Paul: Hey there! Welcome to Touchdowns in the Towns, everybody. Week one is finally upon us. The long hot summer. It seems to be continuing this week, but we know the boys have been all practicing and getting ready for Thursday and Friday night this week. The road to Friday nights has brought us here. And here this soon the heat and humidity is gonna be giving away to some cool. Fall nights and some sound of bands and people cheering and the whistles from the refs and everyone cheering on their foot favorite football teams all around the state. along with me here tonight, as as you everyone knows, is my partner in crime, Joe Allen. Joey, how you doing, buddy?
Joe: I'm doing good, Paul. I'm doing good and and here we go. It's week one this week. Full slate of games on the docket for Thursday and Friday night. but first we have to talk about the fact that we had week zero here in southern Minnesota. So four games last Friday night to kind of kick things off. And I think it's due to the Westfield, Hayfield combination there. those two schools coming together kind of kick. move the schedules around a little bit for seeing these these weak zero games. So we've got Fillmore Central here first off over Medford 417. Fillmore quarterback six one two kid six one two QB kid Brendan Ball he was four for six for ninety seven yards and three touchdowns and you know ironically all three touchdowns went to Adrian Rindles. so those two, you know, big connection there to watch as the season moves on. And then Quincy Casey also rushed for a touchdown in that game as Fillmore kinda rolled against Medford.
Paul: They seemed to really kinda stay dominant and take over and really from the beginning to end on that game, didn't they?
Joe: Yeah, they did. I mean they're you know, they've been a top team here the last couple of years and and I think they're pretty comfortable at the top and and know that they've got a good team again and and with a senior quarterback there leading I I think they're they have high goals for this year.
Paul: Absolutely. Yep, they've been used to some success down there. But yeah, that's awesome. That was a that was kind of a dominate dominating game there for Fillmore. Hey, I just wanna back up here w before we jump in, we I wanna mention to everybody, as we kinda keep going forward here, Joe, we're gonna call this the beginning of our show on on these episodes, the opening drive. So we're we're kinda trying to give it a little name here and try it out here. So We're gonna throw out another one here in the opening drive. after that Fillmore game. we had the the Blue Earth area versus United South Central game and Friday night and another game that kinda was dominated by one team. Blue Earth area ran away with that game as well, twenty eight to eight. there was plenty of offense on both sides of the ball. Blue Earth area's defense though, They were really just able to hold down USC when it needed to hold them down at the right time. And they only managed to score eight points in the contest. but for Blue Earth area, Caden Juba, man, he's the quarterback for Blue Earth area, had a huge game to help lead the Buccaneers to that big win, and he had all four rushing touchdowns on the night for Blue Earth, and then he ran for a total of two hundred and thirty-seven yards on the night. threw for another 62 yards passing so a really productive night in a in a really nice game by caden juba will works was his wide receiver that really kind of came down with what looked like might have been all 62 of the receiving yards there that that caden threw up and he had a nice he had a nice game as well there usc I gotta can't go away without giving them a little credit here they had a good night of running the ball They still ran the ball over three hundred and twenty yards rushing. They had a platoon of guys running the ball you know, to get to those numbers. But a couple guys in general, Leland Getchell and Noah Gonzalez led the way with ninety-six and ninety-two yards respectively. So, you know, they had a very respectable night running the ball. Blue Earth just a little too tough at the end of the day. they move on to one and on the year and they'll play up a class next week to a tough Laverne team who plays in three A. United South Central obviously goes to O and one on the year and they will head to a tough Cleveland team who went undefeated in the regular season in twenty twenty five. So that is my game that I've got there for you, Joe. What do you got next?
Joe: Well, I think just touching back on that, I mean Caden Juba going off, Blue Earth's gotta be pretty happy with that. I mean, maybe not having the best season last year. We've talked about a lot about Peter Fletcher in previous podcasts. So I think Blue Earth is probably pretty happy with that start. Obviously, you know, we'll s we'll see where where that goes, you know, from there. But really yeah.
Paul: Very happy. You know, you look at yeah, Pete Fletcher kinda as the guy getting, you know, a little bit of attention there and you rightfully so. He's you six seven, two forty.
Joe: Yeah.
Paul: but Will Wertz and and really Caden Juba just wow, I mean, he really was explosive. He he'd get the ball and run up the middle of the field and I don't know if he was hardly touched all night. Now he was tackled and things, but he had multiple lo young long gainers that night. So just a fantastic
Joe: No, it's good. It's
Paul: night.
Joe: yeah, it's good to see. I mean it's you know, you obviously have that defensive guy there, so you know, maybe last year they had some young guys, you know, and they're they're kinda growing into it and and maybe this is a year where the offense bounces out what the defense can do and and Blue Earth may jump up in the standings this year. So
Paul: Absolutely. Yep.
Joe: my next game here, I'm gonna take the I'm gonna take the new Richmond Hartland Ellen Geneva over sleepy eye game 4237. This is a game I
Paul: Barn burner.
Joe: this is a game I think I wish I would have been at because
Paul: Yeah, for sure.
Joe: sleepy eye was down 21 points in the third quarter. Okay. they start this comeback, they end up taking the lead. 37-36 with like six minutes left to play. Okay. So I'm sure
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: the place is going crazy. And then New Richland comes back and scores a touchdown late to go up 42-37. crazy part is is Sleepy High gets the ball back, drives down to like three-yard line, and New Richland is able to Fend them off at the end, and it sounds like there's a dropped pass with like one point four seconds left in the end zone. you know,
Paul: that's brutal. Yeah.
Joe: to to end the game. So hell of a game they had going there. but a couple guys in that game want to shout out Keen Netsky from Sleepy Eye and Gavin Foster. you know, Kean had 20 carries for like 108 yards, Foster 66 yards and two TDs, you know. So You know, mean they were they were able to rush the ball, obviously, and move the ball and put up some points. And then on the on the new Richmond side, Sean Sean Lasan, hopefully I'm not butchering us, you know, he had four TDs and then they also had a long touchdown pass. He had four rushing TDs. they had a long touchdown pass, I think, for some like 55-yard connection. They also returned a kickoff for a touchdown during that game. So
Paul: Wow.
Joe: crazy game over there. you know, and and we'll we'll see where these two teams go from there after a a week zero shootout.
Paul: Man, that's a tough first week loss, man, to play that close and have a shootout and and you end up and one, right? Doesn't matter at the end of the day. So yeah, great game.
Joe: Yeah, no, that's a good one. All right, so where are we heading from there?
Paul: Absolutely. we're down to the last one. So we had four games last Friday. I'm gonna end here with Southland versus Lewiston Altura. Southland comes away with a win 48 to 22. Henry Whistie for Southland, he's the Southland quarterback, had just a phenomenal game, accounting for five touchdowns in the game, running for three and passing for two. So from what I could find, it looked like he had seventy seven yards rushing on the ground and and another sixty yards passing. So just a fantastic game. What a way to lead that team into a dominant w win there. But along with him, Cale Smith, the running back for Southland, ran for a hundred and thirty eight yards on the night and he had himself a long touchdown as well, I believe a fifty seven yard touchdown run that he broke free and and took it to the house. And he also threw in a pick six interception. So I think
Joe: Yeah, we saw that.
Paul: yeah, I think you returned that for fifty one yards or right around fifty yards for for a touchdown there. So yeah, pretty dominant. there was a couple other kids there, but you know, that was really Henry Whisty was boy, you talk about a guy that led a team into into battle and and really And really s helped him out and did a lot there to contribute. That was a heck heck of a game. So and then I'd say Luis and Altura though, they their quarterback Bennett Bono, he had a nice game as well. You know, he he goes eight for eleven for 173 yards and and he threw three touchdowns. So, I mean, not a terrible night. That's a really good night. most nights, you know, and and hope you hope to come away with a win with with something like that. But obviously South was just a little too much that night. But Gage Bromerich was the recipient of all three touchdown passes from Bono. And he totaled eighty three yards receiving on the night for Lewiston Alterna. So you know, they had some good individual performances there. I'm sure something they can kind of build off of going ahead and in their into week one and and beyond. But You know you've got a couple leaders there that that can produce for you. So, you know, it's a tough tough loss there. But Blues and Eltura, they like I said, they d they didn't they didn't get completely blown out. So Southland will move on in the week one matchup with Waterville Allegion Morristown. game that we'll get to here in a little bit, Joe, but I I
Joe: Yeah. I kinda wanna jump in on that Southland or on the the Lewiston side. I think, you know, they have first year head coach there. and I think he he
Paul: Yes.
Joe: moved down from Winona, and and had been coaching there. And, you know, it looks like they kinda wanna open things up a little bit. And this is a game where Southland maybe a lot of people had as the underdog coming into this game against Lewiston. So, But we'll see. I think I mean I feel like Lewiston played a pretty good game and, you know, the first year head coach there and a little d little maybe a little different program on offense. maybe trying to open it up a little bit more and as they hit their stride, I think Lewiston, you know, could make some noise yet as as it goes on, as the season goes on.
Paul: I c I completely agree. And that's that's definitely what they're doing. I did see he's and now I'm of course I I forget his name, but yeah, he did he was at Winona for quite a few years and and so he's bringing a wide open offense with him. So it'll be fun to see. I think they're set up, they've got some good players down there in Lewiston.
Joe: Yeah. Yeah.
Paul: but they're heading over to face the newly created co op here Bloomin' Prairie Hayfield in in week one. So That'll be an interesting game there. So but yeah, back to that Southland game. Like I said, they they had a heck of a game. But if and I wanted to say this, some of these kids, Joe, that we talked about here probably would have been some nominees for some talks of the towns accolades here as we kind of move on through the year. And maybe we'll we'll skip that for now. We'll get to it at the end of the episode here and explain what our talk of the talents awards are gonna be every week, but definitely some of those I'm sure you can agree with me there.
Joe: for sure, a hundred percent. And you know, I think I'm gonna I'm gonna jump right into you know, one of our games of the week and segue and w right in with Southland if you're good with that.
Paul: Yep. Yep.
Joe: and yeah, Henry Whisty and and Cale Smith, you know, two guys that you'd definitely would have been nominees for for the the awards that we're kinda planning on giving out here, starting with week one. Those guys head into Waterville, you know, they're gonna play up a class against Waterville. you know, which is it's can always be a challenge. Waterville last season in this matchup, Waterville beat them twenty-eight-twenty-six. So, you know,
Paul: Whoo Haha.
Joe: they were right there. And, you know, you're talking about a Waterville team that lost to Goodhue in overtime in the state tournament. So,
Paul: Right.
Joe: This game here I kinda look could go either way. I I feel like Southland's they're a little cocky. They've got a full head of steam going right now. I think I think they're happy with where they're at. And I don't even know if they had all of their starters last week.
Paul: Right.
Joe: one report I heard, you know, they maybe had a few kids missing at the state fair and things like that. And and and maybe had some some starters that were out. So Southland's line I think is is better than what some people know, and then you've you've got athletes there. But at the same time, Waterville Legion has a horrible frickin' taste in their mouth from last year. And
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: those guys are gonna be motivated to get back to the bank and and try and win a state title this year. I mean they had one of the most brutal losses in the state tournament last year and I guarantee they're motivated. So and the last thing that they want to have happen is a one A school come in and and beat them. And it this I this game's at Waterville. So
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: they're going to be ready to go. Gavin Atherton's gonna be ready to go. And if their line can control Southland on the line of scrimmage, you know, I'd look for him to to have have a pretty big night, running the ball and and we'll see. But my pick in this game, you know, I I'm gonna go with Waterville mainly because of their experience last year. You know, being
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: in the being in the state semis and and having that experience and having, you know, that taste of of of being there and you know, wanting to get back into that game, that desire to get back to to win that semifinal game and get get in the prep bowl. you know, I I think they're they They probably worked their asses off this this off season because of that. And I'm gonna give them the slightest advantage over a Southland team that I I I think is gonna be pretty impressive this year.
