It's a week later than normal, but the Minnesota State High School League Prep Bowl kicks off today at U.S.Bank Stadium.
Because of the Vikings' Thanksgiving matchup at U.S. Bank, the prep bowl was pushed back from its spot as a post-thanksgiving festivity to this weekend.
And while some of the pomp and circumstance is gone with it, players and coaches say they enjoyed the extra week.
"Both teams are excited we had a week off. 6A football is physical and to have some time between that and the last game is probably something both of us appreciate."
That's Rosemount head coach Jeff Erdmann. The Irish take on Maple Grove in the Class 6A title this evening. Erdmann says having the holiday was good for his boys.
"I like it. And with Thanksgiving, the guys were able to get away from football and be with family and having a little bit of break knowing that something incredible is coming next week I think that's a good deal."
The Class 1A, 2A, 4A and 6A games are scheduled for Friday. That 6A game is the nightcap at 7pm between two undefeated teams, Maple Grove and Rosemount. Star Tribune Prep Sports Beat Writer David LaVaque joined The Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar to preview that tilt.
"Maple Grove, who was the runner-up last year against Rosemount who has come on really strong. Maple Grove, when you talk about what they bring to the table, they have the best athlete on the field. They have Jacob Kilzer, he's a quarterback by position but he runs like a running back. People compare him to Josh Allen from the Bills. He's a big kid who can that can really run and create things."
While LaVaque has high praise for the Maple Grove QB, he says that going against Rosemount's defense could be a problem for Kilzer.
"He's [Kilzer] gotta go against the state's best defense with Rosemount. They can run, they can tackle very well. Rosemount beat Lakeville South, they beat Eden Prairie twice, this is a well tested team. It's going to be a great matchup between the no doubt two best teams in class 6A."
Here is the schedule of games:
9-man: Mountain Iron Buhl vs Spring Grove - 12/3 10:03am
Class 1A: Springfield vs Minneota - 12/2 10:03am
Class 2A: Barensville vs Chatfield - 12/2 1pm
Class 3A: Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton vs New London-Spicer - 12/3 1pm
Class 4A: Hutchinson vs Simley - 12/2 4pm
Class 5A: Elk River vs Mankato West - 12/3 4pm
Class 6A: Maple Grove vs Rosemount - 12/2 7pm