Where is the lather? Where is the tension? Through three weeks, staff writers Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque remain in a dead heat, each sporting a 7-5 record. That deadlock will be broken this week because they disagree on all three games.

 

MAPLE GROVE (2-0) AT WAYZATA (1-1), 7 p.m.

Jim says: Was Wayzata, which was shocked by Eagan last week, looking past that game to this one? We’ll never know for sure, but I expect that loss got the Trojans’ full attention. I can’t imagine them losing two in a row at home.

Pick: Wayzata 21, Maple Grove 14

David says: Bet you didn’t realize the Crimson is riding a 19-game winning streak in regular-season games (including one forfeit victory). Wayzata is a program running in place. Maple Grove is in full gallop.

Pick: Maple Grove 20, Wayzata 17

 

MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN (2-0) AT MINNEAPOLIS NORTH (1-0), 3:30 p.m.

Jim says: North’s resurgence makes this a must-watch game, but the city conference still belongs to Washburn. Both teams have talent at skill positions, but the Millers’ edge up front will decide things.

Pick: Washburn 38, North 26

David says: North, a terrific comeback story in Class 1A, adds another chapter with a victory at home. Quarterback Tyler Johnson and company are capable of hurting defenses in multiple ways.

Pick: North 28, Washburn 20

MOUNDS VIEW (2-0) VS. CRETIN-DERHAM HALL (1-1) AT UNIV. OF ST. THOMAS, 7:30 P.M.

Jim says: Beset by penalties and turnovers, Cretin-Derham Hall was its own worst enemy in a loss to East Ridge. Afterward, Coach Mike Scanlan could be heard loudly challenging his players to live up to their potential. The fire has been lit.

Pick: Cretin-Derham Hall 24, Mounds View 14

David says: Lopsided victories against Woodbury and White Bear Lake are nice, but this game represents Mounds View’s first big test. A lighter but faster Mustangs outfit finds a way to put the Raiders on a rare two-game losing streak.

Pick: Mounds View 17, Cretin-Derham Hall 13