Two of the top-ranked teams in Minnesota Class AA football will face off on Thursday, November 9, as the Moose Lake/Willow River Rebels travel to Eden Valley-Watkins to take on the Eagles. The game, which is scheduled for 7:00pm ET, is a first-round matchup in the 2023 MSHSL Class AA State Football Championships.
What it is: Minnesota High School Football
Matchup: Moose Lake/Willow River Rebels vs. Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles
Time: Thursday Nov 09, 2023, 7:00pm ET
Game Type: Playoffs
Bracket: 2023 MSHSL Class AA State Football Championships
Round: First Round
Locations: Eden Valley-Watkins – Eden Valley, MN
Live stream: Watch here
The Rebels enter the game with a 10-1 record, while the Eagles are undefeated at 10-0. Moose Lake/Willow River is ranked 112th in the state, while Eden Valley-Watkins is ranked 5th.
The Rebels have been one of the most consistent teams in the state this season, averaging 30.7 points per game. The team is led by running back Jaxsyn Schmidt and quarterback Adam Neumann. Schmidt has rushed for 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, while Neumann has thrown for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Eagles also have a high-powered offense, averaging 44.4 points per game. The team is led by quarterback Nolan Geislinger. Geislinger has thrown for 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns this season.
The Rebels’ defense has been solid this season, allowing only 20.7 points per game. The team is led by linebacker Quinn Power and defensive back Sam Ripplinger. Power has 100 tackles and 10 sacks this season, while Ripplinger has 50 tackles and 5 interceptions.
The Eagles’ defense has also been good this season, allowing only 15.6 points per game. The team is led by linebacker Jacob Herbers and defensive back Ben Johnson. Herbers has 120 tackles and 8 sacks this season, while Johnson has 60 tackles and 4 interceptions.
This game is shaping up to be a classic between two of the best Class AA football teams in the state. The Rebels have the experience of playing in big games, but the Eagles have the firepower to score points. The game will likely come down to which team can make fewer mistakes.
Prediction
I predict that the Moose Lake/Willow River Rebels will defeat the Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles by a score of 35-31. The Rebels have the experience and the defense to slow down the Eagles’ offense.
