Playoffs Begin in Minnesota High School Football

As the leaves change color and the temperatures start to dip just a bit, Minneapolis high school football teams are gearing up for the playoffs. The regular season has wrapped up, and it’s time for the excitement of tournament play to kick off this week. Starting on Tuesday, October 22, the section tournaments will open, paving the way for the state tournament matches that are set to take place in early November. Every team is aiming for a shot to compete at the prestigious U.S. Bank Stadium during the Prep Bowl 2024, scheduled for the weekend before Thanksgiving.

In southern Minnesota, the action heats up with the State High School League’s Section 1 football matchups for 2024. The top seeds in Southeastern Minnesota sections include Leroy-Ostrander-Lyle-Pacelli in 9-Man, Goodhue in Section 1A, Chatfield in Section 1AA, Stewartville in Section 1AAA, Byron in Section 1AAAA, and Owatonna in Section 1AAAAA. Notably, Chatfield, Byron, and Owatonna have earned first-round byes in their respective sections, giving them a strategic advantage as they head into the playoffs.

As for the top-ranked teams across the state, they include Nevis in 9-Man, Minnesota in Class A, Barnesville in Class AA, Stewartville in Class AAA, Becker in Class AAAA, Moorehead in Class AAAAA, and Maple Grove in Class AAAAAA. Unlike the other classes, there are no section tournaments for Class AAAAAA schools. Instead, these teams will compete in a large 32-team Class AAAAA State Tournament bracket, beginning this Friday and culminating in the state championship game on November 22 at U.S. Bank Stadium.

With playoffs now upon us, teams and fans alike are eagerly anticipating the thrilling matches ahead. It’s time for the best of the best to showcase their talent and determination as they push towards the goal of winning the championship.