29 August 2024
Tartan vs. Cretin-Derham Hall, 7 p.m. at University of St. Thomas
Two teams looking to continue the climb upwards after sub. 500 seasons a year ago. This is Year 3 for the Raiders under coach Steve Walsh, but Cretin-Derham Hall must replace the graduated Myles Bollinger at quarterback. Our pick: Cretin-Derham Hall 30, Tartan 14
South St. Paul at St. Croix Lutheran, 7 p.m.
A win in this matchup was a bit of a springboard for St. Croix Lutheran a year ago during a 3-1 start. The Friday rematch could generate a similar bit of momentum for a strong first half of the campaign. Our pick: St. Croix Lutheran 20, South St. Paul 18
Mahtomedi at Brainerd, 7 p.m.
Mahtomedi was throttled by Brainerd 34-6 in Week 1 a year ago, then the Zephyrs proceeded to get back to state and led eventual state champ Chanhassen late in the fourth quarter of the state quarters.
Mahtomedi is always far better at the end of the season than the beginning — a staple of a Dave Muetzel program. The same can be expected this season, as the Zephyrs are extremely inexperienced. Our pick: Brainerd 21, Mahtomedi 20
Como Park at North St. Paul, 5 p.m.
Como Park lost a lot from from last year’s team, while North St. Paul has a number of playmakers back, including junior quarterback Elijah Adzimahe. The Polars could be a sneaky squad capable of winning four or five games if things bounce the right way. Our pick: North St. Paul 33, Como Park 21
Johnson vs. Highland Park, 12 p.m. at Two Rivers High School
A Friday matinee ahead of Labor Day weekend featuring a pair of St. Paul schools that seem to be trending in a good direction. Highland Park lost a number of skill players from a year ago but has some talent back in the trenches. Johnson, meanwhile, sports a strong young nucleus of skill position talent highlighted by electric junior wideout Justice Moody. Our pick: Johnson 34, Highland Park 24
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