The state semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium begin Thursday. Our writers predict winners of some of the week’s biggest matchups.

Over three days, three of the first 10 in the Strib Varsity rankings hit the end of their seasons.

Tight end Calen Truckenbrod produced “the best play I’ve ever made in my life” for the winning points, and then the defense finished the job.

The final week of outdoor football is about to begin. After this, the teams still alive head inside, with semifinals and the Prep Bowl at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Staff writer Jim Paulsen ranks the top 25 teams in the state that are still alive in the postseason playoffs.

Three teams in the top 10 — No. 3 Rosemount, No. 8 Forest Lake and No. 9 Byron — lost to teams that didn’t make the list.

The first full week of the postseason led to Moorhead’s quick rise and not much else.

Minnetonka’s Caleb Francois and Moorhead’s Jett Feeney were among Randy Shaver’s guests on Friday’s “Strib Varsity Live.”

St. Thomas Academy, Mahtomedi, Hill-Murray, Benilde-St. Margaret’s, Minneapolis North and Elk River are among teams that advanced to section championships.

Media members from across the state spent weeks refining the top 10s. As the playoffs begin, here is their last batch of the season.