It was late October, and the air at Maple Grove Senior High felt like it was made of ice. Honestly, that’s just playoff football in Minnesota. You’ve got the smell of charcoal from the tailgates, the blinding stadium lights, and that specific tension when a season is on the line. Last year, the Crimson were riding a massive 23-game winning streak. They were the hunted. They were the team everyone wanted to knock off the mountain.
Then Lakeville South happened.
The 49-31 loss in the Class 6A quarterfinals on November 7, 2025, wasn't just a loss; it was a shock to the system. Maple Grove had been perfect until that night. 10-0. Dominant. But that's the thing about the maple grove football schedule—it doesn’t get easier. Now that we’re looking ahead to the 2026 season and reflecting on how that powerhouse roster is shifting, there’s a lot to talk about. If you’re trying to figure out where they go from here, you have to look at how they got through one of the toughest schedules in state history.
The Gauntlet of the 2025 Maple Grove Football Schedule
Moving into the Lake Conference and the Metro West division was a big deal. Coach Adam Spurrell didn't shy away from it. He basically said it was exactly what the program wanted. No more "easy" weeks. When you look at the 2025 run, it was a meat grinder of top-tier talent.
They started on the road at Stillwater on August 28, coming away with a 37-17 win. It set the tone. Then came the home opener against Eden Prairie on September 5. Winning 28-14 against a program like EP isn't just a win; it’s a statement.
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The middle of the season was just as relentless:
- Sept 12: Crushed Mounds View 49-14.
- Sept 19: Went to Edina and took care of business 33-7.
- Oct 3: A closer battle with St. Michael-Albertville, pulling it out 35-24.
- Oct 15: The regular-season finale against Minnetonka.
That Minnetonka game was wild. The Crimson fell behind 14-0 early. You could feel the "is this the end?" vibe in the stands. But then they scored 30 unanswered points. Kaden Harney was dealing. James Engle was hitting gaps like he was shot out of a cannon. It was a 30-14 victory that felt like it solidified them as the #1 team in the state.
The Players Who Defined the Era
You can't talk about the maple grove football schedule without talking about the guys who actually played the games. The 2025 squad was special because, despite losing 17 starters from the previous championship year, the new leaders stepped up immediately.
Kaden Harney was the heartbeat. A South Dakota State commit who just understood the offense. He had over 1,500 yards the year before, and in 2025, he was even more efficient. Then you had James Engle. Man, the guy was a human highlight reel. He broke the single-season rushing touchdown record—a record previously held by Derrick Jameson—finishing with 25 scores on the ground. He’s headed to MSU Mankato, and they’re getting a steal.
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On the other side of the ball, Ryder Skanson (Air Force commit) and Beaux Thyen were absolute nightmares for opposing coordinators. They were the ones racking up double-digit tackles when the game got gritty.
Why the Quarterfinal Loss Matters for 2026
The loss to Lakeville South was a reality check. The Cougars ran for 292 yards. They bullied the line. It showed that even a team as balanced as Maple Grove can be vulnerable if they can't stop a power run game.
Looking toward the 2026 campaign, the "Winter Lift" program has already started. If you walk by the stadium at 5:55 AM on a Monday, you'll see the 9th, 10th, and 11th graders already grinding. That’s the culture. They aren't mourning the Lakeville South loss; they’re using it as fuel.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Crimson
People think Maple Grove is just a "talent factory" that wins because they have more kids. That’s sort of a lazy take. Honestly, the reason they stay at the top of the maple grove football schedule every year is the transition of roles.
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Look at 2026. They’re losing Harney. They’re losing Engle. They’re losing Thyen and Skanson. That’s a massive chunk of their production. But they have guys like Geno Shaffer (QB) and Sam Jacobson (RB) who have been waiting in the wings. Shaffer saw some time as a junior, and he’s got the arm talent to keep the offense vertical.
The schedule for 2026 hasn't been fully publicized with every kickoff time yet, but the rotation remains within the Metro West. You can bet your house they’ll be seeing Minnetonka, Edina, and Wayzata again. Those aren't just games; they're neighborhood wars.
How to Follow the 2026 Season
If you're a fan or a parent, you've probably noticed the shift in how games are broadcast. The Lake Conference launched a unified streaming platform (LakeConference.Live) which has been a lifesaver for people who can't make the drive to places like Moorhead or Stillwater.
- Check the Official Site: The Crimson Football Hub (hosted on SportsEngine) is the only place with real-time roster changes.
- Follow CCX Media: They do the best local highlights in the northwest suburbs.
- Get to the Stadium Early: For big games like the Wayzata or Minnetonka matchups, the "Crimson Jungle" student section fills up fast.
The 2025 season might have ended earlier than anyone in the 55369 zip code wanted, but the foundation didn't crack. They finished 10-1. They won the conference. They showed that they could rebuild on the fly and still be the most feared team in 6A for three-quarters of the year.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official team site and export the schedule to your phone. Don't rely on third-party "high school sports" apps that sometimes lag on playoff venue changes.
- Watch the Underclassmen: Keep an eye on the JV and Sophomore results. That's where the next James Engle is currently hiding.
- Respect the Rivalry: Circle the Minnetonka and Eden Prairie games. In the Lake Conference, these are basically the "State Championships before the State Championship."
The 2026 maple grove football schedule is going to be another test of whether this program is a "dynasty" or just a very good team. Based on the 6 AM lights at the stadium right now, I wouldn't bet against them.