Prep football staff picks

The last Friday of the regular season is upon us. David La Vaque is 15-10 and tempted to secure his advantage by picking all the same teams as Jim Paulsen (13-12). But that wouldn't be too sporting.

East Ridge (6-0) at Mounds View (5-1), 7 p.m.

Jim says: It's a time of reckoning for East Ridge. If the Raptors are going to live up to expectations, they need to end their baffling recent trend of imploding in tough late-season games. This will be their toughest of the season, but they'll find a way to win.

Pick: East Ridge 24, Mounds View 7

David says: Both teams have beat up on the weaker Suburban East Conference teams. But the onus is on Mounds View to prove itself given the size advantage East Ridge enjoys at key positions. The Mustangs' spirit won't be enough.

Pick: East Ridge 28, Mounds View 21

DeLaSalle (6-0) at Holy Angels (6-0), 7 p.m.

Pick: DeLaSalle 48, Holy Angels 34

David says: The defenses will hold sway over the video-game-like offenses both teams possess. Shootout? Nope. More like, don't be the team that shoots itself in the foot with mistakes and penalties. Holy Angels scores one for composure.

Pick: Holy Angels 24, DeLaSalle 20

Osseo (4-2) at Maple Grove (6-0), 7 p.m.

Jim says: In the Northwest Suburban Conference's biggest rivalry, Osseo has won the past three official meetings (there was a forfeit in 2012). While talented and fast at the skill positions, the Orioles lack size to contend with the Crimson in the trenches.

David says: Maple Grove's defense is reaching the end zone on a near-weekly basis, a sign of a confident team expecting to make big plays. Osseo remains a solid program, but Maple Grove is rising to new heights.