If you’ve ever stood on the sidelines at Wacker Field during a crisp October night, you know it isn’t just about a game. It’s a legacy that vibrates in the air. Cretin-Derham Hall football isn’t your average high school program; it’s a factory for legends. We’re talking about a school that produced Joe Mauer. Yeah, the first-ballot Hall of Famer. But before he was a Twin, he was a Raider quarterback shredding defenses in St. Paul.
People think they know the story. They see the private school status and the shiny trophies and assume it's all been easy. Honestly? It’s been a grind lately. The landscape of Minnesota high school football changed when the MSHSL introduced the "big school" class 6A, and CDH has had to fight tooth and nail to keep that elite status. It’s not just about the 1999 or 2009 state titles anymore. It’s about surviving the Suburban East Conference.
The blueprint of a powerhouse
What actually makes Cretin-Derham Hall football different? It’s the coaching lineage. For decades, Mal Scanlan and then Mike Scanlan defined the culture. They didn't just run plays; they built a system that felt professional. You’d walk into the locker room and it felt more like a college environment than a high school one.
The Raiders have always been known for a specific brand of disciplined, physical football. It’s "smash-mouth" with a side of high-IQ play calling. While other teams were experimenting with the newest spread offenses, CDH often stuck to what worked: winning the battle in the trenches. But don't get it twisted. They’ve had the skill players to back it up. We’re talking about guys like Michael Floyd, who went from being a standout at CDH to a star at Notre Dame and eventually an NFL first-round pick.
Why the 1999 season still haunts Minnesota opponents
Ask anyone who was around for the 1999 state championship. That team was a juggernaut. They finished 14-0. But it wasn't just the wins; it was the way they dismantled opponents. Joe Mauer was under center, and he looked like he was playing a different game than everyone else. He was a multi-sport freak of nature, and that CDH team epitomized the "Raider Way."
They beat Hastings in the final, but the real story was the semifinal against Eden Prairie. That game is still talked about in hushed tones in local sports bars. It was the clash of the titans. Two philosophies. Two legendary coaches. When CDH came out on top, it solidified their spot as the "team to beat" for the next decade.
Navigating the modern era and the 6A struggle
Let’s be real for a second. The last few years haven’t been the same dominant cakewalk. Transitioning to Class 6A put CDH up against massive public schools with three times the enrollment. When you're playing the likes of Lakeville South or Eden Prairie every other week, the depth chart gets tested.
In 2021 and 2022, the Raiders faced some lean years. People started whispering. Was the dynasty over? Had the recruiting—if you want to call it that in the private school world—dried up?
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Not quite.
Steve Walsh, a former NFL quarterback and CDH alum himself, took over the reins to steer the ship back. Having a guy who won a national championship at Miami and played in the league brings a level of gravitas you just can't fake. He understands the pressure. He knows what it’s like to wear the purple and gold when everyone expects you to be perfect.
The 2023 and 2024 seasons showed flashes of that old brilliance. The defense started looking mean again. The Raiders aren't just relying on one superstar anymore; they’re building back through the lines. You see it in the way they handle the rivalry games.
The Mounds View and East Ridge Rivalries
There is nothing quite like the atmosphere when Mounds View comes to town. Or when the Raiders have to travel to Woodbury to face East Ridge. These aren't just games; they're measuring sticks.
In the Suburban East, you can't take a week off. If you're Cretin-Derham Hall football, you have a target on your back. Every public school in the metro wants to be the one to knock off the "private school power." That pressure either breaks you or makes you. Usually, for CDH, it makes them.
The NFL and MLB Connection: More than just Joe Mauer
We have to talk about the alumni. It’s unavoidable. The "Wall of Fame" at the school is basically a roadmap of professional sports history.
- Joe Mauer: The obvious one. Three-time batting champ, MLB MVP.
- Michael Floyd: A vertical threat who dominated the NFL for years.
- Ryan Harris: An offensive tackle who went from CDH to winning a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos.
