Two of the top-ranked teams in Minnesota Class 9-Player football will face off on Thursday, November 9, as the Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers travel to Nevis to take on the Tigers. The game, which is scheduled for 6:00pm ET, is a first-round matchup in the 2023 MSHSL Class 9-Player State Football Championships.
What it is: Minnesota High School Football
Matchup: Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers vs. Nevis Tigers
Time: Thursday Nov 09, 2023, 6:00pm ET
Game Type: Playoffs
Bracket: 2023 MSHSL Class 9-Player State Football Championships
Round: First Round
Locations: Nevis – Nevis, MN
Live stream: Watch here
The Rangers enter the game with a perfect 11-0 record, while the Tigers are also undefeated at 8-0. Mountain Iron-Buhl is ranked 2nd in the state and 227th in the nation, while Nevis is ranked 3rd in the state and 242nd in the nation.
The Rangers have been one of the most dominant teams in the state this season, averaging 51.0 points per game. The team is led by quarterback Brayden Olson and running back Isaac Merilainen. Olson has thrown for 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, while Merilainen has rushed for 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The Tigers also have a high-powered offense, averaging 47.7 points per game. The team is led by quarterback Ethan Hendrickson and running back Ben Haugen. Hendrickson has thrown for 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns this season, while Haugen has rushed for 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns.
The Rangers’ defense has been solid this season, allowing only 14.2 points per game. The team is led by linebacker Jack Swanson and defensive back Alex Johnson. Swanson has 100 tackles and 10 sacks this season, while Johnson has 50 tackles and 5 interceptions.
The Tigers’ defense has also been good this season, allowing only 17.4 points per game. The team is led by linebacker Mason Nelson and defensive back Michael Smith. Nelson has 120 tackles and 8 sacks this season, while Smith has 60 tackles and 4 interceptions.
This game is shaping up to be a classic between two of the best 9-Player football teams in the state. The Rangers have the offense to score points, but the Tigers have the defense to stop them. The game will likely come down to who can make more big plays in the key moments.
How to Watch
The game will be streamed live on the NFHS Network. You can watch the game on your smartphone, tablet, computer, or connected device. To watch the game, sign in and subscribe to the NFHS Network.
Prediction
I predict that the Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers will defeat the Nevis Tigers by a score of 42-35. The Rangers have the better offense and the experience of playing in big games.
