The biggest question I face when putting together the Metro Top 10 each week is where to rank non-Class 6A teams.
The Metro Top 10 is heavily 6A, for obvious reasons. Football is largely a numbers game; more players equates to greater depth, allowing teams greater numbers of one-way players, which saves mightily on wear and tear and goes a long way toward avoiding and overcoming injuries. Big schools simply have an advantage.
That doesn't mean smaller programs can't compete with the big ones. Chanhassen and Rogers are Class 5A schools brimming with big-time talent and would fare very well against a Class 6A schedule.
But how well? Where do they belong? My thoughts are revealed below.
1. Eden Prairie (3-0): The Eagles eschewed fancy, preferring to let their offensive line push Prior Lake around, rushing for all four TDs in a 28-14 victory. Last week: 1.
2. Lakeville South (3-0): After playing rope-a-dope for three quarters, the Cougars sprang to life with 17 points in the fourth, capped by Jack Kimmel's game-winning field goal at the gun in a 24-21 victory over rival Lakeville North. Last week: 2.
3. Minnetonka (3-0): After being held in check for three quarters, the Skippers barged to a 24-point fourth quarter and put their 34-10 victory over Edina on ice. Last week: 3.
4. Shakopee (3-0): The Sabers are rolling thanks to a miserly defense that has forced 10 turnovers and has 10 sacks through three games. Last week: 5.
