2025 Minnesota High School Football Thread

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disco said:
Also, heard this morning that Lambert Brown is stepping down as head coach at Wayzata. I wondered if there would be a change after two bad years.
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Have also heard that.
I get that Wayzata can’t go 1-8.

Their 8 losses.
4 vs final 4 teams.
7 vs final 8 teams.
Season opener vs 5-3 Andover.

Tough job if you’re going to get pushed out 5 years after a state title for going 0-7 vs the top 8 and 1-1 vs everyone else.
 

Ranger692 said:
I probably am. But that could have to do with how MN runs its post season. Where football is more popular, they dont run things even remotely close to how it is done here.

Maybe it wouldn't help, but not trying, and keeping the status quo will produce in the same results. I am always trying to improve everything I do. The MSHSL doesnt approach things in the same manner, but plays everything safe, as to not upset anyone and try include all. Which results in poor process generally.

A rising tide raises all ships... what I'm trying to say is by improving how things are done the overall product should improve. I took a lot of flack last week from 3 people saying how dumb my ideas were, this week there is a lot of talk about how 16 could be a great way to improve the product
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I disagree that increasing to 16 would be a great way to improve the product.

Hadn't commented previously this week because it's the same reasons as previously discussed the week before and quite frankly I am tired of the discussion.
 

Some guy said:
Have also heard that.
I get that Wayzata can’t go 1-8.

Their 8 losses.
4 vs final 4 teams.
7 vs final 8 teams.
Season opener vs 5-3 Andover.

Tough job if you’re going to get pushed out 5 years after a state title for going 0-7 vs the top 8 and 1-1 vs everyone else.
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He may be tired of the grind as well. I believe he has young kids. My experience meeting him a few times is that he's a really nice guy. I'm sorry to see him go - he's someone I'd be happy to have my kid play for.
 

disco said:
He may be tired of the grind as well. I believe he has young kids. My experience meeting him a few times is that he's a really nice guy. I'm sorry to see him go - he's someone I'd be happy to have my kid play for.
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Have only met him a couple of times and he has been a nice guy


High profile job. Lots of resources.
Will be interesting to see who is a candidate.
 


Ope3 said:
I disagree that increasing to 16 would be a great way to improve the product.

Hadn't commented previously this week because it's the same reasons as previously discussed the week before and quite frankly I am tired of the discussion.
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I dont think that anyone has made a post giving reasons why its a bad idea, just like your above post that you just think it's a bad idea. Maybe I'm wrong on that?

I think a rebracket at 16 gets a better chance at the best 8 in the quarters. I feel some of the #2 seeds in some sections are far superior teams some years than other section's champions. All it would do is give them a chance to prove it.
 

Ranger692 said:
I dont think that anyone has made a post giving reasons why its a bad idea, just like your above post that you just think it's a bad idea. Maybe I'm wrong on that?

I think a rebracket at 16 gets a better chance at the best 8 in the quarters. I feel some of the #2 seeds in some sections are far superior teams some years than other section's champions. All it would do is give them a chance to prove it.
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I have given several reasons why I disagree with your proposal. Multiple times.

Posts 1193, 1194, 1197, 1198 & 1208.
 
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Some guy said:
It is literally how they make the cut lines
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I know, and obviously they need to have cut lines in place as a guide because of how many classes there are. I just believe that the common perception is more people in your school automatically gives you every advantage over someone else. The “football is a numbers game” cliche leads to a misconception that nothing else matters. The conversation about Wayzata is the perfect example. They have more students than anyone. Did that alone make them one of the best teams in the state? Of course not. Is Moorhead good right now because of their huge enrollment? Nope. They are good because of the combination of culture, unique talent, and a well run program.
 

Hucklebearer said:
I know, and obviously they need to have cut lines in place as a guide because of how many classes there are. I just believe that the common perception is more people in your school automatically gives you every advantage over someone else. The “football is a numbers game” cliche leads to a misconception that nothing else matters. The conversation about Wayzata is the perfect example. They have more students than anyone. Did that alone make them one of the best teams in the state? Of course not. Is Moorhead good right now because of their huge enrollment? Nope. They are good because of the combination of culture, unique talent, and a well run program.
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There isn’t a school that has 2000 or more students that can’t win. You need the right coach and your athletes playing football. Edina, Osseo, and Rosevile have been some of the worst teams and some of the best. Shoot, Osseo won it not that long ago. Yes, cut lines exist but if you qualify for an appeal, they look at far more than enrollment
 



Ope3 said:
I have given several reasons why I disagree with your proposal. Multiple times.

Posts 1193, 1194, 1197, 1198 & 1208.
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I reread your posts. You state that we are getting the right champions. And I agree. But there are no posts on why trying to get the best 8 at the quaters is a poor idea. Just that you won your region of MN and that means you are one of the best 8. Which is false.

The current format in your mind is "good enough" and there is no need to try improve a product. Moving to a rebracket situation at 16 gives teams opportunities to play teams they dont otherwise. It also gets the #2 seeds from superior sections and opportunity to get to the quarters. Both upgrades imho. Good enough isn't what people should strive for, excellence is when we should have our sites set
 

Ranger692 said:
I reread your posts. You state that we are getting the right champions. And I agree. But there are no posts on why trying to get the best 8 at the quaters is a poor idea. Just that you won your region of MN and that means you are one of the best 8. Which is false.

The current format in your mind is "good enough" and there is no need to try improve a product. Moving to a rebracket situation at 16 gives teams opportunities to play teams they dont otherwise. It also gets the #2 seeds from superior sections and opportunity to get to the quarters. Both upgrades imho. Good enough isn't what people should strive for, excellence is when we should have our sites set
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Your summary/synopsis of what I have stated on the matter is rather poor.

