We task our reporters with identifying several intriguing games throughout the state to assemble our Top Games of the Week. The matchups are presented in no particular order, and when there are additional games we want to highlight, we’ll include them with brief notes.

Marshall vs. Jordan, 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16. No. 9-4A Marshall (7-0, 4-0) won last week’s big showdown against No. 10-3A Waseca 27-8 behind three Gabe Raini touchdown runs. Jordan (6-1, 3-1) is coming off a 39-12 win over Worthington — Jordan has scored 30 or more points in all seven of its games.

Pierz vs. Maple Lake, 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16. If any team can challenge No. 1-3A Pierz’s dominance (the Pioneers have appeared in six straight state tournaments, winning Class 3A championships in 2015 and 2017) it might just be Mid State Sub 1 Subdistrict foe Maple Lake (6-1, 5-1). Pierz (7-0, 6-0) has allowed just 41 points — 28 of those coming in a Sept. 6 victory over No. 4-2A Paynesville.

Staples-Motley vs. Barnesville, 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16. No. 2-2A Barnesville (7-0, 4-0) looks primed for another run at perennial state small-school power Calendonia (Barnesville lost 21-0 to Caledonia in last year’s Class 2A championship). No. 10-2A Staples-Motley (6-1, 2-1) got a 71-yard touchdown run from Sivert Klefsaas in last week’s 16-12 win over West Central/Ashby.

The MN Football Hub poll is for entertainment purposes only.