NINE-MAN

Friday, 10 a.m.

Edgerton/Ellsworth (13-0) vs. Wheaton/Herman-Norcross (12-1)

Points machine meets rugged D

Edgerton/Ellsworth: The Flying Dutchmen are balanced, with more than 3,800 rushing yards and nearly 3,000 passing yards. QB Isaac Heard and WR Casey Schilling have hooked up nearly 80 times this season, including 10 times for 171 yards and a touchdown in the semifinals.

Wheaton/Herman-Norcross: The Warriors edged Spring Grove with defense and routed Kittson County Central with offense. That shows versatility and strength on both sides of the ball. Running backs Wolfgang Brink, Michael Persing and Tyler Schwagel all have the ability to shoulder the load.

The difference-maker: Can Wheaton/Herman-Norcross slow down Edgerton/Ellsworth's passing?

David says: The Flying Dutchmen have averaged 54 points per game this season. Regulation games are 48 minutes. Do the math. A point-a-minute offense always gets my vote.

Edgerton/Ellsworth 49,

Wheaton/H-N 31

Jim says: Defense and ball control make the difference at this time of year, and that's what Wheaton does best. Long, time-consuming drives will ground the Flying Dutchmen.

Wheaton/H-N 34, Edgerton/Ellsworth 26