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Football picks: After nine guesses, we have a clear leader

By JIM PAULSEN and DAVID La VAQUE, Star Tribune , 09/09/21, 1:30PM CDT

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David La Vaque is out ahead of Jim Paulsen in their annual competition.


Andover faces a difficult opponent Friday in Elk River. MARK HVIDSTEN, SportsEngine

The games and the guesses

Heading into our first full Friday football night of 2021, Star Tribune staff writer David La Vaque has picked seven winners in nine tries from games played in Zero Week and last Thursday and Friday. Colleague Jim Paulsen is at 5-4 in the competition they’ve waged each season since 2010. Perhaps the traditionalist in Paulsen will show as the schedule turns to traditional Friday nights. Their picks for three Friday games:

Elk River at Andover, 7 p.m.

Jim says: Andover had rarely defeated Elk River until last season, when the Huskies won 22-7, but has always been able to stay close to the Elks. Both teams have high hopes for this season. My gut tells me there will be points scored in bunches, and in that case I have to lean toward Elk River. Pick: Elk River 43, Andover 36

David says: Elk River is still Elk River, running the ball on 44 of 45 offensive plays last week for 364 yards and a remarkable 8.3 yards per carry. Senior Dylan Rogers tallied 157 of those yards. Andover brought balance, passing for 159 yards and running for 123. The Huskies tame the explosive Elks. Pick: Andover 28, Elk River 21

Prior Lake at Shakopee, 7 p.m.

Jim says: Shakopee is the breakout darling of this season, the team expected to join the elite. To do that, however, the Sabers will have to solve their Prior Lake problem. The Lakers have won the past eight meetings of the teams. While both boast powerful running games, Prior Lake showed more offensive diversity in Week 1. That could make a difference. Pick: Prior Lake 33, Shakopee 24

David says: That’s a great historical stat, Jim. Shakopee’s large and veteran offense is ready to push back on that history by shoving Prior Lake’s defense around. The big fellas gave junior quarterback Dominic Jackson room for 109 rushing yards and two touchdowns last week. If Jackson can also find his receivers, look out. Pick: Shakopee: 24, Prior Lake 20

Lakeville South vs. Lakeville North, 7 p.m.

Jim says: After years spent chasing Lakeville North, can South finally claim supremacy in the intracommunity rivalry? The Cougars are flush with talent and look to have picked up where they left off last year. But never count out Lakeville North. Under coach Brian Vossen, the Panthers feast on challenges. Pick: Lakeville South 28, Lakeville North 24

David says: Show me more than South’s three victories in 14 tries against North since 2010 before I’ll concede a change of the guard. Thing is, South is trending right now. Junior running back Carson Hansen keeps churning out big yards. North counters with backfield mates Jackson Hanson and Gavyn Schraufnagel. Pick: Lakeville North 28, Lakeville South 21

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