ANNANDALE (6-5) VS. GREENWAY/NASHWAUK-KEEWATIN (9-2)
Friday, at Chisago Lakes, 7 p.m.
David says: Greenway/N-K 14, Annandale 13
After a 1-2 start, the Titans have kept winning -- often through four quarters of physical, hard-fought football. It's a proven formula that will produce a return to the metro area next week.
Jim says: Annandale 21, Greenway/N-K 16
The lone Wright County Conference team still alive is ... Annandale? The Cardinals are better than their record implies; all five losses have been by a touchdown or less.
HOLY FAMILY (10-1) VS. FAIRMONT (10-1)
Friday, at Chaska, 7 p.m.
David says: Holy Family 28, Fairmont 20
No. 6 Holy Family showed the depth of its program by racing back to championship contention after losing studs to graduation. QB/CB/K/P Michael Roane can win games by himself.
Jim says: Fairmont 33, Holy Family 23
Tim Halligan, radio voice of Glencoe-Silver Lake football, told me Fairmont was Class 3A's team to beat. The Cardinals ended GSL's nine-year state tournament run last week. Nice call, Tim.
PROVIDENCE ACADEMY (9-2) VS. PERHAM (8-3)
Saturday, at St. Cloud St., 5 p.m.
David says: Perham 20, Providence 14
A section final win over Pequot Lakes, avenging a regular-season loss, showed the Yellowjackets' improvement. They aim to turn heads with a strong tournament run. Perham can pound the rock and defend.
Jim says: Providence 34, Perham 22
Perham's defense is sound, but it hasn't had to deal with Marshall Klitzke, Providence's remarkable halfback who sees holes before they open. Playing on turf at Huskies Stadium only means he'll be that much quicker.
ST. CROIX LUTHERAN (11-0) VS. PLAINVIEW-ELGIN-MILLVILLE (11-0)
Saturday, at Lakeville North, 7 p.m.
David says: P-E-M 28, St. Croix Lutheran 27
St. Croix Lutheran earned its reputation for high-octane offense but the Crusaders will get their game thrown (and run) back at them. Load up to stop PEM's rushing attack and the Bulldogs will make it happen through the air.
Jim says: St. Croix Lutheran 43, P-E-M 36
This could end with a basketball score. No. 1-ranked St. Croix averages 48.2 points per game, PEM averages almost 41. But St. Croix Lutheran has RB Wesley Tucker, a speed-power combo who adds an edge to the Crusaders offense.