Postseason seeding will be affected by several key matchups across the East Metro on the final day of the regular season Wednesday.
Our picks for some of the most consequential matchups:
Lakeville South (6-1) at Rosemount (6-1), 7 p.m.
The winner of Wednesday’s tilt will earn a No. 1 seed in the Class 6A playoffs, along with a Metro South subdistrict title, while the loser will be the No. 2 seed.
Rosemount has allowed 14 points total over its past three games, while the Cougars have scored 27-plus points in six of their seven games this season. Can the Irish slow down Lakeville South’s rushing attack? Because if the Cougars get to 24 points, there’s a strong chance they win the game.
Our pick: Lakeville South 27, Rosemount 20
Woodbury (5-2) vs. East Ridge (4-3), 7 p.m. at TCO Stadium in Eagan
This edition of the rivalry bout carries heavy stakes. With a win, Woodbury can lock up a No. 2 seed at worst in sections — opening a path that requires only two home victories to get to state — in the Class 6A playoffs, along with at least a share of a Metro East subdistrict title.
But if East Ridge, who just got starting quarterback Cedric Tomes back last week for his first start of the fall, wins, it’s anyone’s guess as to how the No. 2-4 seeds would be slotted among Woodbury, the Raptors and Mounds View.
Our pick: Woodbury 24, East Ridge 23
Minneapolis North (7-0) at Johnson (5-2), 6:30 p.m.
The rebirth of the Twin Cities Championship game. The Governors went undefeated in St. Paul play to set up a rematch with the Polars, who toppled Johnson 45-18 in late September.
Johnson has rediscovered its offensive footing since then, averaging 39 points over its last two games. The Governors will have to hit a similar number to pull the upset Wednesday.
Our pick: Minneapolis North 44, Johnson 35
Mahtomedi (7-0) at St. Thomas Academy (7-0), 6 p.m.
Ideally, these high-profile rivalry matchups would be played earlier in the season, and not the week prior to the start of the playoffs.
This bout will have no impact on section seeding, but it’s a great chance for both programs to see exactly where they are heading into the time of year that matters most.
Our pick: St. Thomas Academy 35, Mahtomedi 21
Forest Lake (6-1) at Stillwater (3-4), 7 p.m.
Forest Lake slipped up in a surprise loss to Mounds View last week, but it will cost the Rangers little if they take care of business Wednesday. That would figure to be enough to secure them a No. 1 seed in the Class 6A playoffs.
But if Stillwater can pull the upset at home, it will open the door for a potential home playoff game.
Our pick: Forest Lake 28, Stillwater 10
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