Jim and John's prep football picks

EDEN PRAIRIE (10-0) VS. WAYZATA (9-1) AT METRODOME, 7 P.M. TODAY

John says: Eden Prairie is A: strong. B: deep. C: motivated. D: all of the above. Pencils down. The answer is D. Eagles keep winning. Eden Prairie 20, Wayzata 17

Jim says: If this season has shown anything, it's that there is only one team that can go toe-to-toe with Eden Prairie. And that team is playing Eden Prairie tonight. Wayzata 19, Eden Prairie 14

CENTENNIAL (10-1) VS. BRAINERD (7-3) AT ST. CLOUD STATE, 8 P.M. TODAY

John says: Brainerd has outscored its two postseason opponents 47-8 in the first quarter, and the Warriors are at state for the second time in three years. They might be ready to spring a surprise. Brainerd 21, Centennial 20

Jim says: Doubters keep doubting, haters keep hating. And Centennial keeps winning. The Cougars deserve a lot more love than they've been getting. They get some here. Centennial 31, Brainerd 19

Lakeville North (9-2) vs. Mounds View (9-2) at Griffin Stadium, 7 p.m. today

John says: This might be the most even matchup in 5A, with both teams coming in under the radar. Mounds View stunned Stillwater last week, but I think Lakeville North does the stunning this time. Lakeville North 27, Mounds View 24

Jim says: Mounds View's victory at Stillwater was not surprising if you saw the Mustangs defense play. Kris Fleigle, Jeremy Hill, Joe Kuduk, Jordan Van Eps and company are athletic, disciplined and play with a mean streak. Mounds View 20, Lakeville North 14

ST. THOMAS ACADEMY (10-0) VS. MAHTOMEDI (10-1) AT WOODBURY, 7 P.M. TODAY

John says: This is the matchup that didn't happen during the Classic Suburban Conference season, because these teams didn't meet. I like the Cadets to win, based on how they make the offensive dynamite go boom. St. Thomas Academy 31, Mahtomedi 20

Jim says: The best way to win a football game? Stop the other guys. And it just so happens that Mahtomedi's defense is playing its best right now. The Zephyrs will find a way to slow down the Cadets. Mahtomedi 26, St. Thomas Academy 23

CRETIN-DERHAM HALL (9-1) VS. EASTVIEW (7-3) AT GRIFFIN STADIUM, 6 P.M. SATURDAY

John says: Cretin-Derham Hall has shown some warts this season, and injuries have played a major role. But I think the Raiders are too good to go away in this round. Cretin-Derham Hall 24, Eastview 17

Jim says: On paper, Cretin-Derham Hall wins this in a walk. But Eagan exposed some Cretin defensive weaknesses and Raiders QB Mark Alt, a huge difference-maker, still is banged up. Eastview pulls the upset. Eastview 22, Cretin-Derham Hall 20