Maple Grove and Minnetonka competed against each other in the Class 6A football state championship at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. Now the programs will compete against each other for a spot in the state playoffs as section foes. (Alex Kormann/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Making it to the state tournament out of what is, arguably, the most competitive football section of Minnesota’s largest size classification just turned into a tougher gauntlet.

At a recent board of governors meeting, the Minnesota State High School League announced its biannual changes to postseason section alignment for the state’s high schools.

In each MSHSL-sponsored activity, teams are divided into eight sections within a differing number of size classifications, depending on the sport. The champion of each sections’ postseason tournament earns a spot at state.

Competitive alignment is determined by geography and enrollment. The MSHSL determines the latter by taking a school’s Minnesota Department of Education enrollment in grades 9-12 and subtracting 40% of its educational benefit (free and reduced lunch). Schools can request to move up in size classifications or appeal to move down.

For more on section realignments in specific sports, click here to read this story on startribune.com.