Football state tournament semifinal action continues Friday and Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Star Tribune prep sports reporters David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen cast their votes for who comes out on top and advances to next week’s Prep Bowl.

CLASS 1A

Minneota Vikings (12-0) vs. Rushford-Peterson Trojans (12-0), Saturday, 9 a.m.

Jim says: Two undefeated teams, from programs with a combined 22 previous state tournament appearances and 10 state titles, with a championship game berth on the line. Can it get much better than that? I’m leaning towards Minneota, which has given up only 25 points all season. The pick: Minneota 22, Rushford-Peterson 16

David says: Second-ranked Minneota’s playoff run thus far has featured victories against No. 6 BOLD and No. 5 Mahnomen-Waubun. The Vikings are tested. And they are a team on a roll with a lot of confidence. Up next, No. 3 Rushford-Peterson. The pick: Minneota 30, Rushford-Peterson 21

New York Mills Eagles (10-1) vs. Mayer Lutheran Crusaders (11-1), Saturday, 11:30 a.m.

Jim says: While Mayer Lutheran can light up the scoreboard and boasts a terrific TE in Teigan Martin, New York Mills’ mix of depth, experience and toughness is difficult to overlook. I tend to favor strong running teams at this time of year. The pick: New York Mills 32, Mayer Lutheran 29

David says: Physical football and dominating the line of scrimmage are the attributes bringing New York Mills to U.S. Bank Stadium for the first time. Those are the hallmarks of teams playing deep into November. The pick: New York Mills 28, Mayer Lutheran 21

CLASS 3A

Annandale Cardinals (9-2) vs. Plainview-Elgin-Millville Bulldogs (10-2), Saturday, 2 p.m.

Jim says: PEM survived the brutality that is Section 1 football, meaning the fast-and-fierce Bulldogs are well-prepared for the state tournament. They avenged their two losses, to Lake City and Cannon Falls, in the postseason. Annandale is no pushover, but PEM looks ready. The pick: Plainview-Elgin-Millville 29, Annandale 21

David says: You are obsessed with Section 1, aren’t you? And yes, they play good football in southern Minnesota. But Annandale is a worthy adversary. The Cardinals play a rugged style, led by senior running back Max Schimelpfenigcq. His three-TD performance last week vs. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton fueled the victory. The pick: Annandale 24, Plainview-Elgin-Millville 21

Esko Eskomos (11-0) vs. Dassel-Cokato Chargers (12-0), Saturday, 4:30 p.m.

Jim says: No one has been able to shut down Dassel-Cokato’s running game. Led by fabulous RB Eli Gillman, who has 1,926 yards and 36 TDs, along with younger brother Monte, Keyton Johnson and QB Gregory Clark, the Chargers can overwhelm. The pick: Dassel-Cokato 36, Esko 20

David says: Esko’s defense, with five shutouts this season, plays with a lot of pride. And their special teams play could emerge as a wild card. Still, Dassel-Cokato brings too much talent to this party. Esko is thrilled to play at U.S. Bank Stadium. D-C has a bigger goal in sight. The pick: Dassel-Cokato 31, Esko 17

Class 5A

Cooper Hawks (9-2) vs. Mahtomedi Zephyrs (9-2), Friday, 2 p.m.

Jim says: Cooper is venturing deeper into the state tournament than it ever has and playing indoors on the U.S. Bank Stadium turf will only accentuate its speed. But can the first-timers avoid stage fright? Mahtomedi has ripped off five consecutive victories and is playing its best football of the season. The pick: Mahtomedi 33, Cooper 28

David says: Mahtomedi starts with two-way senior standout Jordan Hull, who excels at running back and linebacker. Cooper counters with several playmakers capable of scoring points and creating turnovers: David Connors, Jaxon Howard and Donte Williams. The pick: Cooper 34, Mahtomedi 24

Rogers Royals (10-1) vs. Mankato West Scarlets (11-0), Saturday, 7 p.m.

Jim says: After a season spent at No. 1 and dispatching all challengers, including an impressive victory over St. Thomas Academy in the snow Saturday, it’s impossible not to call this one for Mankato West. The pick: Mankato West 35, Rogers 21

David says: Give Rogers credit for upsetting Andover in the quarterfinals. But yes, Class 5A is Mankato West’s to lose. The Scarlets are physical, sure tacklers on defense. They can run behind a solid offensive line and they are also capable of throwing over the top of opposing defenses. The pick: Mankato West 42, Rogers 14

Click here for Jim and David’s picks for the Nine-man, Class 2A, Class 4A and Class 6A semifinals.