Strib Varsity is back in the field for Day 2 of Week 1 of the Minnesota high school football season.

Follow live scoring of games and find much more on our Football Hub.

Reporters will send updates from some of the best matchups, including a Class 5A clash of St. Thomas Academy, No. 20 in the Minnesota Top 25, and Cretin-Derham Hall, No. 24. We’ll also stay on top of a Class 4A game pitting No. 14 Becker and No. 17 Orono, and we’re in Rochester for John Marshall’s game against Apple Valley.

We’ll let you know of interesting developments in other games from all over the state.

Hang with Strib Varsity and you can:

• Tune in at 9:30 p.m. for Episode 2 of “Strib Varsity Live with Randy Shaver.” The show will stream live, right here.
• Watch the replay of Episode 1 of Strib Varsity Live with Randy Shaver that aired after Thursday’s games.
• Check out our livestreamed games. Tonight we have two: Mankato West at Mahtomedi and Buffalo at Brainerd.
• See preseason videos revealing the 2025 preseason Dream Team and the 2025 preseason Minnesota Top 25.

Final: Orono 21, Becker 0

What was expected to be another victory for Becker coach Dwight Lundeen — No. 413 in his 56-year career — turned into a coming-out party for deep and talented Orono.

The Spartans defense harassed Becker quarterback Tristan Kowalkowskl all game, forcing three turnovers. In the meantime, Orono senior quarterback Griffin Mauer made his first career start successful, utilizing his quick feet to move the ball, rushing for a touchdown and adding a touchdown throw en route to the victory.

— Jim Paulsen

4Q: Apple Valley 29, John Marshall 22

The running attacks for both teams are starting to wear down defenses. Apple Valley quarterback Quieris Barnslater and running back Jackson Cozy have been elusive all game but looked just dominant in the latest drive down the field — setting up a 20-yard touchdown pass from Barnslater to tight end Lincoln Pries.

The touchdown followed a 22-yard touchdown rush from J-M’s Arsene Lukong, who dragged opposing defenders into the end zone with him, reminiscent of Marshawn Lynch’s “Beast Quake” moment in the 2011 playoffs for the Seattle Seahawks.

We have a good one on our hands in Rochester heading into the final half of the fourth quarter.

— Sean Baker

3Q: Apple Valley 21, John Marshall 14

The tables have turned quickly here in Rochester. Apple Valley returner Tylan Ward took the second-half kickoff sideline to sideline for an 80-yard score that tied things up at John Drews Field. Then, on the ensuing possession, Apple Valley linebacker Colten Himmelwright picked off John Marshall quarterback Savy Vath deep in J-M territory, leading to a 2-yard rushing touchdown from Malik Quadri, an offensive lineman who has taken on the role of “The Fridge” for the Eagles.

– Sean Baker

Updates from around Minnesota

Mahtomedi 14, Mankato West 6: A second-quarter TD gets West back in the game.

Buffalo 8, Brainerd 8: A pair of second-quarter touchdowns accounts for everything.

Delano 13, Detroit Lakes 0: Grant Bruett passed for one of the touchdowns, ran for the other.

Final: St. Thomas Academy 27, Cretin-Derham Hall 14

For the fifth year in a row, St. Thomas Academy won its Class 5A rivalry game against Cretin-Derham Hall, pulling away in the third quarter.

St. Thomas Academy senior running back Dominic Baez chipped away at the Raiders defense, and the Cadets dug in in the trenches and ran down the clock with a nine-minute drive in the fourth quarter. By the time Cretin-Derham Hall had the ball in its hands at the end of the fourth quarter, a final 13-yard passing touchdown from senior quarterback Izaak Johnson to receiver Sam Heath was only a nice, but unsatisfying, end note for the Raiders.

