Late Field Goal and 1,600-Yard Season Shape Minnesota 6A Finale

The Class 6A high school football regular season in Minnesota concluded Friday night, October 23, with results that determined subdistrict champions and playoff seeding across the East Metro. In the south metro, Lakeville South kicker Dylan Nelson kicked a 36-yard field goal with one second remaining to give the Cougars a 17-14 upset over Rosemount. This late score complicates the seeding picture for the upcoming playoffs.

In Roseville, the Raiders defeated Coon Rapids 24-14 to claim the Metro Maroon subdistrict title. The win improved Roseville's record to 4-4, its best finish since 2017. Senior quarterback Chase Browning completed passes for 162 yards and three touchdowns. Browning described the victory as an amazing feeling, noting that the team had worked hard all season to reach this point.

Forest Lake running back Mack Jurkovich finished the season with 1,600 rushing yards. On Friday, he carried the ball for 245 yards and scored two touchdowns as the Rangers defeated Stillwater 31-13. That victory secured a No. 2 seed for Forest Lake in the Class 6A playoffs. Jurkovich has committed to play college football at St. Thomas.

Other subdistrict titles changed hands late in the season. Mounds View took sole possession of the Metro East crown with a 22-16 win over White Bear Lake. Quarterback Tanner Jude ran for a one-yard touchdown with 65 seconds left to take the lead. The Mustangs extended the lead with a two-point conversion. Mounds View defensive back Preston Johnson intercepted a pass on the Bears' next drive to close out the game. The Mounds View defense limited White Bear Lake quarterback Wyatt Stachowiak to six completed passes on 24 attempts.

Centennial defeated Anoka 38-6, a result that likely secures the Cougars a No. 3 seed in the playoffs. It was the first time this season that Anoka was held to single-digit scoring. East Ridge beat Woodbury 42-31 in a rivalry matchup. Logan Tretter ran for two touchdowns, and Elias Mather returned an interception for a score late in the game.

Park defeated Eastview 18-10 with help from junior receiver Manny Vargas. Vargas scored twice, catching a touchdown pass and returning a punt 75 yards for a score. The regular season ends here for these teams, with the Class 6A playoffs set to begin next week.