Staff writers David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen disagree on just about everything. There is no way David can catch Jim now, but, being a big-game player, David is shooting for a playoffs victory. Jim just yawns.
Tally after Friday: Jim 41, David 24.
David says: Wayzata 24, Cretin-Derham Hall 10 Cretin-Derham Hall's offense is too inexperienced at some positions, not healthy enough at others. Wayzata's shark attack defense already can smell blood in the water. The Trojans win the rematch of a 2005 game.
Jim says: Cretin-Derham Hall 22, Wayzata 16 Call Cretin-Derham Hall nose tackle Jonathan Harden "The Plumber" for how he plugs up opposing offenses. The Raiders have enough size on the offensive line to wear down the Trojans' smallish defense.
David says: Hill-Murray 20, Rocori 16 Now this is what the Pioneers' precision passing game craves -- an indoor game on turf. New coach Brooks Bollinger took a team of good athletes, infused some keen football sense and built confidence.
Jim says: Rocori 31, Hill-Murray 21 Can a team really win a Prep Bowl on ice skates? Rocori has a history of football excellence (Eric Decker, anyone?) and the defense to force this traditional hockey school to run to check rink schedules.
Jim says: St. Croix Lutheran 44, Providence 24 St. Croix Lutheran won the season opener between these two by 46 points. Providence is improved, sure, but a margin that big is no fluke. The Crusaders appear to be Class 3A's team of destiny.
David says: Providence 28, St. Croix Lutheran 24 St. Croix Lutheran barely survived its first four-quarter test of the season in the quarterfinals. This time, the Crusaders fold under the duress of Providence's physical style. The Lions hit hard and hit often.
David says: Warroad 21, Caledonia 20 Warroad reaches its first Prep Bowl with an upset of No. 5 Caledonia. Running back Aaron Haataja, a transfer from Dassel-Cokato, ran well against 3A competition last season and brought an expectation for success.
Jim says: Caledonia 35, Warroad 16 Having ripped off 11 victories in a row since a season-opening loss, Caledonia is obviously ready to play for its fourth state championship in five years. Nothing fancy here; Caledonia just outmuscles people.
David says: Blooming Prairie 35, Dawson-Boyd 28 Awesome. Blossoms. Start a Prep Bowl for nicknames and they are your winners. But let's talk football. QB Luc Zellmer is two touchdowns away from the state's all-time scoring record for QBs.
Jim says: Dawson-Boyd 40, Blooming Prairie 22 The interesting behind-the-scenes battle for Dawson-Boyd is the race for the team rushing title. Both Justin Lee and Estan Weber have rushed for more than 1,600 yards. In this case, one-upsmanship benefits all.
David says: Kittson Central 44, Wheaton-H-N 35 QB Zach Rynning broke the school single-season record for passing yards and TD passes. Derek Coffield broke the school single-season records for receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs.
Jim says: Wheaton-H-N 30, Kittson Central 14 Keep your opponent off the scoreboard, win the game. With a stingy defense and a ball-control offense, Wheaton keeps opposing offenses in check. Opponents have scored just 83 points in 12 games.