Staff writers David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen weigh in on Friday night’s matchup. They’ll have more picks from the rest of the semifinal games to be played on Saturday.

CLASS 6A

Maple Grove (10-1) vs. Eden Prairie (11-0) at Hopkins, 6 p.m.

Jim says: There’s no question that the Crimson has enough defense to give the Eagles a battle. But I just can’t see the Maple Grove offense sustaining drives long enough to keep Eden Prairie from eventually breaking through.

The pick: Eden Prairie 21, Maple Grove 7

David says: Eden Prairie shook off a 14-0 deficit against East Ridge thanks to explosive offensive plays and defensive adjustments. Those attributes bode well for a continued march toward an unprecedented fourth consecutive big school state title.

The pick: Eden Prairie 28, Maple Grove 14