CLASS 6A
MINNETONKA (11-1) vs. EDEN PRAIRIE (12-0), FRIDAY, 7 P.M.
A rematch of a game on Oct. 13, won by Eden Prairie 39-21. Minnetonka's offense, dangerous throughout the season, recently has been inconsistent. The Skippers have scored only 48 total points in their past three games after averaging nearly 32 per game in their first nine. Quarterback Aaron Syverson has a strong arm, throws well on the run and has a good set of receivers in Owen Freese, Mitch Klass, Eric Douville and Jackson Owens. They'll have to move the ball through the air as Eden Prairie has been lights out against the run in its past two games, both shutouts. The Skippers defense could again be without All-Metro defensive back Nehemiah Montague, who missed the semifinal victory over Cretin-Derham Hall because of an injury. Eden Prairie has a bounty of offensive weapons. There's pinball running back Solo Falaniko off the edge, Antonio Montero plowing up the middle, D.J. Johnson on the jet sweep and QB Cole Kramer's strong arm and quick feet, all supported by one of the metro's most physical offensive lines.
The pick: Jim: Eden Prairie 28, Minnetonka 21; David: Eden Prairie 31, Minnetonka 24
