2024 MN High School Football thread

[short ornery norwegian]

OK, I'll ask the obvious question. I have never been to a Vikings game in the new stadium. somehow, for a Vikings game, they manage to get 60,000+ people into and out of the stadium. and many of those people use the concourses to purchase concessions and/or go to the bathroom.

so how do the Vikings handle the issue of moving people into and around the building?

and if the Vikings can do it, why can't the MSHSL find a way to move people into and around the building - with much smaller crowds - that does not result in all of these issues?

from what Disco says, it sounds like a lack of planning. If the ushers can't tell people where they're supposed to go, that sounds like - to quote Strother Martin - "what we have here is failure to communicate."

 

[PMWinSTP]

You can go through life looking for others to blame for everything you don't like or you can say:
Hey we got a problem here, let's solve it. After nine tries maybe some accountability for the MSHSL is the answer.

My comment was a follow up to the poster stating the stadium layout sucked.

 

[PMWinSTP]

OK, I'll ask the obvious question. I have never been to a Vikings game in the new stadium. somehow, for a Vikings game, they manage to get 60,000+ people into and out of the stadium. and many of those people use the concourses to purchase concessions and/or go to the bathroom.

so how do the Vikings handle the issue of moving people into and around the building?

and if the Vikings can do it, why can't the MSHSL find a way to move people into and around the building - with much smaller crowds - that does not result in all of these issues?

from what Disco says, it sounds like a lack of planning. If the ushers can't tell people where they're supposed to go, that sounds like - to quote Strother Martin - "what we have here is failure to communicate."

Sure HS League probably doesn't have a lot of expertise with a large Venues. I have been to a half dozen Vikings games and they have the same issues getting people in and out of the stadium like the U does for the same reason... people get to the stadium 15-20 minutes beforehand and expect to not experience lines and a wait to get in.

 

[Some guy]

Sure HS League probably doesn't have a lot of expertise with a large Venues. I have been to a half dozen Vikings games and they have the same issues getting people in and out of the stadium like the U does for the same reason... people get to the stadium 15-20 minutes beforehand and expect to not experience lines and a wait to get in.

There are certain choke points in USBS that are far worse than anything at HBS. I am sure many people don’t have to use those choke points. But for those that do, the experience of getting to your seats is a mess. Not even getting into the stadium, I am talking once you’re already in

 

[fatgopher]

OK, I'll ask the obvious question. I have never been to a Vikings game in the new stadium. somehow, for a Vikings game, they manage to get 60,000+ people into and out of the stadium. and many of those people use the concourses to purchase concessions and/or go to the bathroom.

so how do the Vikings handle the issue of moving people into and around the building?

and if the Vikings can do it, why can't the MSHSL find a way to move people into and around the building - with much smaller crowds - that does not result in all of these issues?

from what Disco says, it sounds like a lack of planning. If the ushers can't tell people where they're supposed to go, that sounds like - to quote Strother Martin - "what we have here is failure to communicate."

Lack of planning and trying to do everything on the cheap. Containing the crowds to a finite space, you have less cleanup, bathroom services, crowd control, etc. to pay for.

 

[mggoph]

Lack of planning and trying to do everything on the cheap. Containing the crowds to a finite space, you have less cleanup, bathroom services, crowd control, etc. to pay for.

As per AI Google (no idea if this is accurate), us taxpayers were cheap:

The U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis was financed through a combination of:

• Private contributions: The Minnesota Vikings contributed $477 million
  
  
  
• State funds: The state of Minnesota contributed $348 million
  
  
  
• Hospitality tax: The city of Minneapolis contributed $150 million through a hospitality tax
  
  
  
• Bonds: Minnesota Management and Budget issued $498 million in bonds to finance the public share of the stadium
  
  
  
• Tax revenues: Tax revenues from electronic pull-tab sales and Minneapolis special local sales taxes were reserved to pay off the bond debt

 

[disco]

More than that. They’re about 1800 by neighborhood and like 3500

I think he meant across the entire district, but I've read that it's up to 40% as well.

 

[disco]

Lack of planning and trying to do everything on the cheap. Containing the crowds to a finite space, you have less cleanup, bathroom services, crowd control, etc. to pay for.

Correct. It's hard to describe, and I had never been to an event where I was in the lower deck before, but on the one side, it's box/club seating (not to be confused with suites). This is where the home team fans were placed. It's not at all intuitive how to get around that area, and the ushers really didn't seem to know what was going on. Just some decent signage for the event would have been a big help. Or they should have just sucked it up and had the whole lower deck open.

