Prep football: Metro top 10

Staff writer Jim Paulsen's selections for the top 10 football teams in the metro:

1. Eden Prairie (6-0): The Eagles withstood a terrific first half by Minnetonka, then completely dominated the second half in a 36-12 victory.

2. Rosemount (6-0): The Irish had near-perfect balance in beating Apple Valley 49-7 — 240 yards rushing, 237 passing.

3. East Ridge (6-0): The Raptors' offense averages more points per game (38.7) than the defense has given up overall (21).

4. Maple Grove (6-0): My biggest mistake of the season was not having the Crimson in the preseason top 10. A faux pas of gargantuan proportions.

5. Mounds View (5-1): The Mustangs lost 21-0 at Menasha (Wis.), not far from Green Bay. Any suggestions for lifting Minnesota's northeastern Wisconsin curse?

6. Prior Lake (5-1): Three short runs by Alex Hart — two touchdowns and a two-point conversion — lifted the Lakers over gritty Eagan 15-14.

8. Lakeville North (5-1): Edge rusher Carl Engwall (three sacks, one safety) was the best defensive player on the field in a 15-0 victory over rival Lakeville South.

9. DeLaSalle (6-0): QB Billy Hart's eye-popping stats from Friday's 63-31 victory over Benilde-St. Margaret's: 20-for-26, 433 yards, seven touchdowns.