High School Football: Week 4 predictions – massive matchups galore
· Yahoo Sports
Here are our picks for key East Metro football battles set for Friday night.
Woodbury (2-1) vs. Forest Lake (2-1), 7 p.m. at TCO Stadium in EaganThe favorites to win the Metro East subdistrict square off in Eagan. The Rangers won this matchup 51-0 last fall, a result that sparked the Royals’ season turnaround. No such blowout should be expected Friday. The eventual winner is likely to be determined by the better run defense.
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Our pick: Forest Lake 35, Woodbury 28
East Ridge (2-1) at White Bear Lake (3-0), 7 p.m.White Bear Lake is 3-0 for the first time in 25-plus years. But East Ridge represents the Bears’ stiffest test to date. White Bear Lake is flush with high-end athletes, but will be tested by the Raptors up front.
Our pick: East Ridge 21, White Bear Lake 10
Simley (2-1) at South St. Paul (3-0), 7 p.m.This classic rivalry will go a long way in the race for the all-important No. 1 seed in Class 4A, Section 3. Christian Urbina has been excellent in directing the Spartans’ passing game. Can South St. Paul’s rushing attack – headed by the explosive tandem of Matthew Jackson and Tyler Berchtold – keep the Spartans off the field?
Our pick: South St. Paul 28, Simley 24
Mounds View (2-1) at Stillwater (1-2), 7 p.m.These two teams are in similar spots through three games – anchored by strong defenses while still searching for offensive rhythm. And so much of each team’s rushing attack has come from the quarterback spot. Turnovers are key in every game, but whoever wins that battle will have a massive leg up Friday.
Our pick: Mounds View 17, Stillwater 14
Apple Valley (2-1) at Hastings (3-0), 7 p.m.Class 5A, Section 3 is a tough one to handicap at the moment. Apple Valley already owns a big win over Two Rivers. Hastings, meanwhile, is 3-0 after an impressive win over Chaska. The Eagles were impressive themselves on the ground against Two Rivers – Jackson Cozy ran for 121 yards and a score – but Two Rivers averaged eight yards per carry itself. That suggests the Eagles may struggle to slow down Hastings star Zach Shatek.
Our pick: Hastings 24, Apple Valley 17
New Richmond (5-0) at River Falls (3-2), 7 p.m. at University of Wisconsin-River FallsWhat a turnaround for River Falls, who was entirely unimpressive in the nonconference slate, but has found its stride in Big Rivers Conference play. Now, the two unbeatens remaining in BRC action square off.
Results against common opponents thus far suggest the Tigers have the clear advantage. And a win would put New Richmond in firm control of the conference race. But River Falls has been stout defensively in recent weeks.
Our pick: New Richmond 14, River Falls 7
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