Playoff Picture Solidifies as East Metro Gridiron Action Wraps

The Class 6A high school football regular season in Minnesota concluded on Friday, with East Metro programs recording a range of results from decisive victories to close finishes.

Roseville secured the Metro Maroon subdistrict title by defeating Coon Rapids 24-14. The victory brought the Raiders' record to 4-4, which represents their best finish since 2017. Senior quarterback Chase Browning led the effort with 162 passing yards and three touchdowns.

"It's an amazing feeling," Browning said. "I don't even have words for it. We've all worked so hard. It's great to see it finally paying off."

Centennial defeated Anoka by a wide margin, 38-6, a result that likely secures the Cougars a number three seed in the Class 6A playoffs. Anoka's total of six points marked the first time the team had been held to single digits this season.

Mounds View claimed sole possession of the Metro East subdistrict title after edging White Bear Lake 22-16. The Mustangs moved ahead late when quarterback Tanner Jude scored on a one-yard run with 65 seconds remaining, followed by a successful two-point conversion that established a six-point lead. Preston Johnson then sealed the result with an interception on the Bears' next possession. The Mounds View defense limited White Bear Lake quarterback Wyatt Stachowiak to six completions on 24 attempts.

Forest Lake running back Mack Jurkovich recorded 245 rushing yards and two touchdowns as the Rangers beat Stillwater 31-13, a result that locks up a number two seed in the Class 6A playoffs. Jurkovich, who has committed to St. Thomas, ended the regular season with 1,600 rushing yards. East Ridge finished with a 42-31 victory over Woodbury, with Logan Tretter scoring two touchdowns and Elias Mather returning an interception for a late score.

Park defeated Eastview 18-10 behind two scores from junior receiver Manny Vargas, who caught a touchdown pass and returned a punt 75 yards for a score. The most dramatic finish occurred in the south metro, where Lakeville South sophomore kicker Dylan Nelson connected on a 36-yard field goal with one second remaining to give the Cougars a 17-14 upset of Rosemount. That result complicates the seeding picture in the south metro for the Class 6A playoffs.

With the regular season finished, teams now prepare for the Class 6A playoffs, where seeding has been largely determined by Friday night's results.