Metro football Top 10
Staff writer Jim Paulsen’s final metro football rankings:
1. Eden Prairie (8-0): The Eagles took care of business but barely held off a late Hopkins surge. Are they vulnerable?
2. Rosemount (8-0): The Irish are looking more and more like the team to beat in Class 6A.
3. Mounds View (7-1): After back-to-back games with dominating second halves against good teams, the Mustangs have proven resilient, a valuable postseason trait.
4. Prior Lake (7-1): The Lakers have reeled off six victories a row. Not always pretty, but they know how to win.
5. Maple Grove (7-1): The Crimson was two points from an undefeated season. The season’s nicest surprise.
6. Hutchinson (8-0): 52 points and 515 yards per game. Just four TDs allowed. What more can they do?
7. Lakeville North (7-1): The defense was at its best, holding Eagan to 56 yards of total offense in a 31-0 victory.
8. East Ridge (7-1): Now that Seth Green has committed to Oregon, the Raptors’ focus returns to the field.
9. Cretin-Derham Hall (6-2): The emergence of running back Kenneth Udoibok is a big reason for the Raiders’ five-game winning streak.
10. Hopkins (4-4): There was a lot to like about the Royals in their loss at Eden Prairie.
10. (tie) Totino-Grace (7-1): In the print edition, I completely overlooked the Eagles. No excuses. So rather than remove at team, let's include them at No. 10. Flog away, if you must.