Anoka quarterback Peyton Podany vs. Minnetonka middle linebacker Dylan Hudgens … and Skippers defensive coordinator Matt Lombardi
Class 6A, Anoka vs. Minnetonka, Thursday, 7 p.m.
Shakopee running back TJ Clark vs. Maple Grove linebacker Jacob Wrbanek
Class 6A, Shakopee vs. Maple Grove, Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Clark, Sabers coach Ray Betton said, “ain’t but a buck 60 [160 pounds], but he runs hard.” Last week, he carried the ball on seven of eight plays on a drive that started at the 50-yard line and scored a 6-yard touchdown that helped Shakopee defeat Mounds View. Wrbanek, who measures 6-3 and 210 pounds, has raised his level of play against the best all season. He made 13 tackles against Centennial and Anoka, 10 at Minnetonka and a whopping 17 against Eden Prairie.
Becker defensive back Sawyer Brown vs. Marshall tight end Jack Meier
Class 4A, Becker vs. Marshall, Thursday, 10:30 a.m.
Brown hauled in three interceptions this season, including one last week against Holy Angels of Richfield. Meier caught three passes for 127 yards last week and established his identity as the Tigers’ go-to receiver.
Minneota running back Ryan Meagher vs. Parkers Prairie linebacker Evan Lenzen
Class 1A, Minneota vs. Parkers Prairie, Saturday, 11:30 a.m.
Meagher was the Vikings workhorse all season, rushing for 1,537 yards and 32 touchdowns on 162 carries. Lenzen led his team with 10 total tackles last week against previously undefeated Upsala/Swanville.
LeRoy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli defense vs. Fertile-Beltrami running back Isaiah Wright
Nine-player, LeRoy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli vs. Fertile-Beltrami, Thursday, 4 p.m.
The Cardinals’ defensive unit shut down and shut out Renville County West’s offense last week in a 50-0 win. Next is Wright, who brings 2,067 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns into U.S. Bank Stadium.
