A look at Friday’s state semifinal games, along with our picks for who will prevail and advance to the state finals.
2A: Jackson County Central vs. Eden Valley-Watkins, 9 a.m.
Gophers commit Roman Voss is the top recruit in the state and has led Jackson County Central to a dominant season that shows no signs of slowing down.
Our pick: Jackson County Central 28, Eden Valley-Watkins 21
4A: Kasson-Mantorville vs. Grand Rapids, 11:30 a.m.
Grand Rapids quarter final win over Benilde-St. Margaret’s featured 47 runs and one pass. Could a similar recipe be on top Friday?
Our pick: Grand Rapids 20, Kasson-Mantorville 13
5A: St. Thomas Academy vs. Spring Lake Park, 2 p.m.
Two dominant defenses that haven’t allowed 20-plus points in a single game all season. Which offense can muster those one or two big plays that figure to win this bout?
Our pick: St. Thomas Academy 17, Spring Lake Park 14
2A: Goodhue vs. Holdingford, 4:30 p.m.
Jack Carlson is a 1,000 yard rusher this year for Goodhue. He’ll need to get going if the Wildcats are to chew clock and keep Holdingford quarterback Jaxon Bartkowicz and his high-powered offense off the field.
Our pick: Holdingford 42, Goodhue 20
6A: Lakeville South vs. Marshall, 7:30 p.m.
A fun clash of styles, as Lakeville South’s dominant rushing attack squares off with Marshall star quarterback Jett Feeney. On the menu: Points, and a lot of them.
Our pick: Lakeville South 52, Moorhead 38
Wisconsin
Division 2: River Falls vs. Notre Dame, 7 p.m. at D.C. Everest High School
River Falls’ offense has been high-powered all season. The same, or more, will be required Friday, as the Wildcats attempt to keep up with Notre Dame running back Kingston Allen, who’s ran for 2,967 yards and 49 touchdowns this season.
Our pick: River Falls 49, Notre Dame 45
Division 4: Baldwin-Woodville vs. Winneconne, 7 p.m. at Marshfield High School
Two defenses that have been largely dominant throughout the season meet up in a battle of 12-0 squads. Baldwin-Woodville is one win away from making a second consecutive state title game trip, and experience may win out here.
Our pick: Baldwin-Woodville 21, Winneconne 17
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