- Seantrel Henderson: Once the #1 high school recruit in the entire country.
This isn't normal. Most high schools are lucky to have one guy make it to the pros in fifty years. CDH has them every decade. It creates an environment where the current kids believe they can get there too. It’s not a dream; it’s a documented path.
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But it’s also a burden. Imagine being a 16-year-old left tackle and you're standing where Ryan Harris stood. You’re expected to be great. That’s the secret sauce of the program—the expectation of excellence is so high that the players often rise to meet it simply because they don't know any other way.
What it takes to play for the Raiders
If you want to play here, you better be ready to work. The off-season program is legendary. It’s not just lifting weights; it’s about "football IQ." They spend a massive amount of time in the film room.
The school itself is academically rigorous, too. You can't just be a jock at CDH. If your grades slip, you're out. The coaching staff reinforces this constantly. They’re looking for the "scholar-athlete" because their playbook requires kids who can think on their feet.
The community support is also a huge factor. The alumni network is deep and it is wealthy. They make sure the facilities stay top-notch. When you play for Cretin-Derham Hall, you're joining a club that lasts for life. You'll see guys who graduated in 1975 standing on the chain gang or working the concessions. It's a family. A big, competitive, slightly obsessed family.
Common misconceptions about CDH football
A lot of people think the school just "recruits" the best kids from across the Twin Cities. While they do attract talent from all over, it’s mostly about the culture. Kids want to go there because they want to play in those big 6A games on Friday nights. They want the exposure.
Another myth? That they only care about football. Actually, the school's "Cretin" heritage is rooted in a very specific type of disciplined, religious education. The football team attends mass together. There’s a spiritual component that sounds cliché but actually matters to the players. It builds a bond that’s hard to break when you’re down by ten points in the fourth quarter.
Looking ahead: The future of the program
Is Cretin-Derham Hall football headed for another state title soon? The competition in 6A is fiercer than ever. Schools like Maple Grove and Minnetonka have massive talent pools.
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However, the Raiders are evolving. They’re incorporating more modern training methods and speed-based schemes. They’re no longer just the "big guys in the middle." They’re getting faster.
The key will be the junior high programs. CDH relies on a pipeline of kids who grow up wanting to be Raiders. As long as the "brand" of CDH remains strong, the talent will keep flowing through the doors at Hamline and Grace.
How to support and follow the team
If you're looking to catch a game, get there early. The parking at the St. Paul campus is... well, it’s a nightmare. But the atmosphere inside the stadium is worth it.
- Check the schedule early: The SEC (Suburban East Conference) usually releases the fall schedule in the spring.
- Watch the streaming services: Many CDH games are now broadcast on local cable or via streaming apps if you can't make it to St. Paul.
- Follow the stats: Keep an eye on the Star Tribune’s "MN Football Hub." It’s the best place to track individual player progress and see who the next breakout star might be.
The reality of Cretin-Derham Hall football is that it's a marathon, not a sprint. One bad season doesn't define them. One great player doesn't make them. It’s the collective weight of a century of tradition pushing them forward. Whether they're 10-0 or 5-5, they are the team that everyone else in the state measures themselves against.
To really understand the program, you have to look past the box scores. You have to see the way the seniors mentor the freshmen. You have to see the respect they show their opponents. That is the true "Raider Way," and it's why this program isn't going anywhere.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Athletes
To stay connected with the program or prepare for the upcoming season, focus on these three areas. First, track the off-season coaching clinics if you are a student-athlete; CDH often hosts or participates in high-level developmental camps that are open to the community. Second, if you are a fan, prioritize attending the "Holy Family" or "East Ridge" matchups, as these games typically dictate the seeding for the sectional playoffs and offer the highest level of competition. Finally, utilize the school's official athletics portal to monitor roster changes, as the Raiders are currently in a transition period with several high-potential underclassmen expected to take starting roles. Keep a close watch on the offensive line development this summer—it will be the deciding factor in their ability to compete with the 6A heavyweights.