In a crosstown rivalry game, the Cougars capitalized on the Scarlets’ mistakes to win 28-7 and snag the Kato Jug.

Rivalry games in Lakeville and Mankato are among other big ones the writers are considering this week.

Defending champs Maple Grove, Jackson County Central and Minneota rank No. 1 in respective classifications.

Minnetonka is pressing Maple Grove for the No. 1 spot in the Week 3 Strib Varsity rankings.

Three of the top 10 teams lost Friday night, but two fell to other top-10 teams, and all lost to ranked teams.

Strib Varsity’s Jim Paulsen didn’t see anything to change his mind in a big way, and he doesn’t see much that separates the first four teams.

Two of the top 10 teams, Wayzata and Mankato West, endured upset losses in Week 1.

High school football streaming gets busy on Strib Varsity with five games in two days. Details on how to watch:

Jim Paulsen’s preseason ranking of the best teams in the state regardless of class.

Strib Varsity football writer Jim Paulsen started with quarterbacks, because it’s football, but his list hits every position and shows every college commitment.