Class 6A prep football playoff picks

6A lineup is stacked for Friday night

Both David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen were 4-2 in the picks last week, meaning David (24-14) maintained his two-game lead over Jim (22-16) on the season. This week, they predict all eight of Friday's Class 6A matchups (7 p.m. kickoffs unless noted).

Jim says: The Knight train shows no signs of slowing down. St. Michael-Albertville 27, Lakeville South 7.

David says: The Knights, in their first Class 6A playoff run, more than belong. St. Michael-Albertville 28, Lakeville South 10.

Jim says: Maple Grove's defense is faster than any Roseville has seen. Maple Grove 24, Roseville 15.

David says: The Raiders' offense hasn't clicked the past two games. Playing Maple Grove won't help. Maple Grove 21, Roseville 13.

Jim says: The Eagles are playing at whole different level. Eden Prairie 36, Champlin Park 14.

Jim says: Lakeville North sophomore WR/RB RaJa Nelson is a game-changer. Lakeville North, 21-12.

David says: The Panthers are underdogs against the elite until proven otherwise. Totino-Grace 24, Lakeville North 21.

Jim says: Prior Lake has allowed just one TD since late September. Prior Lake 20, Blaine 16

David says: Blaine looked explosive on the grass, in the snow. Turf suits the Bengals even better. Blaine 28, Prior Lake 21.

Jim says: This has upset written all over it, but I think Tonka toughs it out. Minnetonka 28, Rosemount 24

7:30 p.m. at St. Thomas

Jim says: Will the 16-day layoff between games have an effect on the Raiders? Perhaps, but not enough. Cretin-Derham Hall 30, Shakopee 21.

David says: Tempted to pick the upset, but Cretin-Derham Hall is too potent. Cretin-Derham Hall 28, Shakopee 21.

Jim says: Tossup game. Leaning Edina's way solely on offensive diversity. Edina 27, Centennial 22.