2025 Minnesota High School Football Thread

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GopherGrit said:
It's the deferred and upcoming maintenance that's breaking their backs.

It will cost a pretty penny to build a new building at a new site, but the accountants are trying to price it out on the 10-20 year scale.


I think they're looking for a bailout
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When you make budget cuts it has to be staff
If you delay fixing stuff it isn’t a cost savings, it’s pushing a project to later that will cost the same + inflation
 


Some guy said:
Well people don’t transfer out of Minnetonka and wayzata

So I guess it depends on if the perception of the school is that it’s great or terrible
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I think Minnetonka is the top rated public (not including charter) high school in the state.

The district isn't actually very big. Lot of Minnetonka city proper is covered by Hopkins. Would guess Tonka schools tell all those homes that they have a place in Tonka schools if they want it, but I don't know for sure.

I know Edina tells the neighborhood within Edina proper, but covered by Hopkins district, that they all have a place in Edina schools.
 

GopherGrit said:
I think Minnetonka is the top rated public (not including charter) high school in the state.

The district isn't actually very big. Lot of Minnetonka city proper is covered by Hopkins. Would guess Tonka schools tell all those homes that they have a place in Tonka schools if they want it, but I don't know for sure.

I know Edina tells the neighborhood within Edina proper, but covered by Hopkins district, that they all have a place in Edina schools.
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I’m saying that having 3500 students doesn’t scare people away because they fear not getting a chance
 

GopherGrit said:
I think Minnetonka is the top rated public (not including charter) high school in the state.

The district isn't actually very big. Lot of Minnetonka city proper is covered by Hopkins. Would guess Tonka schools tell all those homes that they have a place in Tonka schools if they want it, but I don't know for sure.

I know Edina tells the neighborhood within Edina proper, but covered by Hopkins district, that they all have a place in Edina schools.
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From the Strib/Niche.

As the start of the school year approaches, a new ranking has revealed the best high schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Niche released its 2025 list of best high schools, ranking the public and private schools in each state.

The organization measured private and public schools differently; while private schools were measured by the colleges that students attended along with student surveys, diversity and a student-teacher ratio, public schools were measured by strength of academics, diversity, student and parent surveys, teachers, facilities, clubs and sports.

Here are the best high schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin, according to Niche:
Top 10 public high schools in Minnesota

1. Wayzata High School
2. Eden Prairie High School
3. Minnetonka Senior High School
4. Edina Senior High School
5. Eastview Senior High School
6. Math and Science Academy
7. Nova Classical Academy Upper School
8. Eagan Senior High School
9. Mounds View High School
10. Eagle Ridge Academy
 



Some guy said:
I’m saying that having 3500 students doesn’t scare people away because they fear not getting a chance
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That is a very valid point.

Only counter to that I would say is that people in that district, or who go to that district, know what they have or are signing up for.


People in the Robbinsdale district have two schools now, and the additional opportunities that brings ... so it would be a big change to go down to one.
 

Some guy said:
Correct. And being one of the biggest in the state doesn’t slow the open enrollment
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Helps that they are probably one of the richest and so probably have some of the best facilities and staff in the state.

One of the best rated in the state.


But fair enough, I hear your point
 

GopherGrit said:
That is a very valid point.

Only counter to that I would say is that people in that district, or who go to that district, know what they have or are signing up for.


People in the Robbinsdale district have two schools now, and the additional opportunities that brings ... so it would be a big change to go down to one.
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Would be interesting to see the unintended consequences


One of the dumbest things about the whole conversation is robinsdale has this massive deficit this year and the plan they’re floating to fix it is to build a new high school that wouldn’t be done for 3-4 years assuming it was passed in a bond this November

So it’s not really even a viable solution to the actual problem
 



GopherGrit said:
Helps that they are probably one of the richest and so probably have some of the best facilities and staff in the state.

One of the best rated in the state.


