Star Tribune prep football staff picks, Week 4

David says: Minnetonka quarterback Garrett Olson leads the team in rushing attempts (57) and yards (241). When he drops back, Olson looks for possession receiver Nate Shoemaker (17 catches) and big-play threat Powers Warren (24.4 yards per catch). Wayzata might slow Olson but won't stop him.

Pick: Minnetonka 21, Wayzata 10

Jim says: Neither team is going to wow anyone with its offense. Minnetonka has relied heavily on Olson, so you can bet Wayzata will scheme to stop him. The Trojans have won six of the past seven meetings, and I think that trend continues.

Pick: Wayzata 24, Minnetonka 16

David says: A good stat provided by Jim is so good that it warrants repeating: Since 2013, Eden Prairie is 4-2 against Totino-Grace, 33-0 against everyone else. Maple Grove has a lot to like. But Eden Prairie grinds out a victory with three running backs combining for about 180 yards per game.

Pick: Eden Prairie 27, Maple Grove 21

Jim says: Expect to see two of the fastest defenses in the metro. With all that speed, big plays will be few. It will come down to execution and the team that can control the line of scrimmage. And that's right up Eden Prairie's alley.

David says: The glaring issue with Elk River's confounding sleight-of-hand Wing-T offense is that St. Michael-Albertville isn't fooled. The Knights are defensively sound, led by several returning linemen and linebackers. They will keep the defending Class 5A champion unbeaten.

Pick: St. Michael-Albertville 28, Elk River 14

Jim says: Here's the difference between Elk River this year and in years past: This year's Elks have a defense to go with their run-heavy attack, having outscored their first three opponents 119-7. St. Michael-Albertville is coming off an emotional victory over Rogers. Could the Knights, No. 1 in Class 5A, be due for a letdown?