Paul: Nice. Yeah, yeah. Okay. That boy, you've got me kinda on the on the ropes on that one. I there's part of me I I really want to take Southland on that one. And but I completely understand what you're saying. I I know man Waterville's gonna be ready to go, but man,
Joe: Hi.
Paul: I can't help but I cannot help but I was able to watch that game last Friday with Southland. It's like dang man, I I Now that I've watched it almost ruined me 'cause now I feel like they're they're you know what I mean? They're they just look
Joe: I know. Yeah, I well
Paul: so good.
Joe: and and we're gonna we're gonna find out. I mean that's it's one of those things, you know, the advantage of week zero for some of these teams, you know, they got to play. And South
Paul: Right.
Joe: Southland right now is is loving it, right? They they
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: they got to run their offense, they're they're feeling good about what they're putting on the field right now. So but I think
Paul: Yeah, yeah.
Joe: it's gonna come down to poise. And a team like Waterville Legion that's been there and they have the poise, hopefully, to you know, to to be comfortable in this game and at home, you know, I I promise you that they're gonna be ready for this game. So and and they got
Paul: Yeah. I love it.
Joe: they got to watch some film. So they're gonna be they know who Henry Whiskey and Cale Smith are. I promise you that. So
Paul: Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. Well, we shall see. I'm excited. Can't wait. I love that game. We'll be watching that one.
Joe: Yeah, that's gonna be a good one. So well let's let's let's kick it over to you here.
Paul: Yeah, I'm gonna throw you a couple here. I am gonna start off with North for Northfield versus Waconia. Northfield finishes the year six and four last year. Waconia goes five and six. last year Waconia traveled to Northfield, where they beat Northfield twenty one and nine. it was one of those games. You know how a first game of the season can go. Northfield committed some awful penalties at some awful times. you know, s oftentimes giving Waconia another shot at an opportunity and and you know what eventually happens is they take advantage of one of those opportunities and and they they get a score that you just can't take back. And now Waconia, you know, they played just a little bit better than Northfield, but they didn't play a clean game either. So it'll be an interesting It'll be an interesting game this year. They they head over to Waconia and they've got they've both got guys coming back. So both teams have experience coming back on both sides of the ball. And it's gonna be it's gonna be an interesting game, I think. And and w one of the you know, I know hey, you and I have talked about a preseason rankings, right? Don't really matter, but I was looking at NHS, the football guys that put out the the rankings and they've got they had Waconia ranked at twelve and Northfield at seventeen. So it makes it kind of a little bit more fun looking at those preseason rankings a little bit and kind of going, okay, let's see what really happens here, right? I y you don't really you don't really use them for much other than an entertain entertainment purpose to see where they actually stack up. according to, you know, those preseason rankings a little bit and and but
Joe: Yeah, but everybody lo everybody looks a little bit, you know. And
Paul: Everyone looks a little bit, a thousand percent.
Joe: and I think more so in if you're in Northfield's position, right? And you're you're that lower ranked team and your goals are to get, you know, be back in that section championship game or whatever and and and be there, yeah, you wanna you wanna clip that number twelve team, you know. So
Paul: Yeah. Yep.
Joe: but quarterback change in Northfield, you know, Couple guys that are gone that you guys gotta replace there. so probably a little bit of a different look this year for Northfield maybe.
Paul: Yeah, there'll be a different look there. on definitely on some of those positions there. Waconia brings their starting quarterback back. So he was there last year, Carson Herman.
Joe: Yeah.
Paul: he's a heck of a player. And then they've got some size. You know, they have some good size, they've got they've got some speed and yeah. Max Greenwell. Yep.
Joe: And a guy named Max Max Greenwall, right, that we talked about. Yeah.
Paul: Yep, he's gonna be out there on the edge looking to, you know, bat balls down and and disrupt there on the edge and contain and and so yeah, it's gonna be interesting. But yeah, so I look forward to I look forward to seeing what happens there in that game and and you know at the end of the day too, you for Northfield, they lost to him last year. So it doesn't matter really where these guys would happen to be ranked. They just wanna get that win. They don't wanna go and two in in the two years.
Joe: Yeah, yeah, for sure.
Paul: cycle there. So yeah. So anyways, we'll be picking some of these games. I'm gonna skip that one, Joe. I'm gonna move on to Oatana versus Mankato East. This is another game I'm pretty excited about. Oatana finished the the season last year five and five. Mankado East went six and three. They had a pretty good season in that in that section two over there. stayed pretty darn competitive. last year Oatana they s they lost it home to Mancawise twenty-eight to seven. so obviously not a real close game, but at the same time, Oatana started the year off a little bit slower than normal. but they they really improved as the year moved on. So they eventually got knocked out of the section semis by Northfield. Last year East went six and two on the regular season, but they were knocked out by Chaska in the playoffs and and Chaska ended up going to the section championships against Chan Hassan. So I I think you know this this year they go to Man I'm sorry to Mankato State. Or I'm sorry, not Mankato East Mancato East is where the game will be played. this year and since it's since it's there on the road I am gonna go with Mankato East again this year. They've got they've got some good experience coming back. They have some size coming back. They've got a very talented quarterback. Owatana does too. Oatana's got a good quarterback coming back and they've got some size as well. So I think it's gonna be a close game. But I think gonna just go with the home team there and and I'm gonna give it to Mancato East in a in a close game.
Joe: Sounds good. That sounds like a good pick.
Paul: What do you got?
Joe: we're gonna head over to Murray County Central. So they're hosting Dawson Boyd. On Friday night, last year these two played two a seven zero a seven zero game where Dawson Boyd clipped Murray County Central in the opener. and then Murray County Central kind of bounced back, you know, had a great season, played all the way into the state semis before falling to Breckenridge 28-21, you know. so similar to that last matchup. You know, a team that had a heartbreaker in the state fi state semis last year, looking to come
Paul: Yep.
Joe: back this year and and you know, take it to that next level. Now these two teams play some tough schedules. looking at Dawson Boyd, you know, they got Murray County Central Friday night, they have Springfield in week four, and they have Miniota to to finish off the season, you know.
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: And and last year I I think, you know, their only losses were to Springfield and Minneota, you know, or and and Da or yeah.
Paul: I think they might have both been to Minota Jill.
Joe: Yeah. So yeah, Dawson Boyd, I think, only lost to Minneota maybe twice or whatever,
Paul: Right.
Joe: you know. and then Murray County Central, you know, kind of the same thing. they play a really tough schedule. Dawson Boyd here. turn around Springfield next week, which they're probably gonna land in the game of the week again next week. and just, you know, there's are just some tough matchups out there. So for this one, you know, I think I'm gonna take Murray County Central again. you know kind of as my favorite in this game. s even though Dawson Boyd beat him in the f you know, they don't want like you just said they don't want to lose in that two year series. And also, you know, being in the state semis last year, you know, that driving them during the off season and pushing them, you know, and I I look for for them guys. If they can if they can start the season here two and watch out. They're probably you know, there's a good chance they could run the table. So, you know,
Paul: Yeah, yeah.
Joe: they're like really, really tough schedule here these first two weeks. So,
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: I I'm I'm going I'm going with Murray County Central in this game and and I think I it's gonna be a close game. It's gonna be a you know I I don't know, is it a fourteen seven game this time? Is it a maybe, you know, twenty to seven game or something like that maybe.
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: But but I I don't think this one gets out of control. I th I think both teams are gonna be ready for this game for sure. And exciting game out there.
Paul: I can't I can't wait for that one. I this is one where, you know, I kinda was right on the fence with you on that last one. I'm going Dawson Boyd on this one. I'm gonna go Dawson Boyd.
Joe: Okay. Yeah. Yeah.
Paul: I just think with all the returning guys and the Botham boys and the rest of the gang, boy, I think it's gonna be they got talk about having a bad taste in your mouth. Miniota was the only the only thing in your way last year. And
Joe: And
Paul: they got a lot of guys coming back and and I'm gonna go with D B and
Joe: It's this is this is a tough one because and
Paul: Ha ha ha ha.
Joe: and we've talked about this on the side. Is
Paul: I know.
Joe: does the streak yeah, does many other stri you know, there's there's and that's coming up in these next few weeks, but and I you know, we've talked about these guys maybe being that team. So but I'm gonna pick against them, you know, with this game.
Paul: I like it.
Joe: you know, Murray County Central's at home and like you know, they don't wanna lo they don't wanna lose two years in a row. these guys. So they're gonna Marine County Central's gonna start the year out one and So so
Paul: Yeah, I like it. I like it. And they're a very good team as well, so y that should be a heck of a game.
Joe: So anyway, we'll take off with two more.
Paul: I am gonna jump over to Rochester. We're we've got Chaska heading over to Mail Rochester Mail to play the Spartans here at Whitney Field Whitney Stadium on Friday. So Chaska had the game last year. They hosted Mail and they won in twenty twenty five nineteen to sixteen. So a very tight tightly contested game. with Chaska just obviously coming out here a little bit ahead. So male ended up winning their section in twenty twenty five, but was knocked out of the state corner finals by St. Thomas Academy where Chaska eventually lost to Chan Hassan in the section championship. So Chan Hassan again, they're one of those teams. They're they're just always in the way. But you know, Mayo had a really nice team. They had Really good passing attack with quarterback Isaac Peterson, 2025. He graduates, he has Dauclair to play basketball, so he's gone. They've got a new kid, I believe it's Maxwell Berger, is going to be their quarterback here coming up this year. Be a little bit of different feel. Isaac Peterson was one of these six four, six five type of kids. the burger kid for the quarterback for mail is gonna be about a six-footer. So but he can run. He's one of these kids. He's a good wrestler. You might even know him. good
Joe: Yeah. Yep.
Paul: wrestler. He's good balance. One of these kids, he can probably run through the line. and hard to bring down, right? But he I think he's can also pass. So they're gonna probably rely a little bit more on the run. Mayo lost a lot of guys, so they're a little younger this year. It's gonna be a much different feel for them. Chaska brings back some guys, so I I think you know all things being equal here, I I'm gonna go with Chaska to head down to to Mayo and they're gonna they they're gonna take this game and I I don't know how close it'll be to be honest. I I hope Rochester can make it a game but and maybe they will. But they've got and they've got a couple of really good running backs there. Xavier Adams is one and they've got another guy there that both of them can wheel and deal and and get you some yards and and and be a little scary at times. So it'll be interesting. But I think Chasta they got some size, really have some speed and I I just think they kinda come down and and give it to to male a little bit there. So
Joe: I feel like I feel like following from following Jaska this summer, I feel like they have a little swag. Like I I feel like they're they've they're they're confident and I feel like they're ready to go for the season. I mean everything I've seen that they've posted I I think they are excited for this season
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: and they look like a team that's that's ready to ready to get shot out of a cannon here on Friday night.
Paul: Well and I agree. You know, they've they've they've had to deal with Chan Hassan for forever, like everyone else has. But, you know, Chan losing, Nathan Ramler last year. They've got a sophomore quarterback that transferred in from Florida that, you know, he's supposed to be good, but he's unproven at this point in time. he's obviously gotta be decent if they're bringing the sophomore in to start for their team. So, Chass has got to be ha you know, their mouth has got to be watering a little bit, going, hey, this is if there's any year, baby, this is the year. Let's go get it.
Joe: It it looks like it. It looks like it. It looks like they're they're just like a cage dog right now, ready to go.
