Edina Edges Minnetonka in Thrilling 6A State Semifinal Win, Clinches State Title Berth.
In a heart-stopping contest, the Edina Hornets edged past the Minnetonka Skippers 42-41 in Thursday's Class 6A state semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium, capping an epic comeback that will be etched in Hornet fans' memories for years to come. The win marked Edina's first trip to a state title game since 2022.
Quarterback Mason West, in his senior season and still reeling from the sting of last year's heartbreaking loss, engineered a stunning turnaround, leading the Hornets on 35 unanswered points in the second, third, and fourth quarters. After trailing by as many as 21 points with just seconds left in the second quarter, Edina seized momentum after a turnover, only to have Minnetonka claw back with three touchdowns late in the game.
Despite facing significant adversity, including an injured hip injury, senior Caleb Francois continued to torment opposing defenses with his signature elusiveness. However, as the game wore on, Francois' struggles grew more pronounced, and Edina capitalized with successive scoring drives.
"We're just hungry," West said post-game. "That's the biggest thing. We're starving for what the end goal is."
Edina coach Jason Potts credited his team's resilience, saying, "I think we stole some momentum... When our offense took the field, that was when our defense really started punching the ball out."
In a thrilling back-and-forth affair, both teams combined for 607 yards of offense in the first half. The Hornets' Sammy Stephenson hauled in a 71-yard touchdown pass to tie the score before Edina quarterback Mason West responded with an 8-yard scoring run.
West's 44-yard touchdown strike to Jabari Strader sealed the win for the Hornets, but Minnetonka refused to concede. Senior Charles Simonsen connected on a 9-yard touchdown pass with 4:49 remaining, leaving the Skippers just six points behind.
In an electrifying finish, Edina recovered an onside kick and ran out the clock, securing the win.
"We went for two to try and win it and just came up a yard or two short," said Minnetonka coach Mark Esch. "The decision was made with our light defense."
For Edina, the 42-41 victory marks another chance at state glory. As West noted, "This was a cool win, but now we have to flush it... There's still more ahead of us."
With their backs against the wall, the Hornets proved themselves worthy successors to last year's championship team. On November 21st, Edina will face the winner of Friday's other semifinal between Moorhead and Lakeville South in a highly anticipated state title showdown at U.S. Bank Stadium.
In a heart-stopping contest, the Edina Hornets edged past the Minnetonka Skippers 42-41 in Thursday's Class 6A state semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium, capping an epic comeback that will be etched in Hornet fans' memories for years to come. The win marked Edina's first trip to a state title game since 2022.
Quarterback Mason West, in his senior season and still reeling from the sting of last year's heartbreaking loss, engineered a stunning turnaround, leading the Hornets on 35 unanswered points in the second, third, and fourth quarters. After trailing by as many as 21 points with just seconds left in the second quarter, Edina seized momentum after a turnover, only to have Minnetonka claw back with three touchdowns late in the game.
Despite facing significant adversity, including an injured hip injury, senior Caleb Francois continued to torment opposing defenses with his signature elusiveness. However, as the game wore on, Francois' struggles grew more pronounced, and Edina capitalized with successive scoring drives.
"We're just hungry," West said post-game. "That's the biggest thing. We're starving for what the end goal is."
Edina coach Jason Potts credited his team's resilience, saying, "I think we stole some momentum... When our offense took the field, that was when our defense really started punching the ball out."
In a thrilling back-and-forth affair, both teams combined for 607 yards of offense in the first half. The Hornets' Sammy Stephenson hauled in a 71-yard touchdown pass to tie the score before Edina quarterback Mason West responded with an 8-yard scoring run.
West's 44-yard touchdown strike to Jabari Strader sealed the win for the Hornets, but Minnetonka refused to concede. Senior Charles Simonsen connected on a 9-yard touchdown pass with 4:49 remaining, leaving the Skippers just six points behind.
In an electrifying finish, Edina recovered an onside kick and ran out the clock, securing the win.
"We went for two to try and win it and just came up a yard or two short," said Minnetonka coach Mark Esch. "The decision was made with our light defense."
For Edina, the 42-41 victory marks another chance at state glory. As West noted, "This was a cool win, but now we have to flush it... There's still more ahead of us."
With their backs against the wall, the Hornets proved themselves worthy successors to last year's championship team. On November 21st, Edina will face the winner of Friday's other semifinal between Moorhead and Lakeville South in a highly anticipated state title showdown at U.S. Bank Stadium.
the edina hornets are on fire right now 
their comeback was insane, i mean 35 unanswered points is crazy talk after being down by as many as 21 points in the second quarter it just goes to show that this team has heart and never gives up they played like a bunch of hungry wolves 
waiting for their prey, which was minnetonka coach mark esch said "we went for two to try and win it and just came up a yard or two short" yeah buddy, you got outsmarted by edina 
what's next for this team? they gotta take down moorhead or lakeville south on the 21st and bring home that state title 
. 42-41 is like, so crazy low score for the whole game... and to win it all on an onside kick recovery? 
! The fact that Edina came back from being down by 21 points in the second quarter is just mind-blowing... I mean, what a testament to their team's resilience & teamwork 
. And Mason West is like, pure genius on the field 
. I'm so stoked for Edina now, they really got this! 
Fingers crossed they bring home that state title 
and sammy stephenson's 71-yard touchdown catch was AMAZING!!! edina really showed their resilience and determination, even when they were down. coach jason potts should be so proud of his team!!! 
but seriously tho edina's defense was on fire 
edina is so lucky to have mason west he played like a total rockstar 
! how did minnetonka not score that 2 pt conversion tho? 
and i feel bad for caleb francois, he got hurt but still had some amazing plays 
can't wait to see edina play again next week!!! they're gonna crush whoever they play 
. While his elusiveness was a potent force at times, his decreased effectiveness as the game wore on suggests that he may be nearing the end of his high school football career 
. As for Minnetonka's collapse in the final stretch, it highlights the challenges faced by teams trying to mount a comeback against a well-coached and motivated opponent 
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he may not have had his best game, but he's still a total beast on the field 
. The whole team came together to get that W, and it's amazing to see them celebrate after all those hard-fought yards 
. I'm already hyped for next week's state title game 
meanwhile edina's gotta deal with injuries and whatnot, can't even get their star player to play without hurting himself 
and minnetonka's still sad cuz they didn't win 
now let's see if they can take down moorhead on the 21st 