Logan’s Way Too Early Power Rankings

“If you ain’t first, you’re last”

— Ricky Bobby

Like usual, Logan already has his mind on the Section Tournament. Supposedly, Kyle is too busy chasing around his hogs and fainting goats to think that far ahead.

Well, folks, we’ve made it - Week 1 is finally here. And with that, I am prepared to formally release my way too early Week 1 Power Rankings! Kyle has tried numerous times to poke holes in my logic, but frankly I think he’s just envious of my deep wrestling and Section 1 intellect.

With these rankings, my goal was to create as fair as possible “starting points” for teams and individuals at the beginning of the season. I believe that the best power rankings capture which teams or individuals are performing their best at any given time. However, with no matches yet conducted this season, I had to base my opinion of the teams off a combination of last year’s results, graduations, (anticipated) returners, and projected lineups. By no means is this a flawless or objective process. In my estimation, 99% of people will see things very differently. Nonetheless - I have put my foot on the line and mentally prepared myself for the repercussions. 

Team Rankings:

1. Kasson-Mantorville

2. Chatfield

3. Zumbrota-Mazeppa (Google “Mazeppa” if you haven’t heard of it")

4. Kenyon-Wanamingo

5. Albert Lea Area

6. Rochester Mayo 

7. Caledonia/Houston

8. Owatonna

9. Dover-Eyota

10. Goodhue (Yes, I’m a homer. But at least I’m honest about it.)

You’ll notice that the Komets of Kasson-Mantorville come into a spot they are very familiar with. They’ve been the best of the best in Section 1 for the majority of the past decade. The following tier of teams (Chatfield, ZM, and KW) are all close to one another in my mind, although it would take an impressive leap for any of them to pass KM. The third tier includes the two favorites in AAA: Albert Lea Area and Rochester Mayo. They highlight a much improved Section 1AAA, which will also include the #8 team in my power rankings, the up-and-coming Huskies of Owatonna. Caledonia comes in at the #7 spot, but I’m expecting some movement from the Warriors as we learn more about how they will replace last year’s strong senior class. Dover-Eyota and Goodhue get initial spots in the top 10, but teams like Faribault, Northfield, Plainview-Elgin-Millville, and others will be knocking on the metaphorical door. 

Pound-for-pound Individuals:

1. Michael Olson, Albert Lea Area (12th) 

2. Javier Berg, Chatifeld (11th) 

3. Kail Schott, Chatfield (12th) 

4. Owen Denstad, Caledonia/Houston (12th) 

5. Logan Davis, Albert Lea Area (11th) 

6. Jack Krier, Zumbrota-Mazeppa (12th) 

7. Joey Kennedy, Kasson-Mantorville (12th) 

8. Nick Korman, Albert Lea Area (11th) 

9. JT Hausen, Faribault (12th) 

10. Calvin Singewald, Cannon Falls (12th) 

Other names on top-10 watch:

Kaleb Lochner, Zumbrota-Mazeppa (12th) 

Luke Swanson, Kasson-Mantorville (12th) 

Gavin Johnson, Kenyon-Wanamingo (12th) 

Gage Bartels, Chatfield (12th) 

Bolton Thesing, Dover-Eyota (12th) 

Calder Sheehan, Rochester Mayo (11th) 

Will Van Epps, Kenyon-Wanamingo (12th) 

Domnic Mann, Kasson-Mantorville (12th) 

Landon Lehnertz, Dover-Eyota (12th) 

Braxton Lange, Caledonia/Houston (11th)

Plus so many more… Stayed tuned.

Logan Breuer