High school sportswriters David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen make their picks for three games on Friday.
STILLWATER (1-0) AT WOODBURY (1-0), 7 p.m.
David says: Stillwater QB Casey Venske connected with six receivers while completing 11 passes for 143 yards and two TDs last week. The Ponies ran effectively, too. Good balance. But not enough this week. Woodbury 35, Stillwater 14.
Jim says: Stillwater has a 34-8 edge in this rivalry but Woodbury has won the past four meetings. Both won big in their openers, but the Royals' experience and QB Donald West, with a breakout performance last week, are the difference.
Woodbury 26, Stillwater 19
ORONO (1-0) AT COOPER (1-0), 7 p.m.
David says: Orono scored 31 points last week after putting up a combined 35 points in the first four weeks last fall. Already loaded with returning starters, the Spartans now possess some confidence. Cooper offers a great test.
Orono 28, Cooper 21
Jim says: Defeating Benilde-St. Margaret's in the opener was a big statement for Orono. Do the Spartans have enough speed to match up with the explosive Hawks? Expect an offensive show. Fewest mistakes wins. Cooper 34, Orono 30
SHAKOPEE (0-1) AT EDEN PRAIRIE, (1-0), 7 p.m.
David says: Shakopee is so darn close to emerging as the metro area's next big thing. The Sabers lost by three points last week; going back to last season, that's six of seven losses by a touchdown or less. Can they win The Big One this week? Eden Prairie 30, Shakopee 21