— Cassidy Hettesheimer

3Q: Orono 21, Becker 0

How quickly things change. Becker had a 36-yard touchdown pass called back on a holding penalty. The ensuing punt snap sailed over the Becker punter’s head and Orono wound up with the ball at the Becker 17. Three plays later, Orono running back Rory Kvern powered over from 5 yards out. Suddenly, a game that appeared to be a much closer affair is a 21-point margin. Orono’s offense has found its groove.

— Jim Paulsen

Halftime: Rochester John Marshall 14, Apple Valley 7

After struggling to get things going on the ground, John Marshall running back Arsene Lukong finally broke through midway through the second, taking the ball 60 yards down the field to set up a 2-yard rushing touchdown from quarterback Savy Vath.

J-M nearly added to the lead with seconds remaining on the clock when a throw from Vath went in and out of the hands of receiver Akit’j Williams, who has otherwise been outstanding for the Rockets.

For Apple Valley, the rushing attack from running back Jackson Cozy and quarterback Quieris Barnslater produced two drives deep into J-M territory. But on both occasions, turnovers left the Eagles empty-handed.

Both teams have been physical in the trenches and have shown signs of offensive prowess. But the outcome seems likely to come down to which team can limit mistakes in the second half.

— Sean Baker

St. Thomas Academy 27, Cretin-Derham Hall 6

St. Thomas Academy is deftly wearing down the clock, ending a 9-minute, 15-play drive with another 26-yard field goal by junior Toren Piltingsrud. He’s 2-for-2 as some fans start to file out of TCO Stadium with just under five minutes left to play.

— Cassidy Hettesheimer

3Q: Orono 14, Becker 0

I’ve failed to mention how well Orono’s defense played in the first half. The Spartans defense is attacking and making it tough for Becker QB Tristan Kowalkowski to find time to throw. The Spartans held Becker to 54 total yards before halftime. The Bulldogs came out of the locker room quickly and were working on offensive plays. Will it pay off?

— Jim Paulsen

Updates from around Minnesota

Final: North Branch 22, Two Harbors 10: North Branch wins in Two Harbors, home of the Agates. If we had a Minnesota Nickname Top 25, the Agates would be in a strong position.

Mahtomedi 14, Mankato West 0: Another second-quarter TD for Mahtomedi, something else for Mankato West, No. 10 in the Minnesota Top 25, to overcome.

End 3Q: St. Thomas Academy 24, Cretin-Derham Hall 6

If the Cadets’ pass rush was the star in the first half, it’s the secondary in the second. Big pass breakups have come from senior defensive backs Sam McNellis, Todd Rogalski, Manny Sims and Cody Kronberg, who have been all over the Raiders receivers and forced three consecutive three-and-outs in the third quarter for Cretin-Derham Hall.

— Cassidy Hettesheimer

Halftime: Orono 14, Becker 0

Orono made Becker pay for a fumble just before halftime. The Spartans went 39 yards in five plays, with QB Griffin Mauer keeping the ball on a read option and going 6 yards into the end zone. The key was a 19-yard pass from Mauer to Bennett Halverson to the Becker 6. That combination of Mauer to Halverson was huge in Orono’s last two possessions. Becker has moved the ball in spurts but has not maintained momentum.

— Jim Paulsen

Updates from around Minnesota

Mahtomedi 7, Mankato West 0: The Zephyrs are ahead of the No. 10 team in the Minnesota Top 25 in the second quarter.

Lakeville South 7, Mounds View 7: After two early touchdowns, defense has reigned.

3Q: St. Thomas Academy 24, Cretin-Derham Hall 6

Cretin-Derham Hall, eager to get back on the board, took a gamble and came up short on fourth down on its own 28-yard line, and St. Thomas Academy made the Raiders pay. Junior quarterback Tristan Karl tossed a short lob pass to Dominic Baez, who scrambled until he found space up the left sideline and burst free into the end zone.

“Let’s play hockey” is the chant from the St. Thomas Academy student section, already looking ahead to winter. (The Cadets beat the Raiders 3-2 in the Class 2A, Section 3 championship game last year.)