Paul: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I agree. I agree. So yeah, so that'll be the game Friday night. And then from there we're gonna head on over to let's see. Waseka. We're gonna head to Wasika. We got the St. Peter versus Wasika game. This'll be a fun one as well. Saint Peter lost to Wasika at home last year, seven to six. So very, very tight defensive game. And that's an impressive an impressive loss, I'm sorry, by St. Peter, because
Joe: Yeah.
Paul: that offense of Wasika put up major points last year. And to hold them to seven points for an entire game, that is insane. I don't think anybody else came close to that. So very tightly contested game. so St. Peter, they ended up being knocked out of the playoffs by Hutchinson. Hutchinson was a good team and and they they got knocked out by them. Wasika, as we know, went on to earn a runner up in the in the prep bowl last year. So they had a dominating season. They went undefeated all the way to the prep bowl. And and so they lost some guys. They lost a few guys. They still have Kellen Klinger back, he's a stud quarterback. And they've got some guys I think that are gonna come up and fill in. you know, for Elaine Johnston and and Duran Russell there. So there's gonna be some guys coming in that help Waseka kind of hopefully continue where they left off. But St. Peter does play four A. So Wasek is playing up a little bit. You know, I was looking at these rankings here again and And they've got St. Peter ranked 23rd in 4A when Wasika's ranked second in 3A there, Joe. So kind of another fun little thing to look at. But I you know, I still think I gotta go with Waseka at home. I think it's gonna be a tight game again. I do. I think it's gonna be a tight game. And I I kinda hate going against St. Peter, but I'm I'm really just doing it because It's Wasika at home. They still have Kellen Klinger. You really gotta keep an eye on him. you know him, you Joe. He he can
Joe: Yeah.
Paul: he can throw it and he can pass it. Or I'm sorry, he can run it. So he's pretty dual threat there. You really gotta keep an eye on him and I I think he maybe ends up kinda being that difference maker in that game.
Joe: Well, it's definitely gonna be a a good preview and and will we see if LaSika has a chink in their armor here now missing a couple of those big play big play guys, you know. So
Paul: Right. Yeah. Yeah.
Joe: and obviously last year they must not have been hitting on all cylinders, you know, low scoring game and then they kinda took off from there. And, you know, obviously give credit to Saint Peter's defense during that game, but you know, their week one games It's a little sloppy, everybody's a little nervous and all that kind
Paul: Correct.
Joe: of stuff. But we'll see if you know what Wasika did last year, you know, how hungry they are if they come out and blow these guys out right away. Or does St. Peter, you know, hang in there and and end up, you know, eventually beating Wasika and and then kind of gives everybody else around there, you know, a good idea of. Of maybe what Wasika has this year.
Paul: Yeah, yeah, anything's anything's possible. It's a little right now it's a lot of woulda coulda shoulda's, right? And and and so we'll see we'll see what happens. But
Joe: I I'm with you. I think, you know, just the advantage of having Klinger coming back, you know, having your starting quarterback who had that much success last year coming back. I I think La Seca probably has the edge in this game.
Paul: Yeah, there you go. I like it. Well, what do you got coming up next?
Joe: so next we're gonna we're gonna head into Rochester. so this is Thursday night game. Chatfield Gophers are heading to Rochester to take on the Leward Eagles. So
Paul: nice.
Joe: yeah, I mean just a great early season matchup here and you know a gauge I feel like for both teams right right off the get. So last year in this game, Chatfield won the opener 14 to 7. So close game right away for both teams and then you know the Eagles just kinda kept getting better throughout the season and ended up knocking off Chatfield in the section semis twenty one to seven. So
Paul: Mm-hmm.
Joe: I you know I I think I think Rochester, you know, coming back here they The Eagles are led by senior quarterback Chase Carroll. their offensive line comes back with a ton of experience too. So where Chatfield, I think, you know, going through their roster, leading looking leading into this thing, you know, they're they're a younger group. There's not a ton of seniors on that team. And, you know, I I think the Eagles are are probably gonna control the line of scrimmage. And they were physical last year with I I I believe four of their starting five O linemen or something like that are coming back. So they're gonna be tough on the line. And
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: like I said, I mean they were physical last year. They were a team that you know, we didn't wanna play that second time around in the in the section semis. I mean, they just kept getting better. Mike Kessler has been their head coach there for a long time and You know, I know there's nothing more he wants to do than than beat Chatfield in Caledonia and Triton every single year. You know, pull that trifecta
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: off and and and beat all three of those teams. So obviously it's a very competitive section. with with some good teams at the top there. And I I just I think, you know, Chatfield, you know, they've got a they've got a quarterback that spends some time up at six one two QB. he's a six two Senior quarterback coming back, Carter Ask. I think he's gonna be their starter. there's some rumblings that they may use a couple quarterbacks, and and maybe that's part of their scheme that Jeff Johnson has has built for this year. But I I I I'm gonna favor the Eagles in this one. based on you know the experience that they're bringing back and and just winning it in the trenches. I I think they're gonna be more physical than Chatfield is and I I think that they're gonna control the line and and and the Eagles will be able to to take this game on on Thursday night.
Paul: Yeah, that's awesome. I I I think I'm gonna go and ahead and agree with you on that one. That's feels like one of these games where, you know, if you look at Chatfield and and you you if you're just going off of history alone, you know, then you'd say, Yeah, okay, let's let's go with Chatfield, but these last couple of years have been a little bit of different looks for those guys if they's as they've lost You couple years ago they lost that huge line they had. and last year they still had some size, but lost some skill players and and started off strong, but they kind of it
Joe: Yeah.
Paul: wore out there at the end there, it felt like, and and and and
Joe: Yeah. Yeah.
Paul: lures just got stronger, you know, as the year went on. And and so I would agree. I I'm gonna go with the Loured Eagles on that one too. One thing I that I thought I heard I think we need to check on is is I Is it Chase Carroll? Is that the quarterback?
Joe: Yeah. Yep.
Paul: It is and I don't know if if I heard did he get injured somehow or something?
Joe: I don't think it was him. I think it's I think it's maybe one of their running backs. yeah, I think I think it's
Paul: is a running back? Okay, okay.
Joe: it's definitely one of their senior players. I I did see that. I'm not sure exactly which one, but I I'm pretty
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: s I'm pretty certain Chase is back. at quarterback. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
Paul: Well I didn't mean to put any fear out there, scare anyone. I just thought I heard somebody had gotten injured on that team that that kinda
Joe: Yeah. Yeah.
Paul: sucked was a senior.
Joe: Yeah. No, I just think I mean, you hate to call this a bounce back game in in week one, but for Chatfield, you know, they they went 0 3 the last three weeks of their season last year. And and
Paul: Right, right.
Joe: and granted they had some tough matchups to finish their season. But you know, hey, it's it this is kind of a bounce back game I feel like for them and and it could set the tone. They come out here and and play well against Lewis and and and take it to on Thursday night, you know, well then we gotta look at Chatfield maybe a little differently than how they how they ended the season last year.
Paul: Yeah, absolutely. Right. Yep, agreed. Yeah, it's gonna be a fun one. It's gonna be could be a telling game for sure.
Joe: there's no doubt. I mean it it's it's definitely gonna set the tone for the season. there'll be a ton of fans there for sure. And
Paul: yeah.
Joe: and and for those fans, you know, if you're from Chatfield cruising up or you're cutting across town, you know, swing into the the American Legion there behind RCTC and grab a burger and and an an adult beverage and play field pool tabs to you know, to calm your nerves and and then head over to the game.
Paul: That is exactly right. That is one of the most important things of the night. And we're gonna hit on that a couple more of those places, but that is one of the most important things of the night when you're heading to a football game is where's that place to go get something to eat and maybe a drink before the game. And yeah, I love it. The American Legion there in Rochester, right off of fourteen over there by RCC, is that right?
Joe: Yeah, right off of fourteen, just behind RCTC and or RCC
Paul: Love it.
Joe: and and swinging there and and you know, great food there and and support the the Legion there and then and then head over to the game.
Paul: You know they've got good cheeseburgers there.
Joe: Good cheeseburgers, great tater tots.
Paul: sold. I am I'm gonna jump into a couple more here, Joe.
Joe: Let's do it.
Paul: we're gonna head back west to Bell Plain and Central Norwood Young America. now didn't have the greatest seasons last year. I mean Bell Plane ended up three and six, Central ended up five and five, but in twenty twenty five Bell Plain lost at home. twenty eight to twenty seven in a wild shootout here with with Central. So
Joe: Ooh.
Paul: yeah, they they it was really a heck of a game. you know, but but at the end of the day, Central comes back and and takes that game. So I gotta believe you know, Bill Plain is would love to head to Central Norwood Young America and and inflict some pain and and walk away with a win like central did in their house last year. So Bell Plane, they ended up getting knocked out the out of the playoffs last year by a tough Laverne team. I think they might have went out there in the in the quarterfinal round. But Central as we know they eventually lost to the runner up Goodhue in the section playoffs. And so but Bell Plane They've got some experience coming back, some experienced seniors that got some time last year. they have a quarterback I really like. His name is Reed Creighton. He's one of the captains of the team, and I'm excited to see what he does this year. I think he had a nice year last year, and I think he's got a really nice chance of building off of what he did last year, or especially with some of the experience kind of still around him. So that'll be fun to see. And then obviously n One of our top twenty-five guys, Jack Klumpkin, is gonna be playing in that game and and he'll be ready to go on defense, you can guarantee. he had himself a lot of tackles last year, and I'm sure he's looking to pile up a bunch more. So I'm I'm really excited for that game, especially with it being a one point game last year. But I am going to take Central Norwood Young America at home for the win. I again I'm going with that deciding factor of it's a home field advantage kind of thing. I do think it could end up being a close game, but I'm gonna I'm gonna stick with the home field advantage there again on this one.
Joe: Yeah, it's good choice. I mean it's it's hard to pick, you know, in in these really good matchup games. It's it's tough to go against the home team. You know. If
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: if all things equal or close to equal, I'm going to the home team. So yeah, good pick there. I think I would agree with you on that one and and we'll see what happens.
Paul: Absolutely. Yeah. my final highlight game of the week here, I've got Totino Grace versus Ricori. Totino Grace ended the season last year six and five. Ricori went eight and two. Totino Grace lost at home in twenty twenty five to Ricori twenty eight to twenty or twenty eight to seven. So not a not a real close game there either. Ricori had a really nice team last year. you know, and and to Tina Grace, they they ended up they had a solid season, you know, for the most part, but loss in the playoffs to Fridley eventually and Rick was eventually knocked out of the playoffs by Marshall, who won that section and went on to state last year and lost a heartbreaker and an overtime to I believe Orano last year. So I think one of the most fun thing about fun things about this game, Joe, is what we were just talking about with these preseason rankings. And again, MNHS football network, they they they put out some good rankings that are fun to look at. And their preseason rankings on these teams are six for Totino Grace and eight for Rick. So so here If you're looking at that, you know, as like, okay, this is kind of fun. This is sp this is spicy. Let's let's take a look at that and and see what happens there. But I tell ya, it is a it's it's a home it's a home game for Recori. And I tell ya what, I'm sticking to my home field advantage and I'm gonna take Recordy over Totino Grace. And even though I do think Totino Grace is is a little bit they're improved, Ricori's always they're tough. They got a they're a good team and again, I think it's just the home field advantage that's that's giving me the deciding edge there.
Joe: Yeah, I think, you know, I obviously I don't follow that area quite as much as you, but you know, just just going along with that same thing, you know, that that sentiment, especially in week one of having a home field advantage and and taking advantage of it.
Paul: Absolutely. Yeah, it's it it matters. You know, I think it does matter in some of these games, especially when it's you know, it can come down to a game of inches or just one one penalty or one turnover and and you just never know. So yeah, it'd be a fun one.
