After two weeks of play, staff writers Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque are each 5-4 on the season. Here’s a look a what they agree on — and what they don’t — this week:

 

East Ridge vs. Cretin-Derham Hall at University of St. Thomas, 7:30 p.m.

Jim says: This has become the sexiest rivalry in the Suburban East. Each time they meet, there’s a handful of Division I players on the field. C-DH is on the verge of righting the ship, which has unexpectedly sunk early in the postseason in recent years. Not Friday night.

Pick: East Ridge 27, Cretin-Derham Hall 17

David says: The Raiders played this game last year without star defensive end Jashon Cornell, who was injured, and grinded out a 10-7 victory. Expect the defense to set the pace again by limiting standout junior QB Seth Green.

Pick: Cretin-Derham Hall 20, East Ridge 14

 

Prior Lake at Rosemount, 7 p.m.

Jim says: I’m going completely on feel. It feels like Prior Lake is close to moving into a more exclusive neighborhood but isn’t quite there yet. It feels like this could very well be Rosemount’s year. It feels like an Irish victory.

Pick: Rosemount 28, Prior Lake 21

David says: Since Rosemount does not play Lakeville North, the Irish should be plenty focused on what will be their toughest South Suburban Conference game this fall. To prevail will require a full four-quarter effort.

Pick: Rosemount 24, Prior Lake 17

 

Osseo at Minnetonka, 7 p.m.

Jim says: No one has more team speed than Osseo, which was an orange-and-black whip in a rout of Irondale last week. Orioles coach Derrin Lamker has had this game circled all summer and has schemes to neutralize Tonka’s size advantage.

Pick: Osseo 36, Minnetonka 26

David says: The Class 6A Skippers got their scare last week as they escaped a game against Class 4A Becker with a game-winning field goal on the final play. A tested Minnetonka team will maul Osseo en route to victory.

Pick: Minnetonka 21, Osseo 14