CLASS 2A

Kimball (11-0) vs. Jackson County Central (11-0), 9 a.m.

Jackson County Central has been the more dominant team throughout the season, while Kimball has played the better schedule. In what figures to be a tightly-contested battle, it’s tough not to pick the more battle-tested team. OUR PICK: Kimball 24, Jackson County Central 22

Staples-Motley (11-0), vs. Chatfield (11-0), 4:30 p.m.

Chatfield required a go-ahead touchdown and extra point with 74 seconds to play to win its state quarterfinal 23-22 over Triton. And Staples-Motley required double overtime to beat Barnesville on a 2-point conversion, 46-44. The elite class of Class 2A is only growing, leading to a number of classics throughout the state tournament. Expect another one here. OUR PICK: Chatfield 27, Staples-Motley 24

CLASS 4A

Orono (9-2) vs. Totino-Grace (11-0), 11:30 a.m.

A rematch of a game won 11-8 by Totino-Grace last month. The reason to like the Eagles on Friday is not the narrow victory, but the fact they found the only true offensive success in that contest, with Marquel Keten running for 131 yards on the ground. If that’s repeatable, advantage Totino-Grace. OUR PICK: Totino-Grace 17, Orono 7

CLASS 5A

Chanhassen (8-3) vs. Elk River (10-1), 2 p.m.

These two teams met back in Week 1, with the Elks averaging nearly 10 yards per carry en route to a 440-yard rushing performance and a 44-22 victory. But Chanhassen was fresh off a state title and working in a bunch of new faces who were learning what it takes to compete at that level. The Storm figure to be better equipped to put up a fight defensively this time around. But have they closed the gap enough over the last two and a half months? OUR PICK: Elk River 38, Chanhassen 28

CLASS 6A

Maple Grove (11-0) vs. Shakopee (10-1), 7:30 p.m.

Shakopee is the next elite West Metro challenger being thrown into the ring in an attempt to take down the Crimson, who are in the midst of an impressively dominant playoff run against a gantlet of perceived title contenders. The return of running back Charles Langama in the postseason gave the Crimson an explosiveness that seems to leave Maple Grove weakness-free. OUR PICK: Maple Grove 28, Shakopee 14