Playoffs begin with Tuesday's section quarterfinals in six of the state's seven classes. Most No. 1 and 2 seeds are idle, spotlighting lower-ranked teams hungry for success. Jim holds the edge with a 17-14 record. David, 16-15, picked three road teams.
Class 5A, Section 4: Andover (No. 6, 4-4) at St. Paul Central (No. 3, 8-0), 7 p.m.
Jim says: Andover has been through tougher battles, but that's not Central's fault. The Minutemen have taken care of business as needed. I can't, in good conscience, pick against an undefeated team at home against a .500 opponent.
Pick: St. Paul Central 32, Andover 23
David says: Give undefeated Central its due, but Andover is the more tested team, having played well in losses to Edina, Osseo and Totino-Grace. Strong defense and a balanced offense prolongs Andover's stay in Class 5A's toughest section.
Pick: Andover 21, St. Paul Central 14
Class 5A, Section 6: Buffalo (No. 6, 3-5) at St. Michael-Albertville (No. 3, 5-3), 7 p.m.
Jim says: Few things motivate better than revenge, and the Knights have plenty of motivation: a Week 5 loss to Buffalo that cost them a first-round bye. Expect the Knights, who turned the ball over three times last time, to be feisty.
Pick: St. Michael-Albertville 31, Buffalo 20
David says: Buffalo's season was a tale of two halves. I believe in the Bison team that finished 3-1, a run started with a victory against these same Knights. Buffalo's improved execution and physical play results in a sweep.
