CLASS 4A

Friday, 4 p.m.

Becker Bulldogs (11-1) vs. DeLaSalle Islanders (11-1)

 

Jim says: All season I touted Hutchinson as the state’s best non-Class 6A team. And then DeLaSalle, a team with a reputation as a stats machine, outslugs the Tigers. Give the Islanders credit. The return of Oregon-bound lineman Drayton Carlberg, who missed more than half the season with a high-ankle sprain, adds needed grittiness. Despite the weather, expect a shootout between two of the metro’s best quarterbacks in Billy Hart of DeLaSalle and Michael Veldman of Becker. The Islanders lost to Becker in the state quarterfinals in 2012 and are keen to return the favor.

• The pick: DeLaSalle 37, Becker 34.

 

David says: DeLaSalle upset Hutchinson by taking away running options at the line of scrimmage, and then using superior perimeter athletes to overwhelm the Tigers’ less-potent passing game. Thing is, Becker boasts a more balanced offense than did Hutchinson. Whatever the Islanders take away, Becker can counter. Quarterback Michael Veldman and receiver Eric Blomgren are, in the words of one metro area coach, legit. They hooked up for eight catches, 141 yards and a touchdown last week. But don’t overlook running back C.J. Schwintek. Slowed in the semifinals, he remains a big-play threat.

The pick: Becker 28, DeLaSalle 21