Joe: Well, it it's it's it's one of those things that might be the only comfortable thing in that first uncomfortable game, you know, as is is that is we're at home. So those those juniors,
Paul: Here exactly. Is being home. Yeah, that's right. That's right.
Joe: sophomores or juniors that played last year that moved up, you know, that have been there and and they're comfortable there. that might be the difference in some of these games. And and I mean there's a chance of rain potentially. Fri Thursday night, Friday night. So, you know, does that factor into some of these games as we go too? So hopefully not.
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: But you know, being at home in the rain is, you know, maybe a a little better for for some teams than than also being on the road in some, you know, not so pleasant weather.
Paul: Absolutely. Right. Yep. So I think you've got of one big one to finish out on. Yeah.
Joe: So all right, we're down to we're down to the last we're down to the last one, huh? So huge matchup here. we're gonna finish up with Triton at Goodhue.
Paul: Right.
Joe: so talking about rankings, you know, you've got a lot of team a lot of people have Goodhue ranked number two and and Triton is is sliding in their number eight. So
Paul: Okay, okay.
Joe: you know, so couple top teams here, but different looks for both teams.
Paul: For sure.
Joe: Both of these teams lost some superstars, you know. and we're gonna have a different look. I mean, Carlson and and Luke Russian, right, gone from Goodhue, and then obviously Pierce Petershawn being gone from Triton, along with a few of their line, you know, starting linemen gone. So you know, definitely a different look. now we'll Will it will their systems change much? I don't think so. I think they're both gonna, you know, stick to what they've been running forever. but it's you know just some different play differ different different studs and different positions, you know, this year. So last year, this is a game I got to watch. a hell of a game. I I remember, you know, kind of reaching out to you after and commenting about this game. good he won this game at Triton at the snake pit 21 to 14. and and I we've talked about before but just some great play calls. earlier in the game to have I believe to score to go up to to go to 14 points. Good who ran a a little sneaky little steam route and it was just beautiful. and then actually Triton turned around to use that same play against Caledonia a couple weeks later. but
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: just a cool play. And then the game winner was a little misdirection. play at the end and to score the touchdown late in the game, from maybe three or four yards out, something like that. So just just a great game. It was a it was a great atmosphere there. I expect everyone in Goodhue probably to be at this game and most people from Triton driving over, you know, to watch Graden Thomas really truly have his you know, taking over and starting the season at quarterback. You know, he filled in a a few games last year when when Pierce was hurt, kinda stepped into that role and and played quarterback. But, you know, this kid was I mean, he's a phenomenal athlete. And we've talked about Graden before and and for me, one of my favorite people to watch last year was him. Just such a good athlete on both sides of the ball, flying all over and making plays and a tough guy to cover, you know, playing wide receiver quite a bit last year. and just, you know, I he's he's gonna be their guy, you know, so my questions with Triton is is their line, you know. their line was part of the reason I feel like, you know, we were able to to get to Pierce last year in that playoff game. you know, they may it wasn't maybe their strongest area last year and and I know they lost a few of those guys, so will that Triton line be able to to protect Graydon and he's gonna run the ball a lot from the QB spot. There there's no there's no about no doubt about it. He
Paul: Yeah, yeah. I could see that. Sure.
Joe: he's likely gonna be their leading rusher, I'm sure. So but, you know, will that line hold up and they got a hell of a test coming right away. I mean, you got Ethan O'Reilly staring you down on the other side. So you know, are they gonna double team him? triple team him. What what's the scheme
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: to stop Ethan O'Reilly from from, you know, getting degrading? So,
Paul: And still a couple of Russians on Good Hugh as well.
Joe: And then and then yeah, I mean getting into getting getting into Good Hughes offense. I mean the the Russians, you know, not really sure we'll see. this is Friday night game. So we'll see Friday night, you know, what that quarterback wide receiver combination looks like, you know, that that they had last year, what that turns into this year and You know how that offense how that offense rolls. I mean they're they're missing Jack Carlson, like I said earlier. So that are they gonna have that guy that can pound the ball too? so we'll see. but this is an exciting one and this is a this is another huge gauge for both of these two teams. you know, if if Triton flips the script on Goodhue, you know After Goodhue being in the in the state finals, you know, maybe it maybe they're you know, maybe they're not that number two ranked team. And and Triton really Triton makes a s a a heck of a statement if they to me, if they knock off Goodyear in this game, Triton makes one heck of a statement that we don't need Pierce. We're we we've rebuilt this team and and we're ready to go.
Paul: Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah, I agree. That'll be a huge win, especially going to Good Hugh and knocking him off in that first week. And it's kind of the week to do it though, right? Like we were saying, you know, none of these first games ever go real smooth and and clean and crisp. So, if ever there's a night you hope to kinda start off strong, it's that night for Triton and and you just never know.
Joe: Yeah, I mean I I know I know Goodhue had a really good offseason. You know, they were they won their division up at UMD at the team camp there. and I also heard some good things from the Triton scrimmage, you know, just last Saturday. So you know, they they were definitely the top team you know, at their scrimmage on Saturday. So you know, I I'm gonna go I'm gonna go with Goodhue in this one. I feel like Goodhue has the pressure on them though in this game. Triton can come into this thing with absolutely nothing to lose, right?
Paul: Yeah. Yep.
Joe: Pierce is gone, the expectations are probably down just a touch. And you know, Goodhue is state finalist. So it's it's it's their game that they need to back it up, you know, from what they did last year. So but I think they do that. I think Goodhue is just maybe a little too overpowering for Triton in game one at home. But we'll look to see. I Triton I feel like is a team that's gonna get better and better all season.
Paul: Yes.
Joe: you know.
Paul: I would agree with that. Especially grading that coming the quarterback and being their their you know, the guy.
Joe: Yeah.
Paul: yeah, maybe maybe it just builds and builds and builds and and it doesn't start off exactly how you want, but you know, he's such a good athlete. You d you don't know. He might start off just dominating too. So I think I tend to agree with you on that. I think I probably Probably would end up going with Good Hugh on that. I think it's I I don't know. I think it's gonna be close though. I I I'm gonna go Good Hugh. Again, I think it's more 'cause it's at home. But I'm excited to watch it. I'm gonna actually try to go to that game and watch that game. So yeah. Can't look can't wait.
Joe: it's one of those things. I mean we could flip it on Friday night and and Grain Thomas could go go off for two hundred and forty yards rushing and five touchdowns and and it turns into a shootout, you know. So
Paul: Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely.
Joe: but you know I just I I I d I think Good Hughes I I I do think Goodhue's the team here in this one. So and and f for any
Paul: Well, I love it.
Joe: For any brave enough Triton fans that are cruising into Good Hue before the game, you know, they can swing into the corner bar there and and grab a grab
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: a burger and a beer and and meet a few of the old Rileys probably or something and and hang out there for a bit before the game.
Paul: Exactly. That's a good spot there. I like the old corner bar and good you. They got the good food and it's not too far from the field that's you can be there in a few minutes when you're done grabbing something to eat. I love that. I love that spot.
Joe: Yeah, yep, yep.
Paul: Hey, speaking of that, I gotta go back, you know, I I made a I made a choice here on on a little food. It's everyone if you're listening, it's one of the more important things for Joe and I when we go to these games. We like to find a spot that You can go grab some food and and and cold beverage and and kinda get ready for the game. And I went to Wasika. I'm giving Wasika a little love for the Saint Peter f fan base that's gonna be heading over there to Oscar's All American Food and Drinks in Wasika. Head over there, man. They've got some good food, got some good drinks, awesome little place to to grab a a burger or wings or whatever it might be. And Nice thing is they're only about a half a mile away from the stadium, about a two or three minute drive. So head on over there and have some fun. Enjoy it. This guy's we're excited for this week. We highlighted a few of our favorite games out there that we are super excited about, but at the end of the day, we're excited that it's Thursday and Friday night. The road to Friday nights has brought us here. And it's And I know everyone out there is extremely excited to get this season going and just hope everybody has a great time watching their teams. we we wish everybody a healthy and and successful season. We'll be watching. and along with that, Joe, is there anything else? I know we wanna talk a little bit about our talk with the talents here, but
Joe: Well I think just maybe just a couple of things before that. You know, for for anyone out there listening, you know, if you like these matchups, you wanna post on your pick of any of these games, leading into week two, if if you got a game you'd love to hear us talk about or think is worthy of of being in the you know in this games of the week, go in the comments and and we'll we'll check them all out and we'll take all that into consideration and and You know, make your comments, make your picks, comment on whether you think we're crazy or not on on some of these picks. So we would I mean we'd love to hear it. So you know. Yeah, keep it civil. So
Paul: Keep it civil, man. I I I that's a great point. I want I want everyone to know, yeah, we will post these picks on social media and want to thank everybody for following along with us on social media and and all the listeners out there. So been it's been having we've been having a lot of fun posting and it seems like you guys have been following and enjoying it a little bit as well. So we'll keep going with that. we'll we'll post those those picks here and we'll kinda keep it running tally, Joe. Let's keep it running tally and whoever wins at the end of the year, the other guy, you know, has to do something like I don't know, get fifty bare knuckle push ups on the on your driveway or something like that.
Joe: how about I just wear that Northfield T shirt that I have some somewhere in public. So
Paul: Yeah, you can do that too. Absolutely. That's fine with me. But we'll keep we'll keep some kind of running tally here and we'll see how it ends up at the at the end of the season. So and yeah, if you want to join in, we'll keep track of your guys' too. We'll see where you guys are at and it we'll have some fun with this thing. Hey, one one real final one final thing here I wanted to bring up was our talk of the towns awards that we plan to do every week. So you may have seen on social media we had our talk of the towns players, top twenty-five players, and so really what that's just a play on words obviously of who's the guy? Who is the guy that week that outperformed and outshined everybody. And so what we plan to do is we've got some t-shirts made up. that'll be talk of the towns, have talk with the towns on the front and nice little touchdowns in the town podcast somewhere on the back of the shirt. But our our point is we wanna point these these guys out for having a outstanding night and and have some fun with it. And we're gonna send you a shirt if you if you end up being that guy who's the talk of the towns.
Joe: Yeah, think it's you know, we're covering such a large area, you know, for for us, the schools out west that we don't always cover that people listening around here, you know, now we'll start to learn some of the guys out there and vice versa. And and I think it's gonna be great, you know, highlighting, you know, these top performers, from you know, every week, you know, whether it's whether it's offensively or defensively and and the guys that made an impact in the game and I'm excited. I'm I'm excited for the kids. I'm excited for people to learn the you know, a whole nother group of kids. I'm suspecting that a lot of these top twenty five kids are are gonna be in there, you know, throughout the season. But you know, hopefully a bunch of other a bunch of other names that everybody gets to learn and and you know, kids to follow.
Paul: Absolutely. There'll be some that pop up. You know, there's a bunch that we've already said, man, yeah, we just didn't have enough. We didn't go to thirty or we didn't go to thirty five. There's there's a there's
Joe: Yep. Yep.
Paul: so many good athletes and and good football players in this area and cannot wait to send some shirts out and and we'll be putting those shirts on social media too, so everyone can kinda s get an idea of what they look like. But what we're really hoping is Whoever wins those shirts, if you have a little creativity behind ya, throw that baby on and send us a pose and put it on social media so we can see you wearing that shirt, wearing it proud. Let everyone know you're the top of the talents. but hey, thanks so much. We are so excited. Cannot wait for week one, Thursday, Friday. Here we go, Joey.
Joe: Yeah, let's kind of wrap this thing up, but man, good luck to everybody. you know, starting to feel the nerves and the excitement already this week and y you know, here we go. Let's go. It's it's week one for everybody and man, let's let's let's see where we go from here.
