PREP PICKS

Section football semifinals pick up in earnest Tuesday. Jim Paulsen (24-9) started the postseason in grand fashion, correctly picking all three games last week, padding his lead and most likely peacocking around the office. David La Vaque (21-12) hopes for similar success with a slate of Class 5A games.

 

Park Center (7-2) at Robbinsdale Cooper (6-2), 7 p.m.

David says: Park Center won the first meeting between these teams despite a quiet offensive night for Pirates standout Amani Hooker. He is a threat to score from any position —receiver, running back and quarterback — at any time. Count on more than 45 total yards from Hooker this time.

Pick: Park Center 28, Cooper 20

Jim says: With both teams full of playmakers and speed merchants, this could turn into a track meet. For every Amani Hooker, there’s a Phillip Howard (Cooper’s an exceptional QB/DB). Cooper, which got the No. 2 seed in the section, may be tired of hearing how disrespected No. 3-seeded Park Center feels.

Pick: Cooper 33, Park Center 27

Mahtomedi (5-4) at SMB (8-0), 7 p.m.

David says: Undefeated SMB (St. Paul Academy/Minnehaha Academy/Blake) should be confident yet concerned. The Wolfpack did not play a team above Class 4A all season. They draw a tough first opponent in Mahtomedi, which uses a physical running game to wear down teams and shorten games.

Pick: Mahtomedi 35, SMB 14

Jim says: Casual observers have thrown shade over SMB’s success, casting the Wolfpack as manufactured Goliaths beating up Davids. Don’t fault the Wolfpack for the schedule they were stuck with. They took care of business, outscoring opponents by 30 points per game. Doubters are going to be surprised by the Wolfpack’s bite.

Pick: SMB 26, Mahtomedi 18

 

St. Paul Central (7-2) at North St. Paul (6-2), 7 p.m.

David says: Hats off to North St. Paul, guaranteed a winning season for the first time since 2008. The Polars’ postseason struggles, however, will continue. Their last playoff victory came in 2006. St. Paul Central, meanwhile, is undefeated on the field this fall.

Pick: St. Paul Central 21, North St. Paul 14

Jim says: No surprise that St. Paul-born David leans toward Central. But North St. Paul is riding a six-game winning streak and the Polars are doing it with defense (Bishop McDonald has 11 interceptions) and solid running game. That’s a time-tested recipe for post-season success.

Pick: North St. Paul 23, St. Paul Central 21