5 Reasons Maple Grove Crimson Football Is Minnesota’s Undisputed Dynasty Heading Into 2026

The Maple Grove Crimson football program has cemented its status as a powerhouse in Minnesota high school athletics, moving beyond a single-season wonder to establish a true dynasty. As of December 2025, the team is riding a wave of success that culminated in a thrilling State Championship victory and is now focused on defending its title against formidable opponents in a restructured conference. The program's sustained excellence is a direct result of strong coaching, elite player development, and a culture built on winning, making every Friday night game a must-watch event for fans across the state.

The Crimson’s journey is a compelling narrative of dedication and strategic execution, with the 2024 season serving as a monumental capstone to years of building an elite program. Their recent success, coupled with the challenges of a new schedule and the pressure of being the reigning champion, ensures that the Maple Grove football story remains one of the most compelling in the state, with the 2025-2026 outlook brimming with high expectations and anticipation.

The Crimson’s Recent Roster, Coaching, and Championship History (2024-2025)

The foundation of the Maple Grove Crimson's recent dominance is a blend of experienced leadership and top-tier talent, which has consistently placed them in the conversation for the state's best programs. The team’s history of success is a long one, with state appearances dating back to 1998, but the current era is arguably the most dominant.

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Coaching and Program Leadership

The program is currently helmed by Head Coach Adam Spurrell, who officially took over the top job in 2024. Spurrell is not new to the sidelines, bringing two decades of experience within the Crimson football program, most recently serving as the defensive coordinator. He succeeded the highly successful Matt Lombardi, who led the team from 2011 through 2023. This seamless transition of leadership has ensured the program's core philosophies—discipline, defensive intensity, and strategic offense—have remained intact.

The 2024 State Championship Triumph

The 2024 season was historic, culminating in the team's victory at Prep Bowl XLII. In a dramatic final showdown at US Bank Stadium, the Crimson defeated their rivals, the Minnetonka Skippers, with a final score of 28-21 to claim the Class AAAAAA Championship. The team finished the season with an impressive 11 games played, showcasing a strong passing game with a 63.0% completion rate and 18 touchdowns.

Key Players and All-District Standouts

The 2024 squad was loaded with talent, with several players earning All-District 1st Team honors. A key leader on the field was quarterback Kaden Harney, who has been recognized as one of Minnesota's best prep quarterbacks and whose reflections on the dominant run were a major story in late 2025. Other crucial contributors included:

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• Jacob Wrbanek
• Dylan Vokal
• Nathan Hromadka
• Matthew Perusse
• Beaux Thyen (also listed as OLB)
• Charles Langama
• Bo Draheim
• Zane Mandle
• Nick Fondakowski
• Michael Haus

These athletes, along with others like Eugene Horton and Jacob Mann, formed the core of the championship-winning roster, setting a high standard for the current and future teams.

5 Reasons Maple Grove Crimson Football Is Minnesota’s Undisputed Dynasty

The Crimson’s success is no accident. It is built on a series of strategic advantages and a winning culture that sets them apart from other top-tier programs in the state. Here are the five core reasons Maple Grove has established itself as the team to beat.

1. The Adam Spurrell Era: Seamless Coaching Transition

The decision to promote Adam Spurrell from defensive coordinator to head coach was a masterstroke in stability. Spurrell had been with the program for 19 years before taking the top job, meaning the team's identity and system—especially a strong focus on defense—did not have to be rebuilt. This continuity has allowed the program to maintain its high-performance standards, ensuring that players from the youth leagues all the way up to the varsity level are taught the same cohesive system. The transition from the Craig Hansen era (1996-2010) to Lombardi, and now to Spurrell, has been marked by strategic, internal promotions that preserve the team’s cultural DNA.

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2. Dominance in the New Metro West Conference

Heading into the 2025 season, the Crimson embraced the challenge of a new schedule and a title defense. The team now plays in the Metro West Conference, where they face a new slate of opponents. This shift requires the team to prove its dominance all over again, and early reports from the 2025 season—including an undefeated run through mid-October—suggest they are up to the task. The new schedule also includes tough non-conference bouts against perennial contenders like Stillwater, ensuring the team is constantly tested and prepared for the intensity of the playoffs.

3. Elite Quarterback Play and Offensive Firepower

The 2024 championship run was fueled by the exceptional play of quarterback Kaden Harney. Harney's leadership and skill were pivotal, contributing significantly to the team's 63.0% completion rate and a high passing yards per game average. Beyond Harney, the roster depth includes talented playmakers like wide receiver Ben B and running back Aaron B, ensuring the offense is multi-faceted and difficult for opponents to prepare for. The ability to reload with talent each year, including looking ahead to the 2025 recruits, is a hallmark of a dynastic program.

4. Consistent State Tournament Success

A true dynasty is defined by its ability to consistently compete for the ultimate prize. Maple Grove has made numerous state appearances, including in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, and of course, the championship year of 2024. They are already eyeing the 2025 State Appearance, demonstrating a sustained culture of expectation that goes beyond regional victories. Their repeated trips to U.S. Bank Bound (semifinal appearances) are a testament to their longevity at the elite level.

5. The Culture of the Crimson Community

The success of the football team is deeply intertwined with the support and energy of the Maple Grove community. The program is known for its electric atmosphere, especially during home openers, where youth players often energize the crowd. Playing rivals like Wayzata, Osseo, Plymouth, and Robbinsdale always draws massive crowds, turning local games into high-stakes events. This powerful community backing provides a crucial home-field advantage and helps instill a deep sense of pride and commitment in the young athletes, reinforcing the program's long-term success.

What’s Next for Maple Grove Football in the 2026 Season and Beyond

With the 2025 season nearing its conclusion and the team already having secured a State Championship in 2024, the focus shifts to maintaining this elite level of performance for the upcoming 2026 season. The team’s primary goal remains a third title in four years, a feat that would solidify their place in Minnesota high school football lore.

Coach Spurrell and his staff will need to manage the inevitable turnover, especially as star players like Kaden Harney move on to the next level. The development of younger talent, including players like linebackers Austin T and Beaux Thyen, will be crucial. The program’s strength lies in its ability to continually feed the varsity team with prepared, high-caliber athletes ready to step into key roles. The 2025 schedule has already prepared them for the pressure, forcing them to adapt to new opponents and new conference dynamics.

The Crimson are not just aiming for wins; they are aiming for a legacy. Their continued success against tough opponents and their consistent presence in the MSHSL state tournament conversation prove that Maple Grove is more than just a good team—it is a perennial powerhouse with a bright future.