The class-by-class state rankings ahead of Week 4’s games otherwise stayed firm at their peak.

Minneapolis North is off to its best start since 2022, when it finished 9-1. The Polars are tied for No. 5 in Class 3A with Holy Family.

Edina rolled past Wayzata after giving up the game’s first TD, Totino-Grace challenged Stewartville’s 30-game winning streak, and Centennial got past Osseo with defense.

Strib Varsity reporters were at Maple Grove-Stillwater, East Ridge-Minnetonka and Rocori-Totino-Grace.

New head coach Greg Enz puts emphasis on the pass, and that’s no problem for quarterback Max Fredin and receiver Caleb Maddox.

Streaming on Strib Varsity on Thursday and Friday are five games worth a watch.

Jim Paulsen and Marcus Fuller tackle four games and reveal their reasoning.

The season begins with a match right off the top of the rankings and continues with more volleyball and lots of Week 1 football.

These gigs offer valuable supplemental income for many Minnesotans. Joe Rydel, a full-time teacher, earns an additional $20,000 a year by umpiring and refereeing.

Whether driven by the view, the atmosphere or the stadium itself, some places make Friday nights even more special. Star Tribune writer Jim Paulsen lists the state’s best places to watch high school football.