— Cassidy Hettesheimer

2Q: Rochester John Marshall 7, Apple Valley 7

While pregame showers have moved out of the area, the wet field conditions appear to be causing havoc for both teams. John Marshall lost the ball during a quarterback exchange on the opening drive of the game, then nearly gave up the ball again on two separate plays to start off the second. On the ensuing possession, Apple Valley marched down into J-M territory before fumbling away the ball and stalling what was a promising drive.

Pre-snap penalties have also been a big factor in the game, giving coaches for both teams plenty of coachable moments when they go back and review the film Monday.

– Sean Baker

2Q: Orono 7, Becker 0

Orono cracked the top off the scoreless game with a 16-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Griffin Mauer to receiver Bennett Halverson. Halverson ran right down the seam and Mauer hit him in stride in the end zone. The score capped a 12-play, 95-yard drive by Orono. Two plays later, Becker fumbled and Orono recovered at the Becker 39 with just over a minute left in the half.

— Jim Paulsen

3Q: St. Thomas Academy 17, Cretin-Derham Hall 6

Again and again and again, senior running back Dominic Baez chipped away to open the second half for the Cadets. Bursting free for a 19-yard run, then 8 yards, Baez was able to find space that was scarce in the first half.

As the Cretin-Derham Hall secondary crept up to deal with Baez, St. Thomas Academy mixed it up. On fourth-and-goal at the 3-yard line, instead of handing off to Baez, junior quarterback Tristan Karl found senior receiver Grant English open in the end zone.

— Cassidy Hettesheimer

Updates from around Minnesota

Lakeville South 7, Mounds View 7: Each team scored on a run in the first quarter.

Byron 28, Holy Angels 0: Byron came up with a touchdown pass with two seconds left in the first half.

End 1Q: Apple Valley 7, Rochester John Marshall 7

Aerial attacks from both John Marshall and Apple Valley have us tied here in Rochester after one quarter. Apple Valley struck first on a 40-yard touchdown from quarterback Quieris Barnslater to receiver Tyson Johnson. The Rockets responded on the very next drive, with quarterback Savy Vath finding wideout Akit’j Williams on fourth down for a 34-yard touchdown.

– Sean Baker

1Q: Becker 0, Orono 0

Both teams moved into opposing territory on their opening drives, but both drives fizzled. On its next possession, Becker got the first break of the game. An interception was called back due to helmet-to-helmet contact on the Orono defense. Becker has moved to the Orono 20, but a fourth-and-3 pass by QB Tristan Kowalkowski goes off the receiver’s hands and Becker comes up empty.

— Jim Paulsen

Halftime: St. Thomas Academy 10, Cretin-Derham Hall 6

All gritty defense here in the second quarter as the sun creeps behind the trees at TCO Stadium. The Raiders forced St. Thomas Academy into back-to-back three-and-outs, while the Cadets are up to three sacks by halftime.

Still, the Cadets were able to reach the red zone with a minute left in the second quarter. While pass breakups by Raiders defensive lineman Clarence Johnson and linebacker Elias Brasel did some damage control for Cretin-Derham Hall, junior kicker Toren Piltingsrud’s 34-yarder was good for the Cadets as time expired.

— Cassidy Hettesheimer

Pregame: Becker at Orono

Looking out over Pesonen Stadium at Orono, waiting for the sun to set. Until it goes down, glare is an issue for fans and media alike. Once it does, however, it becomes a marvelous place to see a football game. In a couple of weeks, when the colors start to change and the leaves begins to change colors, the view west over the field and nearby Lake Classen is hard to beat.

Defending Class 4A champion Becker made the trip to Orono tonight. Bulldogs head coach Dwight Lundeen is coaching his 56th opening game. He’s the second-winningest coach in state history, having won 412 games. He’s the only head football coach in school history, starting in 1970. That’s an amazing run.

