1. Eden Prairie (4-0): We’ve all seen the Eagles’ 41-14 victory over Osseo before: Pound the line of scrimmage, get a big early lead and suffocate the opponent.
2. Rosemount (3-0): A humbling come-from-behind road win at Edina should keep the Irish grounded and hungry.
3. Lakeville North (3-0): A strong case could be made that the Panthers have the metro’s best defense after a 20-0 shutout of Apple Valley.
4. East Ridge (3-0): The Raptors got their running game going, piling up 270 yards on the ground in a 33-7 victory over Mahtomedi.
5. Maple Grove (3-0): The only reason the Crimson didn’t move up after routing Wayzata is that the four teams ahead also won. This team is legit.
6. Totino-Grace (3-0): A second straight thrilling end-of-the-game victory — 34-33 over Spring Lake Park in OT — begs the question: Are the Eagles very good or very lucky?
7. Mounds View (3-0): The epitome of a great team: No superstars and everyone knows and executes his role well. Credit to head coach Jim Galvin and his staff.
8. Prior Lake (2-1): The Lakers get another chance to prove themselves Friday at Lakeville North. Two great defenses butting heads. Worth checking out.
9. St. Michael-Albertville (3-0): The Knights held Monticello below 200 total yards in a 31-0 victory.
10. Hutchinson (3-0): Can anyone stop the Tigers? They’ve outscored opponents 154-15, a perfect 112-0 in the first half.
JIM PAULSEN