A preview at some of Friday’s top high school football games involving East Metro teams:

Lakeville North (2-0) at Lakeville South (1-1), 7 p.m.

It’s unfathomable the Cougars have won five straight editions of this rivalry, the latest victory coming in dramatic, almost miraculous fashion a year ago. Friday’s tilt will be another can’t-miss duel. But last week’s performance in which it roared back after falling behind Rosemount early suggests these Panthers may be unflappable, on top of extremely talented. Both traits will be required for a win Friday. OUR PICK: Lakeville North 24, Lakeville South 17

Forest Lake (1-1) at Mounds View (1-1), 7 p.m.

Jacob Sampson has given the Mustangs some real juice at quarterback. Apparent offensive improvement gives Mounds View a real chance to be a threat to win the Metro East this fall. But that offense faces a stiff test this week in the form of an always-solid, stout Rangers defense. OUR PICK: Forest Lake 20, Mounds View 17

Stillwater (1-1) at East Ridge (1-1), 7 p.m.

Two teams with the reputation of being pass-heavy offenses in the past that are demonstrating high-level balance through two games this fall. But Stillwater is the team having more success on the ground to date, with running back Emilio Rosario-Matias carving up opposing defenses who have to be worried about quarterback Nick Kinsey. OUR PICK: Stillwater 27, East Ridge 20

Maple Grove (2-0) at Centennial (1-1), 7 p.m.

Centennial won its first Class 6A state championship last fall. The only blemish on that slate was a Week 3 loss to then-defending champion Maple Grove, which put on a show to remind everyone it still had some bite. The always-dangerous Cougars aim to send a similar message this Friday after falling to Blaine last week. But the Crimson are a state title favorite this season for a reason. OUR PICK: Maple Grove 24, Centennial 14

St. Croix Lutheran (2-0) at Holy Family (2-0), 7 p.m.

Hat tip to Dan O’Brien, who has Holy Family Catholic potentially on the fringe of the Class 3A state title conversation in Year 2 of what was expected to be a massive rebuild. The Crusaders, who have some versatile athletes such as senior do-it-all man Matthew Beekman, would also like to be a part of those discussions, and could enter them with a win Friday. OUR PICK: Holy Family 31, St. Croix Lutheran 22

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