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Prep football staff picks

By Star Tribune, 10/01/14, 9:22PM CDT

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Staff picks for Thursday and Friday

In recognition of Yom Kippur, many prep football programs have either moved games to Thursday or scheduled them at 5 p.m. Friday to complete games before sundown. With an extra night of football, we’re adding a bonus pick. So far, David is proving that it doesn’t pay to think too much, using common sense to bump his record to 13-8. Jim, losing two of three last week, fell to 10-11.

THURSDAY

Minnetonka (3-3) at Eden Prairie (5-0), 7 p.m.

Jim says: Let’s see, Minnetonka is coming off a disappointing loss to Edina while Eden Prairie had a week off to get healthy. The Skippers have too much pride to get run over, but Eden Prairie has too much of everything else.

Pick: Eden Prairie 36, Minnetonka 14.

David says: This series has seen some grinding, low-scoring games. Minnetonka needs one of those types of games to stay competitive. But don’t expect Eden Prairie to be gracious hosts.

Pick: Eden Prairie 28, Minnetonka 13.

FRIDAY

Lakeville North (4-1) at Lakeville South (2-3), 7 p.m.

Jim says: Lakeville North still is trying to find itself offensively, but defense keeps it close in every game. Mistake-prone South needs to be pret’-near perfect to win back the Big Cat Trophy.

Pick: Lakeville North 21, Lakeville South 12.

David says: You would think a rivalry game against a favored opponent with injuries at key positions favors a Lakeville South upset. But you would be wrong. North’s defense finds a way.

Pick: Lakeville North 14, Lakeville South 10.

friday

Cretin-Derham Hall (3-2) at Stillwater (5-0), 7 p.m.

Jim says: I’ve been a Cretin-Derham Hall believer for much of the season, but I’m feeling like the guy at the slot machine who keeps pumping in more quarters, thinking it has to pay off sometime. All I’m left with is empty pockets.

Pick: Stillwater 30, Cretin-DH 23.

David says: Stillwater got reduced to rubble by Cretin-Derham Hall in the playoffs last fall, so the Ponies need a victory Friday for psychological reasons. They have the diverse, explosive offense to make it happen.

Pick: Stillwater 28, Cretin-DH 14

friday

Elk River (5-0) at Totino-Grace (4-1), 5 p.m.

Jim says: This is not the efficient machine that has come to define Totino-Grace under coach Jeff Ferguson. But the Eagles are coming off a rare shutout loss and will be a little surly. They’ll put a stop to Elk River’s season-long parade to the end zone.

Pick: Totino-Grace 48, Elk River 22.

David says: This one is going to be fun. Both defenses have holes, sure, but both also boast skilled offensive players. The final result could well come down to which team has the ball last. And Elk River has been the more consistent closer.

Pick: Elk River 38, Totino-Grace 31.

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