 

[Maverick_52]

Championship week! My champs in bold.

9-Man:
Hills Beaver Creek vs. Fertile-Beltrami

1A:
Minneota vs. Springfield

2A:
Jackson County Central vs. Staples Motley

3A:
Dassel-Cokato vs. Stewartville

4A:
Totino Grace vs. Becker

5A:
Alexandria vs. Elk River

6A:
Minnetonka vs. Maple Grove

 

[MNfootballfan]

What I don't understand about US Bank is why they (guessing US Bank Stadium, not the MSHSL) don't allow fans to sit in the end zone right under the main entrance? Contrary to what most are stating I don't think the MSHSL has much say on what they can/can't do at the stadium. I believe state legislation allows the MSHSL to use the stadium a certain amount of days per year to use the stadium at zero cost. Assuming ticket fees pay for security, etc but I don't know that for sure.

My belief is that US Bank Stadium was not built for evens like a state tournament. The dome in fact was better for events like this because it was a simple circle and a complete bowl. Fans could come in and out with ease. US Bank Stadium has different levels of the lower deck - the home sideline is not good for fans for events like this - especially with only 20 minutes between games. I am not sure if the concourse goes all the way around in a single level.

US Bank is a phenomenal stadium once you get in your seats but it is a challenge to navigate unless you know exactly where you are going.

 

[MaxyJR1]

Championship week! My champs in bold.

9-Man:
Hills Beaver Creek vs. Fertile-Beltrami

1A:
Minneota vs. Spriingfield

2A:
Jackson County Central vs. Staples Motley

3A:
Dassel-Cokato vs. Stewartville

4A:
Totino Grace vs. Becker

5A:
Alexandria vs. Elk River

6A:
Minnetonka vs. Maple Grove

I have Maple Grove, Elk River, and Staples Motley winning as different picks.

 

[MaxyJR1]

What I don't understand about US Bank is why they (guessing US Bank Stadium, not the MSHSL) don't allow fans to sit in the end zone right under the main entrance? Contrary to what most are stating I don't think the MSHSL has much say on what they can/can't do at the stadium. I believe state legislation allows the MSHSL to use the stadium a certain amount of days per year to use the stadium at zero cost. Assuming ticket fees pay for security, etc but I don't know that for sure.

My belief is that US Bank Stadium was not built for evens like a state tournament. The dome in fact was better for events like this because it was a simple circle and a complete bowl. Fans could come in and out with ease. US Bank Stadium has different levels of the lower deck - the home sideline is not good for fans for events like this - especially with only 20 minutes between games. I am not sure if the concourse goes all the way around in a single level.

US Bank is a phenomenal stadium once you get in your seats byout it is a challenge to navigate unless you know exactly where you are going.

One side is easier than the other. One side you have to navigate all the premium seating areas to get to your seats. I agree that the Stadium controls traffic and closes off much of the stadium. Rule of thumb is that should arrive early for most events in any venue.

 

[Ope3]

What I don't understand about US Bank is why they (guessing US Bank Stadium, not the MSHSL) don't allow fans to sit in the end zone right under the main entrance? Contrary to what most are stating I don't think the MSHSL has much say on what they can/can't do at the stadium. I believe state legislation allows the MSHSL to use the stadium a certain amount of days per year to use the stadium at zero cost. Assuming ticket fees pay for security, etc but I don't know that for sure.

My belief is that US Bank Stadium was not built for evens like a state tournament. The dome in fact was better for events like this because it was a simple circle and a complete bowl. Fans could come in and out with ease. US Bank Stadium has different levels of the lower deck - the home sideline is not good for fans for events like this - especially with only 20 minutes between games. I am not sure if the concourse goes all the way around in a single level.

US Bank is a phenomenal stadium once you get in your seats but it is a challenge to navigate unless you know exactly where you are going.

To be fair, the HHH Dome (while much easier to navigate) was a also mess for these events, with huge logjams in between sessions. They used to schedule all the smaller class games early and progress to bigger ones later in the day.

Eventually, the MSHSHL changed the schedule to alternating small/larger classes to help manage the transitions and are still doing that now.

 

[Ope3]

You can go through life looking for others to blame for everything you don't like or you can say:
Hey we got a problem here, let's solve it. After nine tries maybe some accountability for the MSHSL is the answer.

The MSHSL does not hire the Zygi Dome staff, train or pay them.

This article from 2017 explains why the situation continues to be a mess to this day. The folks that run the building are intent going as barebones as possible. It's a hissy fit because of the requirement that they make the building available rent free for the 7 days that the MSHSL gets to use it for the Football/Soccer Tournaments.

