High school football: Thursday state quarterfinal predictions
Here are Thursday’s high school football state tournament quarterfinal games featuring East Metro teams:
CLASS 6A
Stillwater (8-2) vs. Edina (7-3), at Park Center, 7 p.m.
These two teams met in Week 7, with Edina announcing its presence as a true state contender with a 14-7 victory. Nick Kinsey only threw nine passes in that game for the Ponies, though, before exiting with an injury. Kinsey returned for the start of the playoffs, and Stillwater’s offense has been on a roll ever since. OUR PICK: Stillwater 27, Edina 23
Rosemount (6-4) vs. Centennial (9-1), at Stillwater, 7 p.m.
Centennial beat Rosemount 9-0 late in the regular season. Rosemount’s offense has seemingly found a bit of a groove in its ensuing games, but the Cougars are physical enough to negate the power of the wing-t offense. Centennial has had a number of good teams in recent years that have fallen just short of U.S. Bank Stadium. The time is now to break through. OUR PICK: Centennial 12, Rosemount 10
CLASS 4A
Hill-Murray (8-2) vs. Byron (9-1), at Eastview, 6 p.m.
Two teams that appear very even on paper. Hill-Murray, though, has the type of physicality married with skill position players that is a proven postseason combination. OUR PICK: Hill-Murray 20, Byron 14
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