CLASS 6A

No. 3 Rosemount (5-4) at No. 2 Woodbury (5-4), 7 p.m.

Whichever defense performs better will win this game. But, for Woodbury, can a passing game led by quarterback George Bjellos make those one or two big plays that prove to be the separator? OUR PICK: Woodbury 17, Rosemount 13

No. 4 Shakopee (6-3) at No. 1 Lakeville South (8-1), 7 p.m.

Shakopee is the most dangerous fourth seed in the Class 6A bracket. The Sabers have played Lakeville South well in previous seasons. All of their losses have been highly competitive, and they’ve been very impressive of late. But you have to be lights out to knock the Cougars out of the postseason. OUR PICK: Lakeville South 17, Shakopee 14

No. 6 East Ridge (3-6) at No. 2 Minnetonka (7-2), 7 p.m.

East Ridge dropped a number of tight games during the regular season. It’s funny how a playoff run can drown out so many bad memories. The Raptors made the big plays they lacked this fall in a Round 1 win over Anoka. Do they have another upset in them? OUR PICK: Minnetonka 20, East Ridge 14

No. 5 Prior Lake (5-4) at No. 1 Centennial (8-1), 7 p.m.

Prior Lake outlasted a gritty Mounds View team last week and has experience in tight games throughout the season. But this feels like Centennial’s year to break through and finally get to U.S. Bank Stadium. OUR PICK: Centennial 13, Prior Lake 10

No. 5 Rochester Mayo (4-5) at No. 1 Stillwater (7-2), 7 p.m.

Rochester Mayo has proven it can put up points this season, even in defeat. Stillwater, of course, can also score — especially now that Nick Kinsey is back in the lineup at quarterback. Which offense will be the first to flinch? OUR PICK: Stillwater 30, Rochester Mayo 22

No. 3 Forest Lake (6-3) at No. 2 Lakeville North (8-1), 7 p.m.

Lakeville North is a state championship-caliber, experienced team that has been too physical for most opponents this season. But Forest Lake is also physical, and seems to have found another gear over the past month. Can the Rangers push the Panthers? OUR PICK: Lakeville North 24, Forest Lake 10

No. 4 Eagan (4-5) at No. 1 Eden Prairie (9-0), 7 p.m.

Eagan entered this season with the goal to win a playoff game. Mission accomplished with last week’s victory over White Bear Lake. This season is a success for the ever-climbing Wildcats. But it’s tough to see it extending beyond Friday’s run-in with an Eden Prairie team that has established itself as the top group in Class 6A. OUR PICK: Eden Prairie 28, Eagan 7

CLASS 5A

No. 2 Bloomington Jefferson (8-1) at No. 1 St. Thomas Academy (7-2), 7 p.m.

Bloomington Jefferson has had a noteworthy season. But the Cadets own Section 3, and have the mix of offensive capabilities required to move deep into November. OUR PICK: St. Thomas Academy 35, Bloomington Jefferson 20

No. 3 Cretin-Derham Hall (5-5) at Mahtomedi (5-4), 7 p.m.

Alec Mahoney ran for 241 yards and five scores for the Zephyrs when these two teams met in early October. Cretin-Derham Hall seems to have found a different gear since then, and perhaps Miles Bollinger and the passing game are clicking. OUR PICK: Mahtomedi 28, Cretin-Derham Hall 26

CLASS 4A

No. 2 Chisago Lakes (8-2) at No. 1 Hill-Murray (7-2), 7 p.m.

Hill-Murray has won seven straight after dropping its first two games of the season. The Pioneers are winning the battle of the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. And the passing game is hitting new levels. The only thing standing between Hill-Murray and state is Chisago Lake’s multi-faceted rushing attack. OUR PICK: Hill-Murray 21, Chisago Lakes 20

CLASS 2A

No. 3 Cannon Falls (8-2) vs No. 1 St. Agnes (9-0), at Watertown-Mayer High School, 7 p.m.

As always, Cannon Falls sports an explosive running game and will provide a severe test to the Aggies. But it’s finally St. Agnes’ turn to take the next step. The Aggies have blitzed teams — even high-level ones —  all season. That won’t stop now. OUR PICK: St. Agnes 42, Cannon Falls 24

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