9 PLAYER
Fertile-Beltrami (12-0) vs. Hills-Beaver Creek (12-0), 10 a.m.
Hills-Beaver Creek is in pursuit of its first state title since 1990, while Fertile-Beltrami is chasing the first title in program history. Fertile-Beltrami cleared a major hurdle by finally downing a Section 1 opponent at state with its dominant fourth quarter in a semifinal win over LeRoy-Ostrander. The Falcons are led by Isaiah Wright, who has rushed for 2,428 yards — more than 200 per game — and 39 touchdowns this season. OUR PICK: Fertile-Beltrami 42, Hills-Beaver Creek 30
CLASS 3A
Dassel-Cokato (11-1) vs. Stewartville (13-0), 1 p.m.
The Cardiac Chargers have scored in the final minute to win each of their first two state tournament games this month. Somehow, the run-heavy team is build to rally late. The issue with playing Stewartville is the defending champ usually has put games out of reach long before the closing moments of a game. A 13-point win over Albany last week was the closest game the Tigers have played during their current 27-game winning streak. OUR PICK: Stewartville 35, Dassel-Cokato 20
CLASS 5A
Alexandria (10-2) vs. Elk River (11-1), 4 p.m.
Elk River has its ever-reliable, deceptive rushing attack. The Elks have four players who have run for more than 850 yards and double-digit touchdowns, with each of them averaging more than eight yards per carry. The foursome is led by Brecken Keoraj, who has 1,472 yards and 18 scores. But Alexandria may be even more explosive with its prominent passing game. Quarterback Chase Thompson has thrown for 3,287 yards and 35 scores this season. Much of that production has gone the way of Mason Gorghuber, who has 1,217 yards and 21 touchdowns receiving. Points may be aplenty in the Prep Bowl finale. OUR PICK: Alexandria 55, Elk River 45
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