Paul: Blood or buck, boys, let's go. Hey, keep an eye on us on on social media, Facebook, X and Instagram. Thanks for following. Share it, let everyone know. We will see you guys next week. Good luck everyone.
Joe: I'm doing good, Paul. I'm doing good and and here we go. It's week one this week. Full slate of games on the docket for Thursday and Friday night. but first we have to talk about the fact that we had week zero here in southern Minnesota. So four games last Friday night to kind of kick things off. And I think it's due to the Westfield, Hayfield combination there. those two schools coming together kind of kick. move the schedules around a little bit for seeing these these weak zero games. So we've got Fillmore Central here first off over Medford 417. Fillmore quarterback six one two kid six one two QB kid Brendan Ball he was four for six for ninety seven yards and three touchdowns and you know ironically all three touchdowns went to Adrian Rindles. so those two, you know, big connection there to watch as the season moves on. And then Quincy Casey also rushed for a touchdown in that game as Fillmore kinda rolled against Medford.
Paul: They seemed to really kinda stay dominant and take over and really from the beginning to end on that game, didn't they?
Joe: Yeah, they did. I mean they're you know, they've been a top team here the last couple of years and and I think they're pretty comfortable at the top and and know that they've got a good team again and and with a senior quarterback there leading I I think they're they have high goals for this year.
Paul: Absolutely. Yep, they've been used to some success down there. But yeah, that's awesome. That was a that was kind of a dominate dominating game there for Fillmore. Hey, I just wanna back up here w before we jump in, we I wanna mention to everybody, as we kinda keep going forward here, Joe, we're gonna call this the beginning of our show on on these episodes, the opening drive. So we're we're kinda trying to give it a little name here and try it out here. So We're gonna throw out another one here in the opening drive. after that Fillmore game. we had the the Blue Earth area versus United South Central game and Friday night and another game that kinda was dominated by one team. Blue Earth area ran away with that game as well, twenty eight to eight. there was plenty of offense on both sides of the ball. Blue Earth area's defense though, They were really just able to hold down USC when it needed to hold them down at the right time. And they only managed to score eight points in the contest. but for Blue Earth area, Caden Juba, man, he's the quarterback for Blue Earth area, had a huge game to help lead the Buccaneers to that big win, and he had all four rushing touchdowns on the night for Blue Earth, and then he ran for a total of two hundred and thirty-seven yards on the night. threw for another 62 yards passing so a really productive night in a in a really nice game by caden juba will works was his wide receiver that really kind of came down with what looked like might have been all 62 of the receiving yards there that that caden threw up and he had a nice he had a nice game as well there usc I gotta can't go away without giving them a little credit here they had a good night of running the ball They still ran the ball over three hundred and twenty yards rushing. They had a platoon of guys running the ball you know, to get to those numbers. But a couple guys in general, Leland Getchell and Noah Gonzalez led the way with ninety-six and ninety-two yards respectively. So, you know, they had a very respectable night running the ball. Blue Earth just a little too tough at the end of the day. they move on to one and on the year and they'll play up a class next week to a tough Laverne team who plays in three A. United South Central obviously goes to O and one on the year and they will head to a tough Cleveland team who went undefeated in the regular season in twenty twenty five. So that is my game that I've got there for you, Joe. What do you got next?
Joe: Well, I think just touching back on that, I mean Caden Juba going off, Blue Earth's gotta be pretty happy with that. I mean, maybe not having the best season last year. We've talked about a lot about Peter Fletcher in previous podcasts. So I think Blue Earth is probably pretty happy with that start. Obviously, you know, we'll s we'll see where where that goes, you know, from there. But really yeah.
Paul: Very happy. You know, you look at yeah, Pete Fletcher kinda as the guy getting, you know, a little bit of attention there and you rightfully so. He's you six seven, two forty.
Joe: Yeah.
Paul: but Will Wertz and and really Caden Juba just wow, I mean, he really was explosive. He he'd get the ball and run up the middle of the field and I don't know if he was hardly touched all night. Now he was tackled and things, but he had multiple lo young long gainers that night. So just a fantastic
Joe: No, it's good. It's
Paul: night.
Joe: yeah, it's good to see. I mean it's you know, you obviously have that defensive guy there, so you know, maybe last year they had some young guys, you know, and they're they're kinda growing into it and and maybe this is a year where the offense bounces out what the defense can do and and Blue Earth may jump up in the standings this year. So
Paul: Absolutely. Yep.
Joe: my next game here, I'm gonna take the I'm gonna take the new Richmond Hartland Ellen Geneva over sleepy eye game 4237. This is a game I
Paul: Barn burner.
Joe: this is a game I think I wish I would have been at because
Paul: Yeah, for sure.
Joe: sleepy eye was down 21 points in the third quarter. Okay. they start this comeback, they end up taking the lead. 37-36 with like six minutes left to play. Okay. So I'm sure
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: the place is going crazy. And then New Richland comes back and scores a touchdown late to go up 42-37. crazy part is is Sleepy High gets the ball back, drives down to like three-yard line, and New Richland is able to Fend them off at the end, and it sounds like there's a dropped pass with like one point four seconds left in the end zone. you know,
Paul: that's brutal. Yeah.
Joe: to to end the game. So hell of a game they had going there. but a couple guys in that game want to shout out Keen Netsky from Sleepy Eye and Gavin Foster. you know, Kean had 20 carries for like 108 yards, Foster 66 yards and two TDs, you know. So You know, mean they were they were able to rush the ball, obviously, and move the ball and put up some points. And then on the on the new Richmond side, Sean Sean Lasan, hopefully I'm not butchering us, you know, he had four TDs and then they also had a long touchdown pass. He had four rushing TDs. they had a long touchdown pass, I think, for some like 55-yard connection. They also returned a kickoff for a touchdown during that game. So
Paul: Wow.
Joe: crazy game over there. you know, and and we'll we'll see where these two teams go from there after a a week zero shootout.
Paul: Man, that's a tough first week loss, man, to play that close and have a shootout and and you end up and one, right? Doesn't matter at the end of the day. So yeah, great game.
Joe: Yeah, no, that's a good one. All right, so where are we heading from there?
Paul: Absolutely. we're down to the last one. So we had four games last Friday. I'm gonna end here with Southland versus Lewiston Altura. Southland comes away with a win 48 to 22. Henry Whistie for Southland, he's the Southland quarterback, had just a phenomenal game, accounting for five touchdowns in the game, running for three and passing for two. So from what I could find, it looked like he had seventy seven yards rushing on the ground and and another sixty yards passing. So just a fantastic game. What a way to lead that team into a dominant w win there. But along with him, Cale Smith, the running back for Southland, ran for a hundred and thirty eight yards on the night and he had himself a long touchdown as well, I believe a fifty seven yard touchdown run that he broke free and and took it to the house. And he also threw in a pick six interception. So I think
Joe: Yeah, we saw that.
Paul: yeah, I think you returned that for fifty one yards or right around fifty yards for for a touchdown there. So yeah, pretty dominant. there was a couple other kids there, but you know, that was really Henry Whisty was boy, you talk about a guy that led a team into into battle and and really And really s helped him out and did a lot there to contribute. That was a heck heck of a game. So and then I'd say Luis and Altura though, they their quarterback Bennett Bono, he had a nice game as well. You know, he he goes eight for eleven for 173 yards and and he threw three touchdowns. So, I mean, not a terrible night. That's a really good night. most nights, you know, and and hope you hope to come away with a win with with something like that. But obviously South was just a little too much that night. But Gage Bromerich was the recipient of all three touchdown passes from Bono. And he totaled eighty three yards receiving on the night for Lewiston Alterna. So you know, they had some good individual performances there. I'm sure something they can kind of build off of going ahead and in their into week one and and beyond. But You know you've got a couple leaders there that that can produce for you. So, you know, it's a tough tough loss there. But Blues and Eltura, they like I said, they d they didn't they didn't get completely blown out. So Southland will move on in the week one matchup with Waterville Allegion Morristown. game that we'll get to here in a little bit, Joe, but I I
Joe: Yeah. I kinda wanna jump in on that Southland or on the the Lewiston side. I think, you know, they have first year head coach there. and I think he he
Paul: Yes.
Joe: moved down from Winona, and and had been coaching there. And, you know, it looks like they kinda wanna open things up a little bit. And this is a game where Southland maybe a lot of people had as the underdog coming into this game against Lewiston. So, But we'll see. I think I mean I feel like Lewiston played a pretty good game and, you know, the first year head coach there and a little d little maybe a little different program on offense. maybe trying to open it up a little bit more and as they hit their stride, I think Lewiston, you know, could make some noise yet as as it goes on, as the season goes on.
Paul: I c I completely agree. And that's that's definitely what they're doing. I did see he's and now I'm of course I I forget his name, but yeah, he did he was at Winona for quite a few years and and so he's bringing a wide open offense with him. So it'll be fun to see. I think they're set up, they've got some good players down there in Lewiston.
Joe: Yeah. Yeah.
Paul: but they're heading over to face the newly created co op here Bloomin' Prairie Hayfield in in week one. So That'll be an interesting game there. So but yeah, back to that Southland game. Like I said, they they had a heck of a game. But if and I wanted to say this, some of these kids, Joe, that we talked about here probably would have been some nominees for some talks of the towns accolades here as we kind of move on through the year. And maybe we'll we'll skip that for now. We'll get to it at the end of the episode here and explain what our talk of the talents awards are gonna be every week, but definitely some of those I'm sure you can agree with me there.
Joe: for sure, a hundred percent. And you know, I think I'm gonna I'm gonna jump right into you know, one of our games of the week and segue and w right in with Southland if you're good with that.
Paul: Yep. Yep.
Joe: and yeah, Henry Whisty and and Cale Smith, you know, two guys that you'd definitely would have been nominees for for the the awards that we're kinda planning on giving out here, starting with week one. Those guys head into Waterville, you know, they're gonna play up a class against Waterville. you know, which is it's can always be a challenge. Waterville last season in this matchup, Waterville beat them twenty-eight-twenty-six. So, you know,
Paul: Whoo Haha.
Joe: they were right there. And, you know, you're talking about a Waterville team that lost to Goodhue in overtime in the state tournament. So,
Paul: Right.
Joe: This game here I kinda look could go either way. I I feel like Southland's they're a little cocky. They've got a full head of steam going right now. I think I think they're happy with where they're at. And I don't even know if they had all of their starters last week.
Paul: Right.
Joe: one report I heard, you know, they maybe had a few kids missing at the state fair and things like that. And and and maybe had some some starters that were out. So Southland's line I think is is better than what some people know, and then you've you've got athletes there. But at the same time, Waterville Legion has a horrible frickin' taste in their mouth from last year. And
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: those guys are gonna be motivated to get back to the bank and and try and win a state title this year. I mean they had one of the most brutal losses in the state tournament last year and I guarantee they're motivated. So and the last thing that they want to have happen is a one A school come in and and beat them. And it this I this game's at Waterville. So
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: they're going to be ready to go. Gavin Atherton's gonna be ready to go. And if their line can control Southland on the line of scrimmage, you know, I'd look for him to to have have a pretty big night, running the ball and and we'll see. But my pick in this game, you know, I I'm gonna go with Waterville mainly because of their experience last year. You know, being
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: in the being in the state semis and and having that experience and having, you know, that taste of of of being there and you know, wanting to get back into that game, that desire to get back to to win that semifinal game and get get in the prep bowl. you know, I I think they're they They probably worked their asses off this this off season because of that. And I'm gonna give them the slightest advantage over a Southland team that I I I think is gonna be pretty impressive this year.
