(KWAD) – The Minnesota State High School League has released the 2026 football schedule, giving Section 6A teams a clearer picture of the road to the postseason. The eight-team section once again features a mix of district contests, traditional rivalries and crossover games, with several key matchups expected to play a major role in determining playoff seeding.

Breckenridge (8-0, 5-1 playoffs)

The defending section champion Cowboys open the season Sept. 4 at home against Benson before beginning section play with a trip to Parkers Prairie for a Section Title Game rematch with the Panthers. Breckenridge also faces Otter Tail Central, Lake Park-Audubon and New York Mills in Section 6A contests, while crossover games against Wadena-Deer Creek and Menahga provide additional challenges.

Lake Park-Audubon (4-4, 0-1 playoffs)

The Raiders begin the year on the road against West Central Area before opening district play at Wadena-Deer Creek. Their Section 6A schedule includes Otter Tail Central, New York Mills, Breckenridge and Parkers Prairie, with the regular-season finale against the Panthers on Oct. 22 closing out the district schedule.

Nevis (3-5, 0-1 playoffs)

Nevis finished 3-5 in their first season in 6A, and will look to build off that with a season-opening trip to Crookston before beginning district competition Sept. 11 at Pine River-Backus. The Tigers also host Walker-Hackensack-Akeley in the regular-season finale, with much of the schedule featuring familiar Section 8A opponents.

New York Mills (2-6, 0-1 playoffs)

The Eagles open at home against Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa before consecutive Section 6A games against Otter Tail Central and Parkers Prairie. New York Mills hosts Lake Park-Audubon and Breckenridge later in the season while also facing crossover opponents Frazee, Menahga and Wadena-Deer Creek.

Otter Tail Central (5-3, 1-1 playoffs)

The Bulldogs kick the 2026 season at Ashby/Brandon-Evansville before beginning district play against New York Mills. Other key Section 6A contests include games with Lake Park-Audubon, Breckenridge and Parkers Prairie, while crossover meetings with Wadena-Deer Creek, Menahga and Frazee round out the schedule.

Parkers Prairie (7-1, playoffs 2-1)

Parkers Prairie opens with a non-district trip to Upsala/Swanville Area before hosting Breckenridge in a Section Championship rematch, then New York Mills in back-to-back Section 6A games. The Panthers also face Otter Tail Central and conclude the regular season at Lake Park-Audubon in what could have significant playoff implications.

Pine River-Backus (3-5, 0-1 playoffs)

The Tigers travel to Red Lake County in Week 1 before hosting neighboring rival Nevis in a key early-season Section 6A matchup. Pine River-Backus also visits Walker-Hackensack-Akeley on Oct. 2 before finishing the regular season at Cass Lake-Bena.

Walker-Hackensack-Akeley (7-1, 1-1 playoffs)

The Wolves begin the season at home against Mahnomen/Waubun before opening district play at Park Christian. Their Section 6A contests include a home game against Pine River-Backus and a regular-season finale at Nevis on Oct. 22.

SportsCow’s Top-Five Matchups

• Sept. 4: Parkers Prairie vs Upsala/Swanville
• Sept. 11: Breckenridge vs Parkers Prairie
• Oct. 9: Otter Tail Central vs Parkers Prairie
• Oct. 21: New York Mills vs Wadena-Deer Creek
• Oct. 22: Walker-Hackensack-Akeley vs Nevis