The Grants vs. the Nelsons
Friday's clash of west-metro powers involves arguably the two most prominent families in Minnesota football.
Patriarchs Bud Grant and Stan Nelson succeeded at their respective levels: four Super Bowl appearance for Grant's Vikings and the 1964 "mythical" state championship for Nelson.
Their sons became Prep Bowl champion coaches. Mike Grant has won 10 titles at Eden Prairie, and Dave Nelson has won with Blaine (1988) and Minnetonka (2004). Each won a title with his son at quarterback: Jesse Nelson (2004) and Ryan Grant (2006-07).
Stan Nelson, a standout at Augsburg, received the Bud Grant Distinguished Minnesotan Award from the National Football Foundation. Edor Nelson, Stan's brother, earned Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame honors as both a student-athlete and coach. The Auggies' football stadium carries his name. Steve Nelson, Stan's oldest son, was a three-time Pro Bowl linebacker with the New England Patriots.
Mike Grant, who played college football under John Gagliardi at St. John's, served as an assistant coach for two seasons (1980-81) at Minnetonka.
David La Vaque
