WEEK 1
Thursday, Aug. 30
Cretin-Derham Hall at Totino-Grace, 7 p.m.
The battle for supremacy among the two private schools in Class 6A. Totino-Grace eked out a late victory when the two teams met last year. Cretin-Derham Hall is hoping to kick off a run to the Prep Bowl with a significant early-season victory.
WEEK 2
Friday, Sept. 7
Eden Prairie at Lakeville North, 7 p.m.
No Jon Gruden in the stands this time but two heavyweight teams offer plenty of intrigue. The host Panthers are one of a few teams that can match Eden Prairie's size in the trenches.
WEEK 3
Friday, Sept. 14
Chanhassen at Chaska, 7 p.m.
A burgeoning rivalry between next-door neighbors, made all the more spicy by both being expected to be among the top teams in Class 5A.
WEEK 4
Friday, Sept. 21
St. Croix Lutheran at Fridley, 6 p.m.
Each program reached the past two state tournaments, Fridley in Class 4A, the Crusaders in 3A. Both see this game as a gauge of their prospects for another deep postseason run.
WEEK 5
Friday, Sept. 28
Farmington vs. Eagan, 7:30 p.m.
The first high school game to be held at the 6,000-seat TCO Stadium on the grounds of the Vikings' posh new digs in Eagan.
WEEK 6
Friday. Oct. 5
Benilde-St. Margaret's at Holy Angels, 7 p.m.
The past two Class 4A Prep Bowl champions collide. They played to a 20-19 Red Knights' victory last season and the growing rivalry should offer more great moments.
WEEK 7
Friday, Oct. 12
Eden Prairie at Minnetonka, 7 p.m.
The top two teams in our preseason metro rankings. A rematch of the 2017 Class 6A championship game. Eden Prairie's Cole Kramer vs. Minnetonka's Aaron Syverson in a matchup of top QBs. Has the makings of the regular season game of the year.
WEEK 8
Wednesday, Oct. 17
Marshall at Jordan, 7 p.m.
Marshall reached the state tournament last season in Class 4A, Jordan in 3A. They closed the regular season with a wild 76-34 Marshall victory. Graduation claimed some playmakers but this game still means a lot.