Maple Grove Earns Top Seed in Class 6A Football Playoffs
ST. PAUL, MN – The bracket for the Minnesota State High School League’s Class 6A football tournament was released Thursday morning, with Maple Grove securing the No. 1 seed after completing an undefeated 8-0 regular season. Joining the Crimson as No. 1 seeds are Centennial, Rosemount, and Forest Lake, all boasting 7-1 records.
The declaration sparked interest particularly as lower seeds were revealed. Champlin Park, with a record of one loss or fewer, earned a coveted no. 2 seed, guaranteeing home-field advantage for the first two rounds should they advance. They are joined by Lakeville south, woodbury, and Minnetonka - all with 6-2 records - as No. 2 seeds.
Rounding out the top seeds are Eden Prairie,prior Lake,Blaine,and Mounds View at No. 3, and osseo, Edina, Shakopee, and East Ridge at No. 4.
Several first-round matchups are drawing attention.Farmington, seeded No. 5, will travel to face Edina. Stillwater, also a No. 5 seed,will have a rematch against Shakopee,who defeated them 49-28 in Week 3 of the regular season.
Two teams are poised to benefit from the return of their starting quarterbacks. Minnetonka coach Mark Esch confirmed on a recent podcast with Randy Shaver that junior Caden Gutzmer will be available for the Skippers’ playoff opener against Anoka. Moorhead also welcomes back quarterback Jett Feeney, who returned Wednesday in a 51-44 win over Edina after missing five games, and will lead the Spuds against Blaine.
The 32-team Class 6A playoff bracket kicks off on October 24th, with the second round scheduled for the following week.
