Saturday's prep football semifinal picks

Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque pick Saturday's state semifinal games.

Jim says: Two things Owatonna does well: 1. Run the ball. 2. Pass the ball. Which are the two things that make up offensive football. Brainerd has a serious threat in running back Charlie Gereats, but two dimensions are clearly better than one. Huskies should prevail.

Pick: Owatonna 24, Brainerd 14

David says: Junior running back Jason Williamson ran for seven Owatonna touchdowns last week but he's only half of what makes the Huskies dangerous. Senior quarterback Abe Havelka has 2,564 passing yards and 33 touchdowns this fall. Stopping one won't be enough.

Pick: Owatonna 38, Brainerd 24

Jim says: Few teams have the discipline of St. Croix Lutheran. For the Crusaders, prosperity is in the details. And the legs of RB Mike Stern and hands of WR Garrett Maag.

Pick: St. Croix Lutheran 36, Pequot Lakes 20

Pick: St. Croix Lutheran 42, Pequot Lakes 17

Jim says: It seems these teams have been on a path toward a Prep Bowl collision all season. Jordan QB Jonathan Draheim hasn't been shut down and the Hubmen will get their yards, but the salty Pierz defense will make them earn each one.

Pick: Pierz 34, Jordan 16

David says: Pierz ran wild last week, rolling up 298 yards. That puts Jordan on notice because the Hubmen gave up 204 rushing yards per game in the section playoffs and seven touchdowns. Running the ball well usually brings good things.

Pick: Pierz 28, Jordan 21

Pick: Minneota 41, Mayer Lutheran 21

David says: Mr. Football finalist Isaac Hennen, a Swiss Army Knife in cleats, scored four touchdowns last week. State semifinal first-timer Mayer Lutheran counters with a balanced attack.

Pick: Minneota 28, Mayer Lutheran 21

Jim says: Before this season, Ada-Borup and Norman Co. West were separate programs. The co-op has pitched five shutouts and held three foes to single digits. The Cougars will be ready for speedy Wabasso RB Cooper Taylor.

Pick: Ada-Borup/NCW 24, Wabasso 16