Paul: Nice. Yeah, yeah. Okay. That boy, you've got me kinda on the on the ropes on that one. I there's part of me I I really want to take Southland on that one. And but I completely understand what you're saying. I I know man Waterville's gonna be ready to go, but man,
Joe: Hi.
Paul: I can't help but I cannot help but I was able to watch that game last Friday with Southland. It's like dang man, I I Now that I've watched it almost ruined me 'cause now I feel like they're they're you know what I mean? They're they just look
Joe: I know. Yeah, I well
Paul: so good.
Joe: and and we're gonna we're gonna find out. I mean that's it's one of those things, you know, the advantage of week zero for some of these teams, you know, they got to play. And South
Paul: Right.
Joe: Southland right now is is loving it, right? They they
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: they got to run their offense, they're they're feeling good about what they're putting on the field right now. So but I think
Paul: Yeah, yeah.
Joe: it's gonna come down to poise. And a team like Waterville Legion that's been there and they have the poise, hopefully, to you know, to to be comfortable in this game and at home, you know, I I promise you that they're gonna be ready for this game. So and and they got
Paul: Yeah. I love it.
Joe: they got to watch some film. So they're gonna be they know who Henry Whiskey and Cale Smith are. I promise you that. So
Paul: Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. Well, we shall see. I'm excited. Can't wait. I love that game. We'll be watching that one.
Joe: Yeah, that's gonna be a good one. So well let's let's let's kick it over to you here.
Paul: Yeah, I'm gonna throw you a couple here. I am gonna start off with North for Northfield versus Waconia. Northfield finishes the year six and four last year. Waconia goes five and six. last year Waconia traveled to Northfield, where they beat Northfield twenty one and nine. it was one of those games. You know how a first game of the season can go. Northfield committed some awful penalties at some awful times. you know, s oftentimes giving Waconia another shot at an opportunity and and you know what eventually happens is they take advantage of one of those opportunities and and they they get a score that you just can't take back. And now Waconia, you know, they played just a little bit better than Northfield, but they didn't play a clean game either. So it'll be an interesting It'll be an interesting game this year. They they head over to Waconia and they've got they've both got guys coming back. So both teams have experience coming back on both sides of the ball. And it's gonna be it's gonna be an interesting game, I think. And and w one of the you know, I know hey, you and I have talked about a preseason rankings, right? Don't really matter, but I was looking at NHS, the football guys that put out the the rankings and they've got they had Waconia ranked at twelve and Northfield at seventeen. So it makes it kind of a little bit more fun looking at those preseason rankings a little bit and kind of going, okay, let's see what really happens here, right? I y you don't really you don't really use them for much other than an entertain entertainment purpose to see where they actually stack up. according to, you know, those preseason rankings a little bit and and but
Joe: Yeah, but everybody lo everybody looks a little bit, you know. And
Paul: Everyone looks a little bit, a thousand percent.
Joe: and I think more so in if you're in Northfield's position, right? And you're you're that lower ranked team and your goals are to get, you know, be back in that section championship game or whatever and and and be there, yeah, you wanna you wanna clip that number twelve team, you know. So
Paul: Yeah. Yep.
Joe: but quarterback change in Northfield, you know, Couple guys that are gone that you guys gotta replace there. so probably a little bit of a different look this year for Northfield maybe.
Paul: Yeah, there'll be a different look there. on definitely on some of those positions there. Waconia brings their starting quarterback back. So he was there last year, Carson Herman.
Joe: Yeah.
Paul: he's a heck of a player. And then they've got some size. You know, they have some good size, they've got they've got some speed and yeah. Max Greenwell. Yep.
Joe: And a guy named Max Max Greenwall, right, that we talked about. Yeah.
Paul: Yep, he's gonna be out there on the edge looking to, you know, bat balls down and and disrupt there on the edge and contain and and so yeah, it's gonna be interesting. But yeah, so I look forward to I look forward to seeing what happens there in that game and and you know at the end of the day too, you for Northfield, they lost to him last year. So it doesn't matter really where these guys would happen to be ranked. They just wanna get that win. They don't wanna go and two in in the two years.
Joe: Yeah, yeah, for sure.
Paul: cycle there. So yeah. So anyways, we'll be picking some of these games. I'm gonna skip that one, Joe. I'm gonna move on to Oatana versus Mankato East. This is another game I'm pretty excited about. Oatana finished the the season last year five and five. Mankado East went six and three. They had a pretty good season in that in that section two over there. stayed pretty darn competitive. last year Oatana they s they lost it home to Mancawise twenty-eight to seven. so obviously not a real close game, but at the same time, Oatana started the year off a little bit slower than normal. but they they really improved as the year moved on. So they eventually got knocked out of the section semis by Northfield. Last year East went six and two on the regular season, but they were knocked out by Chaska in the playoffs and and Chaska ended up going to the section championships against Chan Hassan. So I I think you know this this year they go to Man I'm sorry to Mankato State. Or I'm sorry, not Mankato East Mancato East is where the game will be played. this year and since it's since it's there on the road I am gonna go with Mankato East again this year. They've got they've got some good experience coming back. They have some size coming back. They've got a very talented quarterback. Owatana does too. Oatana's got a good quarterback coming back and they've got some size as well. So I think it's gonna be a close game. But I think gonna just go with the home team there and and I'm gonna give it to Mancato East in a in a close game.
Joe: Sounds good. That sounds like a good pick.
Paul: What do you got?
Joe: we're gonna head over to Murray County Central. So they're hosting Dawson Boyd. On Friday night, last year these two played two a seven zero a seven zero game where Dawson Boyd clipped Murray County Central in the opener. and then Murray County Central kind of bounced back, you know, had a great season, played all the way into the state semis before falling to Breckenridge 28-21, you know. so similar to that last matchup. You know, a team that had a heartbreaker in the state fi state semis last year, looking to come
Paul: Yep.
Joe: back this year and and you know, take it to that next level. Now these two teams play some tough schedules. looking at Dawson Boyd, you know, they got Murray County Central Friday night, they have Springfield in week four, and they have Miniota to to finish off the season, you know.
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: And and last year I I think, you know, their only losses were to Springfield and Minneota, you know, or and and Da or yeah.
Paul: I think they might have both been to Minota Jill.
Joe: Yeah. So yeah, Dawson Boyd, I think, only lost to Minneota maybe twice or whatever,
Paul: Right.
Joe: you know. and then Murray County Central, you know, kind of the same thing. they play a really tough schedule. Dawson Boyd here. turn around Springfield next week, which they're probably gonna land in the game of the week again next week. and just, you know, there's are just some tough matchups out there. So for this one, you know, I think I'm gonna take Murray County Central again. you know kind of as my favorite in this game. s even though Dawson Boyd beat him in the f you know, they don't want like you just said they don't want to lose in that two year series. And also, you know, being in the state semis last year, you know, that driving them during the off season and pushing them, you know, and I I look for for them guys. If they can if they can start the season here two and watch out. They're probably you know, there's a good chance they could run the table. So, you know,
Paul: Yeah, yeah.
Joe: they're like really, really tough schedule here these first two weeks. So,
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: I I'm I'm going I'm going with Murray County Central in this game and and I think I it's gonna be a close game. It's gonna be a you know I I don't know, is it a fourteen seven game this time? Is it a maybe, you know, twenty to seven game or something like that maybe.
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: But but I I don't think this one gets out of control. I th I think both teams are gonna be ready for this game for sure. And exciting game out there.
Paul: I can't I can't wait for that one. I this is one where, you know, I kinda was right on the fence with you on that last one. I'm going Dawson Boyd on this one. I'm gonna go Dawson Boyd.
Joe: Okay. Yeah. Yeah.
Paul: I just think with all the returning guys and the Botham boys and the rest of the gang, boy, I think it's gonna be they got talk about having a bad taste in your mouth. Miniota was the only the only thing in your way last year. And
Joe: And
Paul: they got a lot of guys coming back and and I'm gonna go with D B and
Joe: It's this is this is a tough one because and
Paul: Ha ha ha ha.
Joe: and we've talked about this on the side. Is
Paul: I know.
Joe: does the streak yeah, does many other stri you know, there's there's and that's coming up in these next few weeks, but and I you know, we've talked about these guys maybe being that team. So but I'm gonna pick against them, you know, with this game.
Paul: I like it.
Joe: you know, Murray County Central's at home and like you know, they don't wanna lo they don't wanna lose two years in a row. these guys. So they're gonna Marine County Central's gonna start the year out one and So so
Paul: Yeah, I like it. I like it. And they're a very good team as well, so y that should be a heck of a game.
Joe: So anyway, we'll take off with two more.
Paul: I am gonna jump over to Rochester. We're we've got Chaska heading over to Mail Rochester Mail to play the Spartans here at Whitney Field Whitney Stadium on Friday. So Chaska had the game last year. They hosted Mail and they won in twenty twenty five nineteen to sixteen. So a very tight tightly contested game. with Chaska just obviously coming out here a little bit ahead. So male ended up winning their section in twenty twenty five, but was knocked out of the state corner finals by St. Thomas Academy where Chaska eventually lost to Chan Hassan in the section championship. So Chan Hassan again, they're one of those teams. They're they're just always in the way. But you know, Mayo had a really nice team. They had Really good passing attack with quarterback Isaac Peterson, 2025. He graduates, he has Dauclair to play basketball, so he's gone. They've got a new kid, I believe it's Maxwell Berger, is going to be their quarterback here coming up this year. Be a little bit of different feel. Isaac Peterson was one of these six four, six five type of kids. the burger kid for the quarterback for mail is gonna be about a six-footer. So but he can run. He's one of these kids. He's a good wrestler. You might even know him. good
Joe: Yeah. Yep.
Paul: wrestler. He's good balance. One of these kids, he can probably run through the line. and hard to bring down, right? But he I think he's can also pass. So they're gonna probably rely a little bit more on the run. Mayo lost a lot of guys, so they're a little younger this year. It's gonna be a much different feel for them. Chaska brings back some guys, so I I think you know all things being equal here, I I'm gonna go with Chaska to head down to to Mayo and they're gonna they they're gonna take this game and I I don't know how close it'll be to be honest. I I hope Rochester can make it a game but and maybe they will. But they've got and they've got a couple of really good running backs there. Xavier Adams is one and they've got another guy there that both of them can wheel and deal and and get you some yards and and and be a little scary at times. So it'll be interesting. But I think Chasta they got some size, really have some speed and I I just think they kinda come down and and give it to to male a little bit there. So
Joe: I feel like I feel like following from following Jaska this summer, I feel like they have a little swag. Like I I feel like they're they've they're they're confident and I feel like they're ready to go for the season. I mean everything I've seen that they've posted I I think they are excited for this season
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: and they look like a team that's that's ready to ready to get shot out of a cannon here on Friday night.
Paul: Well and I agree. You know, they've they've they've had to deal with Chan Hassan for forever, like everyone else has. But, you know, Chan losing, Nathan Ramler last year. They've got a sophomore quarterback that transferred in from Florida that, you know, he's supposed to be good, but he's unproven at this point in time. he's obviously gotta be decent if they're bringing the sophomore in to start for their team. So, Chass has got to be ha you know, their mouth has got to be watering a little bit, going, hey, this is if there's any year, baby, this is the year. Let's go get it.
Joe: It it looks like it. It looks like it. It looks like they're they're just like a cage dog right now, ready to go.
Paul: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I agree. I agree. So yeah, so that'll be the game Friday night. And then from there we're gonna head on over to let's see. Waseka. We're gonna head to Wasika. We got the St. Peter versus Wasika game. This'll be a fun one as well. Saint Peter lost to Wasika at home last year, seven to six. So very, very tight defensive game. And that's an impressive an impressive loss, I'm sorry, by St. Peter, because
Joe: Yeah.