Fees for high school games in U.S. Bank Stadium? New chief says no

Stadium manager SMG had wanted a $2 per ticket fee added to high school events held there.

www.startribune.com

The 2012 bill authorizing the stadium required that the building's operator, now SMG, make the space available to the MSHSL for at least seven dates each year for football and soccer tournaments. The law says the league cannot be charged a fee for "this use, including security, ticket takers, custodial or cleaning services, or other similar services in connection with this use."

 

[gopher-revolution]

What I don't understand about US Bank is why they (guessing US Bank Stadium, not the MSHSL) don't allow fans to sit in the end zone right under the main entrance? Contrary to what most are stating I don't think the MSHSL has much say on what they can/can't do at the stadium. I believe state legislation allows the MSHSL to use the stadium a certain amount of days per year to use the stadium at zero cost. Assuming ticket fees pay for security, etc but I don't know that for sure.

My belief is that US Bank Stadium was not built for evens like a state tournament. The dome in fact was better for events like this because it was a simple circle and a complete bowl. Fans could come in and out with ease. US Bank Stadium has different levels of the lower deck - the home sideline is not good for fans for events like this - especially with only 20 minutes between games. I am not sure if the concourse goes all the way around in a single level.

US Bank is a phenomenal stadium once you get in your seats but it is a challenge to navigate unless you know exactly where you are going.

Could it be so that they don't have to clean that section before the next Vikings game? The assumption being that there will be plenty of room on the sides, so close off the areas that will not be needed. I prefer the endzone myself.

 

[Panthadad2]

OK, I'll ask the obvious question. I have never been to a Vikings game in the new stadium. somehow, for a Vikings game, they manage to get 60,000+ people into and out of the stadium. and many of those people use the concourses to purchase concessions and/or go to the bathroom.

so how do the Vikings handle the issue of moving people into and around the building?

and if the Vikings can do it, why can't the MSHSL find a way to move people into and around the building - with much smaller crowds - that does not result in all of these issues?

from what Disco says, it sounds like a lack of planning. If the ushers can't tell people where they're supposed to go, that sounds like - to quote Strother Martin - "what we have here is failure to communicate."

To the bolded, they don't handle the people issue. It's a total clusterF trying to get anywhere before and after Viking games. Additionally, the men's bathrooms in the non-beautiful people seats traditionally line up a mile long anytime during the game.

 

[MNVCGUY]

Shakopee was 10-2 and the QB was 12-34 passing on the season. 4TD’s and 4ints. 220 yards passing.

Defense and the ability to run were their strengths.

That is unreal for an entire season. I'm not shocked because they looked horrible on the pass attempts they had against Rosemount but to only attempt 34 passes and be 10-2 is pretty impressive and speaks to just how good their run game and defense were.

 

[WoodburyTim]

There are certain choke points in USBS that are far worse than anything at HBS. I am sure many people don’t have to use those choke points. But for those that do, the experience of getting to your seats is a mess. Not even getting into the stadium, I am talking once you’re already in

I e noticed this too in the couple of Vikes games I have attended. It must be by design but I don’t know why.

 

[A_Slab_of_Bacon]

US Bank is a phenomenal stadium once you get in your seats but it is a challenge to navigate unless you know exactly where you are going.

AMEN

I dislike US Bank Stadium for that exact reason.

The roof and glass doors are nice and all, but that's it and it's just another NFL style characterless stadium. It seems designed to be a pain to get around.

Meanwhile places like the U, it's a joy to walk around, many area sports venues are nice to move around.

 

[prespsguy]

That is unreal for an entire season. I'm not shocked because they looked horrible on the pass attempts they had against Rosemount but to only attempt 34 passes and be 10-2 is pretty impressive and speaks to just how good their run game and defense were.

Perhaps Shakopee's lack of offensive success on Friday speaks more about the Maple Grove defense than the Shakopee offense. Despite their inability to throw the ball all season, Shakopee averaged 32 points a game in what is probably the toughest district in the state. I say we give props to the Maple Grove D, they are very fast and very physical.

 

[Ope3]

AMEN

I dislike US Bank Stadium for that exact reason.

The roof and glass doors are nice and all, but that's it and it's just another NFL style characterless stadium. It seems designed to be a pain to get around.

Meanwhile places like the U, it's a joy to walk around, many area sports venues are nice to move around.

While I haven't attended an NFL game in Las Vegas, I did attend 3 Pac 12 Championships (RIP). While it's also new and their team's nickname is also a sea faring clan (Raiders) just like Minnesota, their stadium does not resemble a boat, but more like a hockey puck from the outside.

