Hawks advance to Section 7AAAA football final
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.
Martin Sleen
Howie: Even without Sleen, Hawks blitz Rock Ridge
“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
Howie: Hermantown finally rolls up its sleeves and plays Hawks football again
Howie's column is powered by Lyric Kitchen · Bar Hermantown spent the first month of the season feeling a little out of sorts, like a team searching for itself. Flash one week, finesse the next, but not that old Hermantown brand that used to make opponents wince. On Friday
Sports Notebook
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
Minnesota Top 25: Maple Grove, Minnetonka stay on top
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
2025 Prep Football Preview: Hermantown looks to reload, not rebuild
“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
Quote Me, Howie: Mike Zagelmeyer; The Minnesota Legislature convenes today
"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
5 local prep athletes to watch in 2025-26
"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
Sports Notebook, Monday
Vikings Notebook C.J. Ham is on the menu for the holidays. The Vikings are slated to host a Christmas Day game for just the third time in franchise history. Minnesota's matchup against the Detroit Lions is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. (CT) kickoff on Netflix.
Sports Notebook, Sunday
"Martin Sleen was probably the most impressive athlete at the meet as he placed 4th in the 55 dash, 2nd in the high jump, and anchored the winning 4x200 relay." -- Hermantown boys track coach Tyler Homstad on a season-opening indoor meet at St. Scholastica.
Howie: Sleen, Hermantown to face top-seeded North Branch
“He is a special back who is already starting to draw comparisons to some of the greatest running backs that have come through Hermantown. And we have had a ton of them." -- Hermantown football coach Mike Zagelmeyer on sophomore halfback Martin Sleen
Sports Notebook: Hermantown-North Branch 7AAAA final a major treat
“To say a section championship is a goal is one thing, but we must go out and achieve it now. No more words, just actions.” -- Hawks coach Mike Zagelmeyer