But fair enough, I hear your point
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I think good vs bad drives open enrollment choices more than school size

But it’s a little chicken vs egg
 

Some guy said:
Would be interesting to see the unintended consequences


One of the dumbest things about the whole conversation is robinsdale has this massive deficit this year and the plan they’re floating to fix it is to build a new high school that wouldn’t be done for 3-4 years assuming it was passed in a bond this November

So it’s not really even a viable solution to the actual problem
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Think they're trying to force outrage, people contacting state senators, etc. fishing for a bailout.

I don't know the details of how they got a deficit, but someone messed up
 

maroonfive said:
The western half where Armstrong is in Plymouth but I am not sure of the exact boundaries. That is where the money is. I wonder if Bloomington will ever go this route.
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It will be interesting as schools face major deficits. Consolidation will be discussed in many places.
 

GopherGrit said:
Think they're trying to force outrage, people contacting state senators, etc. fishing for a bailout.

I don't know the details of how they got a deficit, but someone messed up
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From what I heard they accidentally double counted a revenue piece somewhere and didn’t catch it until too late to avoid this structural issue

Shakopee had a similar issue like 5-6 years ago if I recall
 



MaxyJR1 said:
It will be interesting as schools face major deficits. Consolidation will be discussed in many places.
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There is also declining enrollment a lot of places

Cities where there are fewer kids than 15-20 years ago probably shouldn’t be running the same number of buildings. But making the decision to close an elementary school is unpopular and school boards are elected
 

Some guy said:
There is also declining enrollment a lot of places

Cities where there are fewer kids than 15-20 years ago probably shouldn’t be running the same number of buildings. But making the decision to close an elementary school is unpopular and school boards are elected
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Declining enrollment and not wanting to close buildings is why Tonka is 40% open enrollment. They actively recruit to keep their buildings full in a mature district. That's why they have cool things like an aviation program.

I know a number of people who live in the Hopkins district. Every single one open enrolls into Minnetonka.
 

GopherGrit said:
I think Minnetonka is the top rated public (not including charter) high school in the state.

The district isn't actually very big. Lot of Minnetonka city proper is covered by Hopkins. Would guess Tonka schools tell all those homes that they have a place in Tonka schools if they want it, but I don't know for sure.

I know Edina tells the neighborhood within Edina proper, but covered by Hopkins district, that they all have a place in Edina schools.
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I live in Minnetonka but in the Wayzata district.
 

disco said:
Declining enrollment and not wanting to close buildings is why Tonka is 40% open enrollment. They actively recruit to keep their buildings full in a mature district. That's why they have cool things like an aviation program.

I know a number of people who live in the Hopkins district. Every single one open enrolls into Minnetonka.
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Yeah but Minnetonka was never this big prior to open enrollment

I do not know how big the school was prior to open enrollment but it’s not like tonka was 3000 students and then would’ve shrunk before open enrollment. It was always smaller and is now huge because of it.

How big was Minnetonka in 2000?


It may be that was the original intent. But the open enrollment now expands the population. It doesn’t just prevent shrinkage
 

Some guy said:
Yeah but Minnetonka was never this big prior to open enrollment

I do not know how big the school was prior to open enrollment but it’s not like tonka was 3000 students and then would’ve shrunk before open enrollment. It was always smaller and is now huge because of it.

How big was Minnetonka in 2000?


It may be that was the original intent. But the open enrollment now expands the population. It doesn’t just prevent shrinkage
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In that era, I believe Tonka was graduating ~450 per class. Class of 2025 was over 800
 

The bigger the school, the more $$ from the state and the more offerings the school can provide to students. Every family is different in what they want to get out of school. Some do PSEO and don't even step foot in their school senior year. Some graduate early. Some go one hour and then go to work. Many schools have a magnet program. NW Metro has programs that you can go to with free transportation.

Look at Anoka-Hennepin. They have more going out than coming in. Many factors play into it.

