1. Maple Grove (13-0): No arguments here. The undefeated Crimson have spent the entire season imposing their will on opponents. And you can’t argue with undefeated.

2. Minnetonka (10-3): The Skippers are the poster boys for the benefits of line-play. QB Caleb Francois goes nowhere if not for these brawny dudes.

3. Shakopee (10-2): Some dismissed the Sabers. They learned their lesson quickly. Shakopee was not a team to be trifled with.

4. Elk River (5A, 12-1): I learned long ago to never underestimate the Elk. They know how to win.

5. Alexandria Area (5A, 10-3): A two-game slide at the end of the regular season simply steeled the resolve of the deepest team in 5A.

6. Becker (4A, 13-0): Some ask, “How would Becker do in 5A or 6A?” My response? Pretty well. The Bulldogs are fast, and speed always matters.

7. Moorhead (5A, 9-1): It’s a shame the best rivalry in the state this season — Moorhead vs. Alexandria — didn’t happen in front of a statewide audience at U.S. Bank Stadium.