Winners on Friday night and Saturday advance to the football state tournament, the first one in recent memory to get started before Halloween. Here's how staff writers Jim Paulsen (25-11) and David La Vaque (23-13) carve up some of the top games:
Hopkins (3-6) at Osseo (6-3), 7 p.m.
David says: Each team averaged almost 30 points per game so it's tempting to bet the over. Rain in the Friday evening forecast, however, could slow the pace. Hopkins, upset darlings last week, will battle. But a full-strength Osseo team, at home, has the edge.
Pick: Osseo 24, Hopkins 21
Jim says: Looking back, Hopkins' upset of Rosemount wasn't a huge surprise. Hopkins can score with anyone but struggles defensively. Rosemount's grinding style left the Irish vulnerable. Not the case with Osseo, which can score in myriad ways.
Pick: Osseo 34, Hopkins 24
Edina (4-5) at Burnsville (8-1), 7 p.m.
David says: When the bracket came out, Edina looked best suited to make a surprise state run. The Hornets' offense can run and throw and the defense is stout. Quarterback Brock Boltmann won't be 100 percent but Edina finds a way.
Pick: Edina 21, Burnsville 17
Jim says: It's tempting to underestimate Burnsville, David, but it's too late to do that now. The Blaze have answered every question asked. Defense wins in the postseason and Burnsville's holds opponents to just over 10 points per game.
