Chaska High School Football Team

Chaska High School Football is the varsity football program representing Chaska High School in Chaska, Minnesota. The team competes in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) and is part of the Metro West Conference. Known for its disciplined play, strong rivalries, and competitive teams, Chaska football has a proud tradition, highlighted by a state championship and numerous collegiate-level athletes.^[1]

Chaska High School’s football program dates back over a century.^[2] Through decades of development, the Hawks have grown into one of the stronger programs in the west metro area of the Twin Cities. The team plays its home games at Chaska Stadium, known as "The Nest," which it shares with neighboring Chanhassen High School. The school colors are purple and gold, and the team is cheered on by a vibrant student section known as "The Nest."

• Josh Wedel – TE/DL – Washington State University commit, two-time All-Conference
• Prentiss Derrick – OL/DL – Bemidji State commit
• Connor Curtis – CB, KT – Key Player off the Bench
• Jacob Welter – WR/LB – Baseball Commit to the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire, One-time All-Conference

Several Chaska Hawks football alumni have advanced to play college and professional football, showing the talent of the program.^[3]

Notable alumni include:

• Stevo Klotz – Tight end for Iowa State Cyclones (2020–2024), signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent.
• Ross Travis – Former college basketball player turned NFL tight end for teams including Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Jets.
• Tim Mattran – Center, played at Stanford, signed with Minnesota Vikings.
• Matt Kegel – Offensive tackle drafted by Washington Football Team in 2006.
• Bronson Dovich and Weston Peiffer – Offensive linemen who signed with Minnesota Vikings.^[4]

Chaska High School’s fiercest and most popular rivalry is with nearby Chanhassen High School, located about 4 miles away. Every year, the two teams compete in a highly anticipated game known as the Battle for the Jug, where the winner takes home a Little Brown Jug until the next Year.^[5]

Although Chaska High School was founded in 1905, Chanhassen High School opened more recently in 2009. Despite the difference in history, the rivalry quickly became intense and is one of the most talked-about sporting events in the community each fall. The game is often held at Chaska's home field, known as The Nest, and Chanhassen's stadium, where fans from both schools fill the stands, creating an energetic atmosphere comparable to a playoff game.^[6]

The Battle for the Jug is not only about football but also about school pride, local bragging rights, and community tradition.

The Chaska Hawks football team concluded the 2024 season with an overall record of 5–5 and a conference record of 1–3 in the Metro West Conference. Under the leadership of head coach Bryan Dahl, the team demonstrated resilience and competitive spirit throughout the season.^[11]

Entering the Class 5A, Section 2 playoffs as the No. 4 seed, the Hawks faced Waconia in the quarterfinals. In a tightly contested match, Waconia freshman kicker missed a 20-foot field goal, allowing Chaska to emerge victorious 13–12 and advance to the semifinals. Their playoff run concluded with a 20–6 loss to Chanhassen in the semifinals on October 26.

• Official Chaska Hawks Football Website
• Minnesota State High School League

• Johnson, Mike (2023-10-05). "Chaska, Chanhassen gear up for epic football rivalry". Chaska Herald. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
• "Chaska High School Football: A Legacy of Grit". Star Tribune. 2023-08-20. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
• "Chaska tops St. Thomas Academy in 2019 Class 5A title game". MSHSL. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
• "Chaska Hawks Football – Team History". MaxPreps. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
• Roth, David (2020-11-28). "The Rise of Chaska Football". Minneapolis Tribune. Retrieved 2025-07-06.