Two local rivals will face off on Thursday, November 9, as the Rocori Spartans travel to Orono to take on the Spartans in a first-round matchup in the 2023 MSHSL Class AAAA State Football Championships.

What it is: Minnesota High School Football
Matchup: Rocori Spartans vs. Orono Spartans
Time: Thursday Nov 09, 2023, 7:00pm ET
Game Type: Playoffs
Bracket: 2023 MSHSL Class AAAA State Football Championships
Round: First Round
Locations: Orono – Long Lake, MN
Live stream: Watch here

Rocori enters the game with a 10-1 record, while Orono is 8-2. Rocori is ranked 25th in the state, while Orono is ranked 7th.

Rocori has a high-powered offense, averaging 39.6 points per game. The team is led by running back Carson Schmidt. Schmidt has rushed for 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns this season.

Orono also has a strong offense, averaging 20.9 points per game. The team is led by quarterback Liam Rodgers. Rodgers has thrown for 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns this season.

Rocori’s defense has been solid this season, allowing only 14.2 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.

Orono’s defense has also been good this season, allowing only 20.7 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 teams in Class AAAA. Rocori has the edge in experience and firepower, but Orono has a strong defense and a home field advantage.

Prediction

I predict that the Rocori Spartans will defeat the Orono Spartans by a score of 35-28. Rocori has the better offense and the experience to win on the road.