Similar capacity. Similar lower bowl, glass open end facing the Strip. It has none of the design challenges of being able to walk around on any of the 3 levels.

Pretty easy to get in, too. Great building. I enjoy attending events there. Can't say the same for the Zygi Dome.

 

[MaxyJR1]

While I haven't attended an NFL game in Las Vegas, I did attend 3 Pac 12 Championships (RIP). While it's also new and their team's nickname is also a sea faring clan (Raiders) just like Minnesota, their stadium does not resemble a boat, but more like a hockey puck from the outside.

Similar capacity. Similar lower bowl, glass open end facing the Strip. It has none of the design challenges of being able to walk around on any of the 3 levels.

Pretty easy to get in, too. Great building. I enjoy attending events there. Can't say the same for the Zygi Dome.

Should be able to fix in 20 years.

 

[fatgopher]

I have Maple Grove, Elk River, and Staples Motley winning as different picks.

I agree on Staples-Motley, they are not a regular in football but have some impressive wins.

Super intrigued by 5A and 6A games. Minnetonka was playing with Maple Grove earlier in the year before a couple bad 2nd half turnovers flipped the game. Elk River/Alexandria should be a great game on paper.

Going to be a lot of rock fights across classes as few teams come in with vaunted aerial attacks.

 

[MNVCGUY]

Perhaps Shakopee's lack of offensive success on Friday speaks more about the Maple Grove defense than the Shakopee offense. Despite their inability to throw the ball all season, Shakopee averaged 32 points a game in what is probably the toughest district in the state. I say we give props to the Maple Grove D, they are very fast and very physical.

In my opinion that game was probably the championship game (although Maple Grove/Minnetonka should be a good game as well). Maple Grove is proving they are the best team in the state and assuming they take down Minnetonka nobody can say they had an easy route to the title having to beat EP, Edina, Shakopee and Minnetonka to win the title. That is a brutal 4 game playoff stretch for the top seed.

 

[denguegopher]

While I haven't attended an NFL game in Las Vegas, I did attend 3 Pac 12 Championships (RIP). While it's also new and their team's nickname is also a sea faring clan (Raiders) just like Minnesota, their stadium does not resemble a boat, but more like a hockey puck from the outside.

Similar capacity. Similar lower bowl, glass open end facing the Strip. It has none of the design challenges of being able to walk around on any of the 3 levels.

Pretty easy to get in, too. Great building. I enjoy attending events there. Can't say the same for the Zygi Dome.

Have not been to a game at US Bank but have made it to 1 Raider's, a PAC-12 championship and a few UNLV games. Although not a huge problem it is a little challenge figuring out where to exit because a view of the outside is not available from much of the concourse. Not a huge issue, it just seems strange.

 

[MaxyJR1]

I agree on Staples-Motley, they are not a regular in football but have some impressive wins.

Super intrigued by 5A and 6A games. Minnetonka was playing with Maple Grove earlier in the year before a couple bad 2nd half turnovers flipped the game. Elk River/Alexandria should be a great game on paper.

Going to be a lot of rock fights across classes as few teams come in with vaunted aerial attacks.

Maple Grove RB did not play against Minnetonka. He's clear difference in the playoffs.

In 3 playoff games since coming back. 406 yds on 40 carries. 10yds per carry and 7 TD's.

Shakopee did find a way to roll up his ankle, in the endzone, on his last TD Friday. Hopefully he's good to go Friday night.

 

[disco]

The MSHSL does not hire the Zygi Dome staff, train or pay them.

This article from 2017 explains why the situation continues to be a mess to this day. The folks that run the building are intent going as barebones as possible. It's a hissy fit because of the requirement that they make the building available rent free for the 7 days that the MSHSL gets to use it for the Football/Soccer Tournaments.

Fees for high school games in U.S. Bank Stadium? New chief says no

Stadium manager SMG had wanted a $2 per ticket fee added to high school events held there.

www.startribune.com

The 2012 bill authorizing the stadium required that the building's operator, now SMG, make the space available to the MSHSL for at least seven dates each year for football and soccer tournaments. The law says the league cannot be charged a fee for "this use, including security, ticket takers, custodial or cleaning services, or other similar services in connection with this use."

Thanks for sharing this. It makes total sense.

