Hutchinson at Becker
7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22

The football programs at Hutchinson and Becker have long been recognized as perennial powerhouses, and both reaffirmed their status by winning Class 4A state titles in the past three years. Hutchinson took home the championship hardware in 2012 and 2013, while Becker raised the trophy after recording an impressive 24-6 win over DeLaSalle last year.

A Week 1 meeting between the teams should provide an interesting test for both teams, which relied on stifling defenses for their success last year. The Tigers allowed just over eight points per game, while the Bulldogs surrendered just over 11.

Keep an eye on Hutchinson’s offense, which graduated star running back Robbie Grimsley. Grimsley, who committed to North Dakota State, was named Mr. Football by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association and earned the nod as the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year after rushing for more than 1,600 yards and 30 touchdowns last year.