All semifinals are played at U.S. Bank Stadium

Class 5A: St. Thomas Academy (9-2) vs. Alexandria (11-0), 2 p.m.

Alexandria has a number of strong wins this season, including Rogers, twice over Brainerd, Elk Rivers and Chaska. Chase Thompson threw for 230 yards and three scores in Alexandria’s win over Rogers in the state tournament quarterfinal round. So Alexandria has the offensive firepower to again test. St. Thomas Academy’s defense. But the Cadets’ defense has proven opportunistic at key points, particularly in the postseason. And anybody who wants to beat St. Thomas Academy must first solve the Cadets’ running game. OUR PICK: St. Thomas Academy 31, Alexandria 28

Class 6A: Eden Prairie (11-0) vs. Edina (8-3), 7 p.m.

Edina has reeled off seven straight victories and knows what to expect from Eden Prairie after falling to the Eagles in Week 2. The Hornets – who are making their first state semifinal appearance since 1978 – have found a beautiful balance offensively, with Mason West posting near-perfect passer ratings on a weekly basis, while John Warpinski has rushed for 1,500 yards. But all of that success is contingent upon controlling the line of scrimmage. And that’s not something anyone has done all season against Eden Prairie. OUR PICK: Eden Prairie 21, Edina 19

Class 4A: Hutchinson (9-2) vs. North Branch (10-1), 4:30 p.m.

North Branch sports an offense that hasn’t scored fewer than 28 points in a game this year and an ability to win tight contests. Will that be enough to topple Hutchinson, which remains the one true titan in Class 4A football? OUR PICK: Hutchinson 34, North Branch 21

Class 2A: Cannon Falls (10-2) vs. Eden Valley-Watkins (11-0), 11:30 a.m.

Cannon Falls’ offense is clicking on all cylinders in the postseason, with three straight games scoring 50-plus points. The Bombers’ rushing attack is a problem for any and all playoff foes. But there hasn’t been a problem Eden Valley-Watkins hasn’t solved this season. It scored 38-plus points in 10 games this season, while never surrendering more than 14. OUR PICK: Eden Valley-Watkins 52, Cannon Falls 37

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