The big boys -- Class 6A -- begin their postseason tonight. On paper, most first-round games look like mismatches, but there are a few that should be dandies.
A 2-1 showing on Tuesday gives Jim a slight edge in the season record at 19-15. David, known for his strong postseason pushes, is at 17-17.
Section 3: Lakeville South (4-4) at Rosemount (4-4), 7 p.m.
Jim says: When it plays mistake-free, Lakeville South can compete with anyone. Witness the Cougars' 49-14 romp over top-seeded Prior Lake in Week 2. But turnovers have been a bugaboo, including four in a 12-0 loss to Rosemount on Oct. 5. Coach Larry Thompson will have those mistakes cleaned up.
Pick: Lakeville South 22, Rosemount 12
David says: That 12-0 loss came at Lakeville South. This time, the Cougars must travel to Rosemount. Overwhelmed last week by Lakeville North, the Irish saw a three-game win streak snapped. But guys are getting healthy and in position and the Irish should prevail.
Pick: Rosemount 24, Lakeville South 21
Section 4: Woodbury (3-5) vs. Cretin-Derham Hall (6-2), at Univ. of St. Thomas, 7:30 p.m.
Jim says: Looks like whatever was ailing Cretin through the early weeks of the season has been resolved. After a 2-2 start, the Raiders renewed their commitment to the run and have since averaged 48.5 points game.
Pick: Cretin-Derham Hall 36, Woodbury 16
David says: Even after a 48-20 drubbing by Cretin in Week 7, Royals coach Andy Hill believed his team could play with the Raiders. Another reason for hope, tailback Quaran Al-Hameed returned from injury last week.