Blaine is top 5 enrollment in state:

Totino Grace is popular
Legacy Christian Academy is in Andover
Spring Lake Park is one HS district and overlaps Blaine (Takes in more than leave)
Centennial overlaps Blaine and is one HS district (Takes in more than leave)
 

Some guy said:
Yeah but Minnetonka was never this big prior to open enrollment

I do not know how big the school was prior to open enrollment but it’s not like tonka was 3000 students and then would’ve shrunk before open enrollment. It was always smaller and is now huge because of it.

How big was Minnetonka in 2000?


It may be that was the original intent. But the open enrollment now expands the population. It doesn’t just prevent shrinkage
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It's crazy how many huge schools there are now in general. When I graduated Forest Lake in the 90's, we were the 12th largest school in the state. Now they're borderline dropping to 5A in football.
 



Update 6a power ratings.

1 point for a win over a non maroon.
1 point for every win a team you beat has.
Tiebreaker is overall wins.
After that you are tied.

1. Maple Grove - 18

2. Minnetonka - 17

3. Centennial - 16

4 Rosemount - 14 and Shakopee - 14

6. Champlin Park - 13

7. Forest Lake - 11 (5 wins)

8. Lakeville south - 11 (4 wins)

9. Andover - 8 (4 wins)

10. Moorhead - 8 (3 wins)

11. Eden prairie - 7 (3 wins) and Farmington - 7 (3 wins)

13. Edina - 6

14. Woodbury - 5

15. Prior Lake - 4 (2 wins) and Moundview - 4 (2 wins)

17 Rogers - 4 (1 win)

18. East Ridge - 3 (3 wins) and Osseo - 3 (3 wins) and Blaine (3 wins)

21. Stillwater - 3 (2 wins)

22. Lakeville North - 2 (1 win) and St Michael - 2 (1 win)

24. White Bear Lake - 0 (2 wins) and Eastview - 0 (2 wins) and Hopkins - 0 (2 wins)

27. Eagan - 0 (1 win) and Wayzata - 0 (1 win)

29. Anoka - 0, Park - 0, Roseville - 0, Coon Rapids - 0
 

Interesting 6a games this week:
Eastview Hopkins - could be maroon division championship as both are 2-3 and the other 3 teams are all 0-5

Blaine vs Osseo - could be a big seeding game both at 3-2. Winner in great shape for 4 seed. At a minimum.

Eden prairie vs Moorhead - I assume it’s a blowout for EP but would be fun if Moorhead kept it close or beat them. Both 3-2. EP basically locks into 3 seed with a win.

3-2 Edina vs 4-1 Lakeville south. Interesting south vs west lineup.
 

Some guy said:
Well people don’t transfer out of Minnetonka and wayzata

So I guess it depends on if the perception of the school is that it’s great or terrible
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Not entirely true. We've known a few who have left Wayzata via open enrollment. Some due to the intimidating size of the school, some for sports. They've mostly gone to Orono, and one to Westonka. Some have gone to Minnetonka (not really a smaller school, but they have some different academic programs used to attract OE). And those who send their kids to private school of course, but that happens everywhere.
 

Some guy said:
Update 6a power ratings.

1 point for a win over a non maroon.
1 point for every win a team you beat has.
Tiebreaker is overall wins.
After that you are tied.

1. Maple Grove - 18

2. Minnetonka - 17

3. Centennial - 16

4 Rosemount - 14 and Shakopee - 14

6. Champlin Park - 13

7. Forest Lake - 11 (5 wins)

8. Lakeville south - 11 (4 wins)

9. Andover - 8 (4 wins)

10. Moorhead - 8 (3 wins)

11. Eden prairie - 7 (3 wins) and Farmington - 7 (3 wins)

13. Edina - 6

14. Woodbury - 5

15. Prior Lake - 4 (2 wins) and Moundview - 4 (2 wins)

17 Rogers - 4 (1 win)

18. East Ridge - 3 (3 wins) and Osseo - 3 (3 wins) and Blaine (3 wins)

21. Stillwater - 3 (2 wins)

22. Lakeville North - 2 (1 win) and St Michael - 2 (1 win)

24. White Bear Lake - 0 (2 wins) and Eastview - 0 (2 wins) and Hopkins - 0 (2 wins)

27. Eagan - 0 (1 win) and Wayzata - 0 (1 win)

29. Anoka - 0, Park - 0, Roseville - 0, Coon Rapids - 0
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Anoka has had a crazy 0-5 start.
Lost 49-21 to #11 EP
Lost 31-20 to #7 Forest Lake
Lost 41-30 to #18 Blaine
Lost 29-25 to #18 Osseo
Lost 62-61 to # 9 Andover

