Staff writers David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen disagree on just about everything. Who will win on Friday night is one of the few arguments that is publishable. Tally so far: Jim 7, David 5.

MAHTOMEDI AT TOTINO-GRACE, 7 P.M.

David says: Mahtomedi 21, Totino-Grace 20

Blowing a 13-0 halftime lead over St. Thomas Academy at home must still be grinding the Zephyrs' gears. You can bet they will try to get ahead of the Eagles early and stay there. Watch for WR Michael Harris to create match-up problems downfield.

Jim says: Totino-Grace 19, Mahtomedi 13

This is not the polished Totino-Grace team that we're used to seeing, but the Eagles are always one of the best-prepared teams in the metro. This group has come along way in short time since losing at home to Minnetonka. They can play a little defense and will not falter at home twice in one year.

LAKEVILLE NORTH AT ROSEMOUNT, 7 P.M.

David says: Lakeville North 28, Rosemount 16

Rosemount escaped with a victory against Prior Lake last week, but the luck of the Irish won't win out this week. Lakeville North beat Edina despite struggling to run the football. A more balanced attack will move the Panthers to 4-0 at the regular-season turn.

Jim says: Rosemount 26, Lakeville North 16

There is a recipe to Rosemount's success, and it reads like this: Line up. Run hard. Hit harder. The Irish don't mess around with fancy formations and cute little designs. Rosemount doesn't just beat teams, it beats them up. No real stars here; just the guts and the grit to defend home turf.

SOUTH ST. PAUL AT HILL-MURRAY, SATURDAY, 1 P.M.

David says: Hill-Murray 28, South St. Paul 21

Hill-Murray gets the edge in this matchup of unbeaten Classic Suburban Conference rivals with contrasting styles because of its better passing game and more balanced offense. The Packers have not played from behind yet this fall, and they won't like the view.

Jim says: South St. Paul 33, Hill-Murray 16

South St. Paul plays ball control on offense and can demoralize opponents with a rushing attack featuring the metro's toughest running back in Sam Sura, who never loses yards. The Packers have not given up a point in three games and will not give up enough to lose here.