Friday night’s Class 6A football final at U.S. Bank Stadium promises an exciting matchup as two of Minnesota’s elite teams, Moorhead and Edina, bring their distinct styles to the field. Both squads have demonstrated that there is more than one way to achieve victory, setting the stage for a thrilling contest for the state title.
Moorhead’s junior quarterback, Jett Feeney, has had an impressive season, averaging 287 passing yards across six full games. He boasts a remarkable record of 25 touchdowns against just one interception, completing an impressive 75% of his passes. His main target, junior David Mack, has also made headlines this season, recording 114 receptions for 1,499 yards and an astounding 25 touchdowns. Mack has scored in every game, with multiple touchdowns in four contests. His performance has attracted attention, including an offer from the University of Minnesota.
On the opposing side, Mason West, a senior quarterback for Edina, has also made a name for himself, throwing for 2,311 yards and 26 touchdowns this season. West, who stands at 6 feet 5 inches tall, has received offers from various colleges, including Kent State and Miami (Ohio). However, his football career will conclude this season as he transitions to pursue a professional hockey career, having been drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks.
In their previous encounter earlier this season, Moorhead edged out Edina with a high-scoring victory of 51-44. During that game, Feeney threw for 387 yards and four touchdowns, all to Mack, who recorded 202 yards on 18 receptions. West contributed with 214 passing yards and three touchdowns, showcasing the talent on both sides.
Breaking Tradition with Diverse Strategies
Class 6A football in Minnesota has typically favored teams that excel in physical running games. Historical champions have demonstrated a significant emphasis on rushing, often showcasing a 2-to-1 ratio of rushing to passing yards. For context, recent champions include:
– 2024: Maple Grove – 3,047 rushing yards, 1,687 passing yards
– 2023: Centennial – 3,497 rushing yards, 1,138 passing yards
– 2022: Maple Grove – 3,114 rushing yards, 1,365 passing yards
Given this trend, Moorhead and Edina’s approach offers a refreshing perspective. Moorhead has amassed 2,863 passing yards while rushing for 1,569. Similarly, Edina has recorded 1,796 passing yards against 2,371 rushing yards. Both teams have demonstrated the ability to effectively run the ball, as seen in Edina’s recent victory over Eden Prairie.
While neither team fits the traditional mold of a high school football powerhouse, their strategies suggest a shift in the landscape of Minnesota football. The ability to compete using a diversified offensive approach gives other programs hope that success can be achieved without conforming to the conventional tactics that have dominated the sport.
As these two teams prepare for their championship clash, they not only represent their schools but also challenge the prevailing norms of high school football. Their success may inspire other programs to explore alternative routes to victory, proving that with the right mix of talent and strategy, even teams that don’t fit the conventional profile can find success on the gridiron.