I'm not interested in rehashing or clarifying.

I hope they keep status quo.
 

Hucklebearer said:
I know, and obviously they need to have cut lines in place as a guide because of how many classes there are. I just believe that the common perception is more people in your school automatically gives you every advantage over someone else. The “football is a numbers game” cliche leads to a misconception that nothing else matters. The conversation about Wayzata is the perfect example. They have more students than anyone. Did that alone make them one of the best teams in the state? Of course not. Is Moorhead good right now because of their huge enrollment? Nope. They are good because of the combination of culture, unique talent, and a well run program.
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Okay well you were talking about something completely different than me
 

Some guy said:
Have also heard that.
I get that Wayzata can’t go 1-8.

Their 8 losses.
4 vs final 4 teams.
7 vs final 8 teams.
Season opener vs 5-3 Andover.

Tough job if you’re going to get pushed out 5 years after a state title for going 0-7 vs the top 8 and 1-1 vs everyone else.
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Didn’t Lombardi coach there at one time?
 



Maverick_52 said:
Prep Bowl Matchups

9 Man: Hills Beaver Creek vs Hillcrest Lutheran
1A: Minneota vs Breckenridge
2A: Jackson County Central vs Goodhue
3A: Waseca vs Annadale
4A: Orono vs Kasson Mantorville
5A: Chanhassen vs Spring Lake Park
6A: Edina vs Moorhead

State Champion Predictions:
Hills Beaver Creek
Minneota
Jackson County Central
Annadale
Orono
Chanhassen
Edina

1A and 2A games could be blowouts.
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Two on, but no teams north of, I94.
 

MaxyJR1 said:
Didn’t Lombardi coach there at one time?
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Was DC before he was at maple grove


If he didn’t burn bridges he’s the logical favorite for the job, ImO


He left maple grove for reasons….
So not sure. Would be logical
 


State of Football said:
I don’t believe he had an option to leave. It was related to his teaching
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This is the story I have heard as well but have no confirmation.

I would think if Wayzata is willing to take him back as a teacher he is probably the no brainer hire.
If they aren’t though obviously he is a non starter for the HC job.
 


disco said:
I know some parents who had kids on the team. It was teaching-related. Nothing scandalous, just poor performance.
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Don't get me wrong, a lot of high school football coaches are great teachers, but when I was in high school a few of my football coaches were pretty lazy teachers :ROFLMAO: they were there to coach.
 

Maverick_52 said:
Don't get me wrong, a lot of high school football coaches are great teachers, but when I was in high school a few of my football coaches were pretty lazy teachers :ROFLMAO: they were there to coach.
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There's a reason why a lot of them are PE teachers. Or at least were back in my day. Throw out the basket of red rubber balls and have at it kids.
 

Maverick_52 said:
Don't get me wrong, a lot of high school football coaches are great teachers, but when I was in high school a few of my football coaches were pretty lazy teachers :ROFLMAO: they were there to coach.
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The best math teacher I ever had was my sophomore head coach.
But yeah, this does ring true.
 

disco said:
The best math teacher I ever had was my sophomore head coach.
But yeah, this does ring true.
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It was well known at my high school that the math curriculum was not very strong. One of the math teachers was the head varsity boys basketball coach, the other was the varsity assistant boys basketball coach. And yes my head football coach was the PE teacher.
 

disco said:
I know some parents who had kids on the team. It was teaching-related. Nothing scandalous, just poor performance.
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If that's the reason, its painfully obvious he is not in the union. Fair-share employee.
 

highwayman said:
If that's the reason, its painfully obvious he is not in the union. Fair-share employee.
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Fair share isn’t a thing anymore and hasnt been since 2018 Janus case


Continuing contract teachers can be gotten rid of. It just doesn’t happen very often because the time and work it takes.
Non union members are entitled to the same process to be let go if they have continuing contract status
 


State of Football said:
Correct
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Will be interesting to see where he ends up.
Possible he just stays at Minnetonka but if Wayzata thinks he could be a teacher that’s the most obvious choice to me.

If they don’t, it’ll be interesting who they hire.
I’ve already heard two other large names mentioned but I don’t feel comfortable spreading rumors about anyone other than the obvious Lombardi


I personally think Wayzata is a top 5 job in the state.
If you look at teaching contracts assuming people want to be a teacher…
Also assuming people want to win…


In alpha order

I think:
Eden prairie
Minnetonka
Prior lake
Stillwater
Wayzata


I also give preference to one high school districts because of how much easier it is to get things done.
 

Some guy said:
Will be interesting to see where he ends up.
Possible he just stays at Minnetonka but if Wayzata thinks he could be a teacher that’s the most obvious choice to me.

If they don’t, it’ll be interesting who they hire.
I’ve already heard two other large names mentioned but I don’t feel comfortable spreading rumors about anyone other than the obvious Lombardi


I personally think Wayzata is a top 5 job in the state.
If you look at teaching contracts assuming people want to be a teacher…
Also assuming people want to win…


In alpha order

I think:
Eden prairie
Minnetonka
Prior lake
Stillwater
Wayzata


I also give preference to one high school districts because of how much easier it is to get things done.
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It should be a top job, yes. I'm particularly interested because my son starts high school football next year for Wayzata, and I want to know who will be leading the program for the next few years.
 


MNVCGUY said:
Health and the fact that you are dealing with high school kids who can be very unpredictable from week to week.

I felt like there was a fairly clear separation between Maple Grove and the rest but anything can happen once you get into the playoffs.
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Correct. Just ask St. John Bosco. #4 team in the country was upset by 2-8 Orange Lutheran last week. One of biggest upsets ever (nationally).
 

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