks football coach Mike Zagelmeyer
■ Friday, August 29 – host Duluth Denfeld, 7 p.m. ■ Friday, Sept. 5 – host Proctor, 7 p.m. ■ Friday, Sept. 12 – at Duluth East, 6 p.m. ■ Friday, Sept. 19 – at Cloquet, 7 p.m. ■ Friday, Sept. 26 – host Grand Rapids, 7 p.m. ■ Friday, Oct. 3 – at Esko, 5 p.
"She has a high basketball IQ and that's why a lot of college coaches love her already. She needs to keep working on her game because things will continue to be harder at every new level." Duluth Marshall coach Chibuzo Osuchukwu on Chloe Johnson, one of the nation's top recruits in the Class of 2028