Paul: that offense of Wasika put up major points last year. And to hold them to seven points for an entire game, that is insane. I don't think anybody else came close to that. So very tightly contested game. so St. Peter, they ended up being knocked out of the playoffs by Hutchinson. Hutchinson was a good team and and they they got knocked out by them. Wasika, as we know, went on to earn a runner up in the in the prep bowl last year. So they had a dominating season. They went undefeated all the way to the prep bowl. And and so they lost some guys. They lost a few guys. They still have Kellen Klinger back, he's a stud quarterback. And they've got some guys I think that are gonna come up and fill in. you know, for Elaine Johnston and and Duran Russell there. So there's gonna be some guys coming in that help Waseka kind of hopefully continue where they left off. But St. Peter does play four A. So Wasek is playing up a little bit. You know, I was looking at these rankings here again and And they've got St. Peter ranked 23rd in 4A when Wasika's ranked second in 3A there, Joe. So kind of another fun little thing to look at. But I you know, I still think I gotta go with Waseka at home. I think it's gonna be a tight game again. I do. I think it's gonna be a tight game. And I I kinda hate going against St. Peter, but I'm I'm really just doing it because It's Wasika at home. They still have Kellen Klinger. You really gotta keep an eye on him. you know him, you Joe. He he can
Joe: Yeah.
Paul: he can throw it and he can pass it. Or I'm sorry, he can run it. So he's pretty dual threat there. You really gotta keep an eye on him and I I think he maybe ends up kinda being that difference maker in that game.
Joe: Well, it's definitely gonna be a a good preview and and will we see if LaSika has a chink in their armor here now missing a couple of those big play big play guys, you know. So
Paul: Right. Yeah. Yeah.
Joe: and obviously last year they must not have been hitting on all cylinders, you know, low scoring game and then they kinda took off from there. And, you know, obviously give credit to Saint Peter's defense during that game, but you know, their week one games It's a little sloppy, everybody's a little nervous and all that kind
Paul: Correct.
Joe: of stuff. But we'll see if you know what Wasika did last year, you know, how hungry they are if they come out and blow these guys out right away. Or does St. Peter, you know, hang in there and and end up, you know, eventually beating Wasika and and then kind of gives everybody else around there, you know, a good idea of. Of maybe what Wasika has this year.
Paul: Yeah, yeah, anything's anything's possible. It's a little right now it's a lot of woulda coulda shoulda's, right? And and and so we'll see we'll see what happens. But
Joe: I I'm with you. I think, you know, just the advantage of having Klinger coming back, you know, having your starting quarterback who had that much success last year coming back. I I think La Seca probably has the edge in this game.
Paul: Yeah, there you go. I like it. Well, what do you got coming up next?
Joe: so next we're gonna we're gonna head into Rochester. so this is Thursday night game. Chatfield Gophers are heading to Rochester to take on the Leward Eagles. So
Paul: nice.
Joe: yeah, I mean just a great early season matchup here and you know a gauge I feel like for both teams right right off the get. So last year in this game, Chatfield won the opener 14 to 7. So close game right away for both teams and then you know the Eagles just kinda kept getting better throughout the season and ended up knocking off Chatfield in the section semis twenty one to seven. So
Paul: Mm-hmm.
Joe: I you know I I think I think Rochester, you know, coming back here they The Eagles are led by senior quarterback Chase Carroll. their offensive line comes back with a ton of experience too. So where Chatfield, I think, you know, going through their roster, leading looking leading into this thing, you know, they're they're a younger group. There's not a ton of seniors on that team. And, you know, I I think the Eagles are are probably gonna control the line of scrimmage. And they were physical last year with I I I believe four of their starting five O linemen or something like that are coming back. So they're gonna be tough on the line. And
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: like I said, I mean they were physical last year. They were a team that you know, we didn't wanna play that second time around in the in the section semis. I mean, they just kept getting better. Mike Kessler has been their head coach there for a long time and You know, I know there's nothing more he wants to do than than beat Chatfield in Caledonia and Triton every single year. You know, pull that trifecta
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: off and and and beat all three of those teams. So obviously it's a very competitive section. with with some good teams at the top there. And I I just I think, you know, Chatfield, you know, they've got a they've got a quarterback that spends some time up at six one two QB. he's a six two Senior quarterback coming back, Carter Ask. I think he's gonna be their starter. there's some rumblings that they may use a couple quarterbacks, and and maybe that's part of their scheme that Jeff Johnson has has built for this year. But I I I I'm gonna favor the Eagles in this one. based on you know the experience that they're bringing back and and just winning it in the trenches. I I think they're gonna be more physical than Chatfield is and I I think that they're gonna control the line and and and the Eagles will be able to to take this game on on Thursday night.
Paul: Yeah, that's awesome. I I I think I'm gonna go and ahead and agree with you on that one. That's feels like one of these games where, you know, if you look at Chatfield and and you you if you're just going off of history alone, you know, then you'd say, Yeah, okay, let's let's go with Chatfield, but these last couple of years have been a little bit of different looks for those guys if they's as they've lost You couple years ago they lost that huge line they had. and last year they still had some size, but lost some skill players and and started off strong, but they kind of it
Joe: Yeah.
Paul: wore out there at the end there, it felt like, and and and and
Joe: Yeah. Yeah.
Paul: lures just got stronger, you know, as the year went on. And and so I would agree. I I'm gonna go with the Loured Eagles on that one too. One thing I that I thought I heard I think we need to check on is is I Is it Chase Carroll? Is that the quarterback?
Joe: Yeah. Yep.
Paul: It is and I don't know if if I heard did he get injured somehow or something?
Joe: I don't think it was him. I think it's I think it's maybe one of their running backs. yeah, I think I think it's
Paul: is a running back? Okay, okay.
Joe: it's definitely one of their senior players. I I did see that. I'm not sure exactly which one, but I I'm pretty
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: s I'm pretty certain Chase is back. at quarterback. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
Paul: Well I didn't mean to put any fear out there, scare anyone. I just thought I heard somebody had gotten injured on that team that that kinda
Joe: Yeah. Yeah.
Paul: sucked was a senior.
Joe: Yeah. No, I just think I mean, you hate to call this a bounce back game in in week one, but for Chatfield, you know, they they went 0 3 the last three weeks of their season last year. And and
Paul: Right, right.
Joe: and granted they had some tough matchups to finish their season. But you know, hey, it's it this is kind of a bounce back game I feel like for them and and it could set the tone. They come out here and and play well against Lewis and and and take it to on Thursday night, you know, well then we gotta look at Chatfield maybe a little differently than how they how they ended the season last year.
Paul: Yeah, absolutely. Right. Yep, agreed. Yeah, it's gonna be a fun one. It's gonna be could be a telling game for sure.
Joe: there's no doubt. I mean it it's it's definitely gonna set the tone for the season. there'll be a ton of fans there for sure. And
Paul: yeah.
Joe: and and for those fans, you know, if you're from Chatfield cruising up or you're cutting across town, you know, swing into the the American Legion there behind RCTC and grab a burger and and an an adult beverage and play field pool tabs to you know, to calm your nerves and and then head over to the game.
Paul: That is exactly right. That is one of the most important things of the night. And we're gonna hit on that a couple more of those places, but that is one of the most important things of the night when you're heading to a football game is where's that place to go get something to eat and maybe a drink before the game. And yeah, I love it. The American Legion there in Rochester, right off of fourteen over there by RCC, is that right?
Joe: Yeah, right off of fourteen, just behind RCTC and or RCC
Paul: Love it.
Joe: and and swinging there and and you know, great food there and and support the the Legion there and then and then head over to the game.
Paul: You know they've got good cheeseburgers there.
Joe: Good cheeseburgers, great tater tots.
Paul: sold. I am I'm gonna jump into a couple more here, Joe.
Joe: Let's do it.
Paul: we're gonna head back west to Bell Plain and Central Norwood Young America. now didn't have the greatest seasons last year. I mean Bell Plane ended up three and six, Central ended up five and five, but in twenty twenty five Bell Plain lost at home. twenty eight to twenty seven in a wild shootout here with with Central. So
Joe: Ooh.
Paul: yeah, they they it was really a heck of a game. you know, but but at the end of the day, Central comes back and and takes that game. So I gotta believe you know, Bill Plain is would love to head to Central Norwood Young America and and inflict some pain and and walk away with a win like central did in their house last year. So Bell Plane, they ended up getting knocked out the out of the playoffs last year by a tough Laverne team. I think they might have went out there in the in the quarterfinal round. But Central as we know they eventually lost to the runner up Goodhue in the section playoffs. And so but Bell Plane They've got some experience coming back, some experienced seniors that got some time last year. they have a quarterback I really like. His name is Reed Creighton. He's one of the captains of the team, and I'm excited to see what he does this year. I think he had a nice year last year, and I think he's got a really nice chance of building off of what he did last year, or especially with some of the experience kind of still around him. So that'll be fun to see. And then obviously n One of our top twenty-five guys, Jack Klumpkin, is gonna be playing in that game and and he'll be ready to go on defense, you can guarantee. he had himself a lot of tackles last year, and I'm sure he's looking to pile up a bunch more. So I'm I'm really excited for that game, especially with it being a one point game last year. But I am going to take Central Norwood Young America at home for the win. I again I'm going with that deciding factor of it's a home field advantage kind of thing. I do think it could end up being a close game, but I'm gonna I'm gonna stick with the home field advantage there again on this one.
Joe: Yeah, it's good choice. I mean it's it's hard to pick, you know, in in these really good matchup games. It's it's tough to go against the home team. You know. If
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: if all things equal or close to equal, I'm going to the home team. So yeah, good pick there. I think I would agree with you on that one and and we'll see what happens.
Paul: Absolutely. Yeah. my final highlight game of the week here, I've got Totino Grace versus Ricori. Totino Grace ended the season last year six and five. Ricori went eight and two. Totino Grace lost at home in twenty twenty five to Ricori twenty eight to twenty or twenty eight to seven. So not a not a real close game there either. Ricori had a really nice team last year. you know, and and to Tina Grace, they they ended up they had a solid season, you know, for the most part, but loss in the playoffs to Fridley eventually and Rick was eventually knocked out of the playoffs by Marshall, who won that section and went on to state last year and lost a heartbreaker and an overtime to I believe Orano last year. So I think one of the most fun thing about fun things about this game, Joe, is what we were just talking about with these preseason rankings. And again, MNHS football network, they they they put out some good rankings that are fun to look at. And their preseason rankings on these teams are six for Totino Grace and eight for Rick. So so here If you're looking at that, you know, as like, okay, this is kind of fun. This is sp this is spicy. Let's let's take a look at that and and see what happens there. But I tell ya, it is a it's it's a home it's a home game for Recori. And I tell ya what, I'm sticking to my home field advantage and I'm gonna take Recordy over Totino Grace. And even though I do think Totino Grace is is a little bit they're improved, Ricori's always they're tough. They got a they're a good team and again, I think it's just the home field advantage that's that's giving me the deciding edge there.
Joe: Yeah, I think, you know, I obviously I don't follow that area quite as much as you, but you know, just just going along with that same thing, you know, that that sentiment, especially in week one of having a home field advantage and and taking advantage of it.
Paul: Absolutely. Yeah, it's it it matters. You know, I think it does matter in some of these games, especially when it's you know, it can come down to a game of inches or just one one penalty or one turnover and and you just never know. So yeah, it'd be a fun one.
Joe: Well, it it's it's it's one of those things that might be the only comfortable thing in that first uncomfortable game, you know, as is is that is we're at home. So those those juniors,
Paul: Here exactly. Is being home. Yeah, that's right. That's right.
