Becker at Rocori and Rogers at Elk River are two of the weekend’s top high school football matchups.

The strength the Hornets showed in a big victory over Eden Prairie made them a tempting option for No. 1, but too much about the Crimson is too strong.

The assignment is to produce a state football ranking that crosses classes. Complicating that — or making it more intriguing? — is that it is very difficult for smaller schools to keep up in the numbers game.

Alexandria’s Daniel Jackson kicked a 54-yard field goal Thursday, a mark exceeded only twice in Minnesota history. Becker’s Dwight Lundeen gained his 400th victory on alumni night.

The Minnesota Star Tribune’s Jim Paulsen produced his annual list, complete with college plans and this time including players from outside the Twin Cities.