Two Rivers (7-0) at Simley (4-3), 7 p.m.

A year ago, a 7-1 Two Rivers team was seeded fourth in Class 5A, Section 3, in spite of a stellar QRF number. Well now the Warriors are undefeated and have a key section victory over Hastings. With playoff seeding this week, the completion of an undefeated campaign should leave little doubt that — even with a not-so-rigorous schedule — the Warriors are the top seed in their section bracket. Our pick: Two Rivers 35, Simley 19

Chaska (3-4) at St. Thomas Academy (5-2), 7 p.m.

Chaska edged the Cadets by one point in this very game to conclude the 2023 regular season. So St. Thomas Academy will have revenge on its mind, while also looking to use Wednesday’s tilt as a final tuneup in an effort to be sharp ahead of its latest pursuit to get back to the Class 5A state tournament.

Highland Park (3-4) at Central (3-4), 4:30 p.m.

Always a massive rivalry game, but this tilt carries even more implications than usual. The winner can claim a .500 record in the regular season and, like a first-round home playoff game. A quick glance at the section suggests these two teams may square off in the section quarterfinals regardless of Wednesday’s result, but home field in that could be on the line here. Our pick: Highland Park 22, Central 20

Spring Lake Park (3-4) at Mahtomedi (1-6), 7 p.m.

Two traditionally strong programs in the midst of what appear to be down years. But there are surprise teams that make deeper-than-expected playoff runs each season, and these are certainly two candidates. The runway to a turnaround is shortening, but a win Wednesday could prove to be the springboard either side needs for a postseason push. Our pick: Spring Lake Park 30, Mahtomedi 23