Combined record or 19-6.


Thanks for doing these power rankings
 
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Some guy said:
Update 6a power ratings.

1 point for a win over a non maroon.
1 point for every win a team you beat has.
Tiebreaker is overall wins.
After that you are tied.

1. Maple Grove - 18

2. Minnetonka - 17

3. Centennial - 16

4 Rosemount - 14 and Shakopee - 14

6. Champlin Park - 13

7. Forest Lake - 11 (5 wins)

8. Lakeville south - 11 (4 wins)

9. Andover - 8 (4 wins)

10. Moorhead - 8 (3 wins)

11. Eden prairie - 7 (3 wins) and Farmington - 7 (3 wins)

13. Edina - 6

14. Woodbury - 5

15. Prior Lake - 4 (2 wins) and Moundview - 4 (2 wins)

17 Rogers - 4 (1 win)

18. East Ridge - 3 (3 wins) and Osseo - 3 (3 wins) and Blaine (3 wins)

21. Stillwater - 3 (2 wins)

22. Lakeville North - 2 (1 win) and St Michael - 2 (1 win)

24. White Bear Lake - 0 (2 wins) and Eastview - 0 (2 wins) and Hopkins - 0 (2 wins)

27. Eagan - 0 (1 win) and Wayzata - 0 (1 win)

29. Anoka - 0, Park - 0, Roseville - 0, Coon Rapids - 0
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Going to be interesting to see how the #1 seeds shake out over the next few weeks and then which bracket gets a monster of a #2 with whoever loses out between Minnetonka and Maple Grove.
 

MNVCGUY said:
Going to be interesting to see how the #1 seeds shake out over the next few weeks and then which bracket gets a monster of a #2 with whoever loses out between Minnetonka and Maple Grove.
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The 6a playoff makes incentives totally different than every other level.
Maple grove asked into the west section so that if they’re 1-2 they are guaranteed not to see Minnetonka until the championship rather than the possibility of randomly getting them in the round of 4.

By being in the west whoever the 2 seed is can’t get Eden prairie until the round of 8 rather than possibly getting them in the round of 16.


East
Forest lake pretty much wraps up the 1 seed by beating east ridge this week. 2-6 is very muddy in that section
7-8 is Roseville and park

West
Maple grove/minnetonka are 1-2
Eden prairie is 3 if they beat Moorhead
4/5 is Moorhead/edina winner (they play week 8)
6 is STMa basically locked
7 is wayzata
8 is Hopkins

North
Centennial
Champlin
Andover look to be 1-3 in some order. They all beat each other.
Multiple have Blaine and Osseo on schedule still.
If any one of those drops to those two they drop out of 3 way tie to #3 or 4 and the head to head probably decides 1-2
Winner of Blaine Osseo this week is 4 or better. Loser likely 5.
Rogers vs Anoka week 7 - winner is 6 loser is 7
Coon rapids 8

South
Rosemount in drivers seat. They play south week 8. If south wins I think shakopee drama over eligibility would make the 3 way tie go 1) south, 2) Rosemount 3) shakopee…its coaches vote.
If Rosemount wins vs south week 8 pretty clearly 1) Rosemount 2) shakopee 3) south

If farmington beats Eagan this week the farmington prior lake game week 8 will be winner 4 loser 5
In that scenario it would be north 6, Eagan 7

If Eagan beats farmington then prior lake may have already wrapped up 4….
5-7 would be a 3 way tie between farmington north and Eagan where they all beat each other. Not sure how it would break.
Eastview 8 either way.