Joe: sophomores or juniors that played last year that moved up, you know, that have been there and and they're comfortable there. that might be the difference in some of these games. And and I mean there's a chance of rain potentially. Fri Thursday night, Friday night. So, you know, does that factor into some of these games as we go too? So hopefully not.
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: But you know, being at home in the rain is, you know, maybe a a little better for for some teams than than also being on the road in some, you know, not so pleasant weather.
Paul: Absolutely. Right. Yep. So I think you've got of one big one to finish out on. Yeah.
Joe: So all right, we're down to we're down to the last we're down to the last one, huh? So huge matchup here. we're gonna finish up with Triton at Goodhue.
Paul: Right.
Joe: so talking about rankings, you know, you've got a lot of team a lot of people have Goodhue ranked number two and and Triton is is sliding in their number eight. So
Paul: Okay, okay.
Joe: you know, so couple top teams here, but different looks for both teams.
Paul: For sure.
Joe: Both of these teams lost some superstars, you know. and we're gonna have a different look. I mean, Carlson and and Luke Russian, right, gone from Goodhue, and then obviously Pierce Petershawn being gone from Triton, along with a few of their line, you know, starting linemen gone. So you know, definitely a different look. now we'll Will it will their systems change much? I don't think so. I think they're both gonna, you know, stick to what they've been running forever. but it's you know just some different play differ different different studs and different positions, you know, this year. So last year, this is a game I got to watch. a hell of a game. I I remember, you know, kind of reaching out to you after and commenting about this game. good he won this game at Triton at the snake pit 21 to 14. and and I we've talked about before but just some great play calls. earlier in the game to have I believe to score to go up to to go to 14 points. Good who ran a a little sneaky little steam route and it was just beautiful. and then actually Triton turned around to use that same play against Caledonia a couple weeks later. but
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: just a cool play. And then the game winner was a little misdirection. play at the end and to score the touchdown late in the game, from maybe three or four yards out, something like that. So just just a great game. It was a it was a great atmosphere there. I expect everyone in Goodhue probably to be at this game and most people from Triton driving over, you know, to watch Graden Thomas really truly have his you know, taking over and starting the season at quarterback. You know, he filled in a a few games last year when when Pierce was hurt, kinda stepped into that role and and played quarterback. But, you know, this kid was I mean, he's a phenomenal athlete. And we've talked about Graden before and and for me, one of my favorite people to watch last year was him. Just such a good athlete on both sides of the ball, flying all over and making plays and a tough guy to cover, you know, playing wide receiver quite a bit last year. and just, you know, I he's he's gonna be their guy, you know, so my questions with Triton is is their line, you know. their line was part of the reason I feel like, you know, we were able to to get to Pierce last year in that playoff game. you know, they may it wasn't maybe their strongest area last year and and I know they lost a few of those guys, so will that Triton line be able to to protect Graydon and he's gonna run the ball a lot from the QB spot. There there's no there's no about no doubt about it. He
Paul: Yeah, yeah. I could see that. Sure.
Joe: he's likely gonna be their leading rusher, I'm sure. So but, you know, will that line hold up and they got a hell of a test coming right away. I mean, you got Ethan O'Reilly staring you down on the other side. So you know, are they gonna double team him? triple team him. What what's the scheme
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: to stop Ethan O'Reilly from from, you know, getting degrading? So,
Paul: And still a couple of Russians on Good Hugh as well.
Joe: And then and then yeah, I mean getting into getting getting into Good Hughes offense. I mean the the Russians, you know, not really sure we'll see. this is Friday night game. So we'll see Friday night, you know, what that quarterback wide receiver combination looks like, you know, that that they had last year, what that turns into this year and You know how that offense how that offense rolls. I mean they're they're missing Jack Carlson, like I said earlier. So that are they gonna have that guy that can pound the ball too? so we'll see. but this is an exciting one and this is a this is another huge gauge for both of these two teams. you know, if if Triton flips the script on Goodhue, you know After Goodhue being in the in the state finals, you know, maybe it maybe they're you know, maybe they're not that number two ranked team. And and Triton really Triton makes a s a a heck of a statement if they to me, if they knock off Goodyear in this game, Triton makes one heck of a statement that we don't need Pierce. We're we we've rebuilt this team and and we're ready to go.
Paul: Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah, I agree. That'll be a huge win, especially going to Good Hugh and knocking him off in that first week. And it's kind of the week to do it though, right? Like we were saying, you know, none of these first games ever go real smooth and and clean and crisp. So, if ever there's a night you hope to kinda start off strong, it's that night for Triton and and you just never know.
Joe: Yeah, I mean I I know I know Goodhue had a really good offseason. You know, they were they won their division up at UMD at the team camp there. and I also heard some good things from the Triton scrimmage, you know, just last Saturday. So you know, they they were definitely the top team you know, at their scrimmage on Saturday. So you know, I I'm gonna go I'm gonna go with Goodhue in this one. I feel like Goodhue has the pressure on them though in this game. Triton can come into this thing with absolutely nothing to lose, right?
Paul: Yeah. Yep.
Joe: Pierce is gone, the expectations are probably down just a touch. And you know, Goodhue is state finalist. So it's it's it's their game that they need to back it up, you know, from what they did last year. So but I think they do that. I think Goodhue is just maybe a little too overpowering for Triton in game one at home. But we'll look to see. I Triton I feel like is a team that's gonna get better and better all season.
Paul: Yes.
Joe: you know.
Paul: I would agree with that. Especially grading that coming the quarterback and being their their you know, the guy.
Joe: Yeah.
Paul: yeah, maybe maybe it just builds and builds and builds and and it doesn't start off exactly how you want, but you know, he's such a good athlete. You d you don't know. He might start off just dominating too. So I think I tend to agree with you on that. I think I probably Probably would end up going with Good Hugh on that. I think it's I I don't know. I think it's gonna be close though. I I I'm gonna go Good Hugh. Again, I think it's more 'cause it's at home. But I'm excited to watch it. I'm gonna actually try to go to that game and watch that game. So yeah. Can't look can't wait.
Joe: it's one of those things. I mean we could flip it on Friday night and and Grain Thomas could go go off for two hundred and forty yards rushing and five touchdowns and and it turns into a shootout, you know. So
Paul: Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely.
Joe: but you know I just I I I d I think Good Hughes I I I do think Goodhue's the team here in this one. So and and f for any
Paul: Well, I love it.
Joe: For any brave enough Triton fans that are cruising into Good Hue before the game, you know, they can swing into the corner bar there and and grab a grab
Paul: Yeah.
Joe: a burger and a beer and and meet a few of the old Rileys probably or something and and hang out there for a bit before the game.
Paul: Exactly. That's a good spot there. I like the old corner bar and good you. They got the good food and it's not too far from the field that's you can be there in a few minutes when you're done grabbing something to eat. I love that. I love that spot.
Joe: Yeah, yep, yep.
Paul: Hey, speaking of that, I gotta go back, you know, I I made a I made a choice here on on a little food. It's everyone if you're listening, it's one of the more important things for Joe and I when we go to these games. We like to find a spot that You can go grab some food and and and cold beverage and and kinda get ready for the game. And I went to Wasika. I'm giving Wasika a little love for the Saint Peter f fan base that's gonna be heading over there to Oscar's All American Food and Drinks in Wasika. Head over there, man. They've got some good food, got some good drinks, awesome little place to to grab a a burger or wings or whatever it might be. And Nice thing is they're only about a half a mile away from the stadium, about a two or three minute drive. So head on over there and have some fun. Enjoy it. This guy's we're excited for this week. We highlighted a few of our favorite games out there that we are super excited about, but at the end of the day, we're excited that it's Thursday and Friday night. The road to Friday nights has brought us here. And it's And I know everyone out there is extremely excited to get this season going and just hope everybody has a great time watching their teams. we we wish everybody a healthy and and successful season. We'll be watching. and along with that, Joe, is there anything else? I know we wanna talk a little bit about our talk with the talents here, but
Joe: Well I think just maybe just a couple of things before that. You know, for for anyone out there listening, you know, if you like these matchups, you wanna post on your pick of any of these games, leading into week two, if if you got a game you'd love to hear us talk about or think is worthy of of being in the you know in this games of the week, go in the comments and and we'll we'll check them all out and we'll take all that into consideration and and You know, make your comments, make your picks, comment on whether you think we're crazy or not on on some of these picks. So we would I mean we'd love to hear it. So you know. Yeah, keep it civil. So
Paul: Keep it civil, man. I I I that's a great point. I want I want everyone to know, yeah, we will post these picks on social media and want to thank everybody for following along with us on social media and and all the listeners out there. So been it's been having we've been having a lot of fun posting and it seems like you guys have been following and enjoying it a little bit as well. So we'll keep going with that. we'll we'll post those those picks here and we'll kinda keep it running tally, Joe. Let's keep it running tally and whoever wins at the end of the year, the other guy, you know, has to do something like I don't know, get fifty bare knuckle push ups on the on your driveway or something like that.
Joe: how about I just wear that Northfield T shirt that I have some somewhere in public. So
Paul: Yeah, you can do that too. Absolutely. That's fine with me. But we'll keep we'll keep some kind of running tally here and we'll see how it ends up at the at the end of the season. So and yeah, if you want to join in, we'll keep track of your guys' too. We'll see where you guys are at and it we'll have some fun with this thing. Hey, one one real final one final thing here I wanted to bring up was our talk of the towns awards that we plan to do every week. So you may have seen on social media we had our talk of the towns players, top twenty-five players, and so really what that's just a play on words obviously of who's the guy? Who is the guy that week that outperformed and outshined everybody. And so what we plan to do is we've got some t-shirts made up. that'll be talk of the towns, have talk with the towns on the front and nice little touchdowns in the town podcast somewhere on the back of the shirt. But our our point is we wanna point these these guys out for having a outstanding night and and have some fun with it. And we're gonna send you a shirt if you if you end up being that guy who's the talk of the towns.
Joe: Yeah, think it's you know, we're covering such a large area, you know, for for us, the schools out west that we don't always cover that people listening around here, you know, now we'll start to learn some of the guys out there and vice versa. And and I think it's gonna be great, you know, highlighting, you know, these top performers, from you know, every week, you know, whether it's whether it's offensively or defensively and and the guys that made an impact in the game and I'm excited. I'm I'm excited for the kids. I'm excited for people to learn the you know, a whole nother group of kids. I'm suspecting that a lot of these top twenty five kids are are gonna be in there, you know, throughout the season. But you know, hopefully a bunch of other a bunch of other names that everybody gets to learn and and you know, kids to follow.
Paul: Absolutely. There'll be some that pop up. You know, there's a bunch that we've already said, man, yeah, we just didn't have enough. We didn't go to thirty or we didn't go to thirty five. There's there's a there's
Joe: Yep. Yep.
Paul: so many good athletes and and good football players in this area and cannot wait to send some shirts out and and we'll be putting those shirts on social media too, so everyone can kinda s get an idea of what they look like. But what we're really hoping is Whoever wins those shirts, if you have a little creativity behind ya, throw that baby on and send us a pose and put it on social media so we can see you wearing that shirt, wearing it proud. Let everyone know you're the top of the talents. but hey, thanks so much. We are so excited. Cannot wait for week one, Thursday, Friday. Here we go, Joey.
Joe: Yeah, let's kind of wrap this thing up, but man, good luck to everybody. you know, starting to feel the nerves and the excitement already this week and y you know, here we go. Let's go. It's it's week one for everybody and man, let's let's let's see where we go from here.
Paul: Blood or buck, boys, let's go. Hey, keep an eye on us on on social media, Facebook, X and Instagram. Thanks for following. Share it, let everyone know. We will see you guys next week. Good luck everyone.