That said, I've been to three current NFL stadiums. US Bank, Lumen Field (Seattle) and Ford Field (Detroit). US Bank is by far the most confusing.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

on the Prep Bowl -
for the smaller classes (the ones I tend to follow the most)

9pl: Hills-Beaver Creek and Fertile-Beltrami -- both teams dominated their regular seasons. HBC (#4 ranked in state) avg 40.6 pts/gm on offense and allowed 8.8 pts on defense. closest regular-season game was a 12 pt win over a decent Mt Lake team. won their semi 26-20 over Mt Iron-Buhl (#2 ranked in state). HBC has won 1 State Title.

Fertile-Beltrami (#3 ranked in state) avg 54.6 pts on offense and 13.4 pts on defense. no close gms in regular season. won semi 60-33 over LeRoy-Ostrander (#5 ranked in state).

they do have a common opponent - Border West. HBC beat Border West 34-14. F-B beat Border West 60-32.

I make this a pick-em game.
------------------------------------

1A: Minneota vs Springfield. #1 vs #2-ranked teams in state. Minneota avg 56.3 pts and allowed 6.8 pts. closest game in Sect Finals over (#6 in state) BOLD 34-28. won semi-final over Parkers Prairie 45-0. Minneota has won 9 State Championships and been Runner-Up twice.

Springfield avg 34.2 pts and allowed 9.1 pts. close games - beat Murray County Central by 10 pts in regular season and again beat MCC by 10 pts in Section Finals. beat #4 in state Goodhue by 6 pts in State Quarters, and beat #3 in state Mahomen-Waubun by 14 pts in State Semis. Springfield has won 1 State title. finished 2nd to Minneota the last two seasons.

common opponent - Russel-Tyler-Ruthton. MInneota beat RTR 54-21. Springfield beat RTR 32-7.
have to go with Minneota. IMHO Minneota has advantage across both OL and DL. Springfield has some big-play potential if they have time to set up deep passes.
---------------------------------

2A: Jackson County Central vs Staples-Motley. JCC ranked #3 in State, Staples-Motley #10.
JCC avg 47.9 pts and allow 8.0 pts. no close games in regular season. won Semis over Kimball Area (#5 in state) 34-26. won Quarters over Norwood-Young America (#4 in State) 34-7. JCC has 1 State Title and 3 Runner-up finishes.

**JCC playing without two injured starters - Roman Voss at QB & S, and Ben Gallagher at WR & CB. some services have Voss as #1 recruit in MN for his class. current QB is a senior who didn't play FB before this season......

Staples-Motley. S-M avg 37.8 pts and allow 14.2 pts. closest regular-season game 24-14 over Parkers Prairie. beat Osakis 36-30 in Section Final. beat Barnesville (#1 ranked in State) 46-44 in State Quarters. won Semis 36-24 over Chatfield (#2 ranked in State). Staples-Motley No State Titles, 1 Runner-up finish. before this season, last appeared in State Tournament in 2004.

this is a tough call. if JCC was healthy, I think they win fairly handily. But without Voss, it's a different story. Staples-Motley has knocked off the #1 and #2-ranked teams in the State in last two weeks and has played more close games. That might give them the edge.

 

[MaxyJR1]

4 of the 7 games feature undefeated teams.
There are two 10-2 teams and two 11-1 teams.
Stewartville is the only teams that had to go old school and play 14 games, with an 8 team section.

New Cross over brackets
9Man has a North vs South final and both were the 2 seeds ( Fertile-Beltrami vs Hills Beaver Creek)
Class A has the #1 and #3 seeds from the South in the final. (Minneota vs Springfield)
Class AA has #2 seed from the South and #3 from the North. (JacksonCC vs Staples-Motley)
Class AAA has the #1 and #2 from the South. (Stewartville vs Dassel-Cokato)
Class AAAA has the #1's from North and South. (Becker vs TG)
Class AAAAA has #1 and #3 from the North. (Elk River vs Alexandria)

5 teams from the north and 7 from the south


Class AAAAAA seeded and has the #1 and #2 overall seeds in the final. (Maple Gove vs Minnetonka)

...and I see SON did this work already.

 

[swede2]

AMEN

I dislike US Bank Stadium for that exact reason.

The roof and glass doors are nice and all, but that's it and it's just another NFL style characterless stadium. It seems designed to be a pain to get around.

Meanwhile places like the U, it's a joy to walk around, many area sports venues are nice to move around.

I like the open concourse of HBS and while it's a nice stadium, I can't say that it is remarkable in any way other than the open concourse.

My biggest disappointment with US Bank Stadium was that the concourse is not more open, like Target Field or HBS. I thought that was something of a modern stadium/arena design staple. I haven't experienced the same frustration others have finding my way around. I think it's a beautiful stadium otherwise.