A lot of this analysis assumes no major upsets
 

Some guy said:
The 6a playoff makes incentives totally different than every other level.
Maple grove asked into the west section so that if they’re 1-2 they are guaranteed not to see Minnetonka until the championship rather than the possibility of randomly getting them in the round of 4.

By being in the west whoever the 2 seed is can’t get Eden prairie until the round of 8 rather than possibly getting them in the round of 16.


East
Forest lake pretty much wraps up the 1 seed by beating east ridge this week. 2-6 is very muddy in that section
7-8 is Roseville and park

West
Maple grove/minnetonka are 1-2
Eden prairie is 3 if they beat Moorhead
4/5 is Moorhead/edina winner (they play week 8)
6 is STMa basically locked
7 is wayzata
8 is Hopkins

North
Centennial
Champlin
Andover look to be 1-3 in some order. They all beat each other.
Multiple have Blaine and Osseo on schedule still.
If any one of those drops to those two they drop out of 3 way tie to #3 or 4 and the head to head probably decides 1-2
Winner of Blaine Osseo this week is 4 or better. Loser likely 5.
Rogers vs Anoka week 7 - winner is 6 loser is 7
Coon rapids 8

South
Rosemount in drivers seat. They play south week 8. If south wins I think shakopee drama over eligibility would make the 3 way tie go 1) south, 2) Rosemount 3) shakopee…its coaches vote.
If Rosemount wins vs south week 8 pretty clearly 1) Rosemount 2) shakopee 3) south

If farmington beats Eagan this week the farmington prior lake game week 8 will be winner 4 loser 5
In that scenario it would be north 6, Eagan 7

If Eagan beats farmington then prior lake may have already wrapped up 4….
5-7 would be a 3 way tie between farmington north and Eagan where they all beat each other. Not sure how it would break.
Eastview 8 either way.


A lot of this analysis assumes no major upsets
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Thanks.....I think..... :)

 

Some guy said:
The 6a playoff makes incentives totally different than every other level.
Maple grove asked into the west section so that if they’re 1-2 they are guaranteed not to see Minnetonka until the championship rather than the possibility of randomly getting them in the round of 4.

By being in the west whoever the 2 seed is can’t get Eden prairie until the round of 8 rather than possibly getting them in the round of 16.


East
Forest lake pretty much wraps up the 1 seed by beating east ridge this week. 2-6 is very muddy in that section
7-8 is Roseville and park

West
Maple grove/minnetonka are 1-2
Eden prairie is 3 if they beat Moorhead
4/5 is Moorhead/edina winner (they play week 8)
6 is STMa basically locked
7 is wayzata
8 is Hopkins

North
Centennial
Champlin
Andover look to be 1-3 in some order. They all beat each other.
Multiple have Blaine and Osseo on schedule still.
If any one of those drops to those two they drop out of 3 way tie to #3 or 4 and the head to head probably decides 1-2
Winner of Blaine Osseo this week is 4 or better. Loser likely 5.
Rogers vs Anoka week 7 - winner is 6 loser is 7
Coon rapids 8

South
Rosemount in drivers seat. They play south week 8. If south wins I think shakopee drama over eligibility would make the 3 way tie go 1) south, 2) Rosemount 3) shakopee…its coaches vote.
If Rosemount wins vs south week 8 pretty clearly 1) Rosemount 2) shakopee 3) south

If farmington beats Eagan this week the farmington prior lake game week 8 will be winner 4 loser 5
In that scenario it would be north 6, Eagan 7

If Eagan beats farmington then prior lake may have already wrapped up 4….
5-7 would be a 3 way tie between farmington north and Eagan where they all beat each other. Not sure how it would break.
Eastview 8 either way.


A lot of this analysis assumes no major upsets
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I understand about the 1-8 section rankings, but how are brackets determined?
 

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