Mahnomen vs. Hawley
7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 31

Hawley posted double-digit wins in each season from 2012-2014, but came down to earth with a four-win season in 2015. Last fall, the Nuggets improved to seven victories before falling in the Class 2A, Section 8 title game. 

With 12 starters returning from that squad, including running back Donnie Loegering (931 yards, 16 touchdowns last year), Hawley is poised for a return to the state tournament. The Nuggets' first-week matchup should be a good test as Class 1A powerhouse Mahnomen comes to town. The Indians have qualified for state seven years in a row, winning it all in 2012 and 2013.

Mahnomen has a hole to patch on offense after the graduation of Mitch Foss, who scored 12 touchdowns last season, including two in the state tournament.