Three days of state semifinal action kick off Thursday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Here are our picks for Day 1

4A: Orono vs. Marshall, 10:30 a.m.

This was a 13-12 game in favor of Marshall last month. Expect a similar, low-scoring duel Thursday.

Our pick: Orono 17, Marshall 14

9-Man: Fertile-Beltrami vs. Hills-Beaver Creek, 1 p.m.

Fertile-Beltrami has righted the ship after a three-loss regular season. But Hills-Beaver Creek has demolished everything in its path this fall.

Our pick: Hills-Beaver Creek 35, Fertile-Beltrami 21

9-Man: Hillcrest Lutheran Academy vs. Kittson County Central, 4 p.m.

Kittson County Central quarterback Eli Peterson threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in the first half of the state quarterfinals.

Our pick: Kittson County Central 22, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 21

6A: Minnetonka vs. Edina, 7 p.m.

The return of quarterback Caden Gutzmer has taken the Skippers to another level this postseason and makes them the favorite in Class 6A.

Our pick: Minnetonka 28, Edina 20

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