Becker graduated a lot from its 2024 championship team. Senior Tristan Kowalkowski is back for the Bulldogs and gives them some continurity. Starting the season at tough Orono is a tall order.

The Spartans are deep and talented. Senior Griffin Mauer is behind center, taking over for graduated QB Charlie Cordes.

— Jim Paulsen

End 1Q: St. Thomas Academy 7, Cretin-Derham Hall 6

Senior quarterback Izaak Johnson refuses to go down, peeling out of two tackles before finding senior running back Ja’Dale Thompson up the middle for an 8-yard passing touchdown. Earlier on the drive, Johnson connected with junior receiver De’Mandre Frierson-Hollie for a rather spectacular 20-yard catch, with Frierson-Hollie staring into the bright sun.

But the Raiders can’t tie it up going into the end of the first, as the Cadets block the extra point.

Updates from around Minnesota

We see lots of 6 p.m. starts tonight, and we see a lot of action in one of them. Byron has scored three first-quarter touchdowns and leads Holy Angels 21-0.

1Q: St. Thomas Academy 7, Cretin-Derham Hall 0

Senior running back Dominic Baez picks up right where he left off from last season, helping the Cadets march up the field and pushing through the pile for a 2-yard rushing touchdown, halfway through the first quarter.

St. Thomas Academy didn’t have very far to march, though. Cretin-Derham Hall’s opening drive ended with a punt deep in its own half, and the Raiders were penalized for kick catch interference, holding and a horse collar, giving the Cadets some help on the 23-yard drive.

— Cassidy Hettesheimer

Pregame: Tension builds

Friday afternoon lights?

Kasson-Mantorville and St. Paul Central already have completed a game, Kasson-Mantorville winning 37-0 in St. Paul. Strib Varsity teammate Randy Shaver tends to find the games whenever they are played.

Pregame: Cretin-Derham Hall vs. St. Thomas Academy, 6 p.m.

I’ve covered several different events at TCO Stadium, but tonight will be my first taste of Friday night lights at the Vikings’ practice facility in Eagan. In a Class 5A rivalry matchup, St. Thomas Academy takes on Cretin-Derham Hall — Nos. 20 and 24, respectively, in Strib Varsity reporter Jim Paulsen’s preseason top 25 rankings.

In 2021, the schools’ rivalry reignited when they realigned into the same conference and faced off for the first time since 2005. STA picked up its first win over the Raiders since 1989 and has won each year since.

St. Thomas Academy finished 7-4 last year and returns senior running back Dominic Baez, who racked up over 1,100 yards on the ground last season. For Cretin-Derham Hall, 6-5 last fall, a 1,500-yard passer, senior quarterback Izaak Johnson, is back under center. Both teams reached the 5A quarterfinals last year.

Just like Rocori, which won the game I was at last night, the Raiders will play their first game under a new head coach: Cretin-Derham Hall alum and former Gopher Kim Royston.

— Cassidy Hettesheimer

Pregame: Apple Valley at Rochester John Marshall, 7 p.m.

I’m here tonight as Rochester John Marshall and Apple Valley again square off in the football season opener — with both teams looking to ride the momentum of 2024 campaigns that landed them in section finals.

During last season’s meeting, the John Marshall Rockets got the best of the Eagles in a 35-28 victory in Apple Valley. The game was tied 21-21 headed into the fourth quarter, but the Rockets’ rushing game proved too much to handle for Apple Valley, which gave up more than 200 yards on the ground.

The rushing attack was led by dual-threat quarterback Savy Vath, who returns this year to lead a J-M team that finished 7-3 last year en route to a trip to the Class 5A, Section 1 championship game. Although the Rockets lost to Owatonna, it was a notable turnaround for a team that lost 15 games in the previous two seasons.

For Apple Valley, fourth-year head coach Peter Usset had his squad headed in the right direction last season. The Eagles went just 2-6 in regular-season play but finished with two playoff victories before falling to St. Thomas Academy in the Section 3 final.

— Sean Baker