Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles (1-0) at Minneota Vikings (1-0), 7 p.m.

Marcus says: Two years ago, Eden Valley-Watkins finished with a 13-0 record after winning the Class 2A state crown. Minneota had undefeated championship seasons in 2024 (12-0) and 2023 (14-0). So we’re talking about two small-class powers clashing Friday. Minneota has had more recent success, but EVW has a chance to establish itself once again as the team to beat. The pick: Eden Valley-Watkins 34, Minneota 31

Jim Says: This could very well be the most irresistible game of the day. Eden Valley-Watkins rolled up 54 points in its season-opening victory over Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City. The Eagles are 32-3 since 2022. Over that span, Minneota is 40-2 and has won 34 in a row, along with three straight 1A titles. The Vikings lost their top three running backs from a year ago, including Prep Bowl record holder Ryan Meagher, to graduation but didn’t miss a beat in a 42-7 victory over Minnesota Valley Lutheran. A must-see matchup. The pick: Minneota 36, Eden Valley-Watkins 28

Lakeville South Cougars (1-0) at Shakopee Sabers (1-0), 7 p.m.

Marcus says: Leading the state in rushing in Week 1 was an impressive feat for Lakeville South’s Nic Swanson, who ran for 251 yards in a 34-7 victory vs. Mounds View. What better way to stake claim to being a legit top ballcarrier in Minnesota football than having success against a top-tier defense? The Sabers, who opened 41-0 against Eagan, might bend a little in this intriguing matchup. The pick: Shakopee 21, Lakeville South 17

Jim says: A truth about football: All things being equal, a top-flight defense generally wins over a potent offense. A good offense might take a few battles, but routinely stopping the other guy makes things more manageable. Lakeville South was a freight train in beating Mounds View, but Shakopee has perhaps the best defense in the state. Both teams run almost exclusively. Expect a brisk pace. The pick: Shakopee 22, Lakeville South 16

Eden Prairie Eagles (1-0) at Maple Grove Crimson (1-0), 7 p.m.

Marcus says: Does Maple Grove want to prove it’s the new powerhouse in Minnesota Class 6A football? Yes. The Crimson made a statement last year by going undefeated and winning the Prep Bowl vs. Minnetonka. But Eden Prairie is still the state standard when it comes to dynasties. A good first step in that direction for Maple Grove would be to defeat Eden Prairie convincingly. Not so fast. The pick: Maple Grove 28, Eden Prairie 21

Jim says: When Maple Grove coach Adam Spurrell talked with excitement about moving to the Metro West District, it was about getting high-leverage games like this on the schedule. Eden Prairie bludgeoned Anoka with 519 rushing yards and led by 42 points midway through the third quarter. Maple Grove allowed Stillwater to get within seven before pulling away for a 37-17 victory. The Crimson can’t afford a letdown this week. The pick: Maple Grove 20, Eden Prairie 14

Champlin Park Rebels (1-0) at Andover Huskies (1-0), 7 p.m.

Marcus says: Champlin needed a blocked field goal and late touchdown run in the fourth quarter to escape with the 21-12 victory last week vs. St. Michael-Albertville. The Rebels defense also came away with two interceptions, which could help them compete against dynamic Andover quarterback Joseph Mapson. Might need more offense, though. The pick: Andover 28, Champlin Park 17

Jim says: Perhaps the biggest eye-opener of Week 1 was how thoroughly Andover, a Class 6A neophyte, dispatched Wayzata, 44-20. Mapson was remarkable, accounting for six touchdowns (five running, one passing). Champlin Park is 1-0 for the first time since 2020 and got there on the strength of a stout run defense and an efficient running game, two keys to gridiron success. Can the Rebels hold down Mapson? They’ll slow him some but not quite enough. The pick: Andover 34, Champlin Park 24

Wayzata Trojans (0-1) at Edina Hornets (1-0, 7 p.m.

Marcus says: During a three-game losing streak early last season, Wayzata was dominated by Edina 48-21, giving up four of Hornets quarterback Mason West’s six touchdowns in the first half. West might not rely on his arm as much this year. The Trojans are coming off an opening blowout loss vs. Andover. Edina likely rolls. The pick: Edina 45, Wayzata 21

Jim says: Wayzata’s superb defensive end, junior Eli Diane, a Gophers commit, has been hampered by a hamstring injury. That’s certainly a blow to the Trojans’ hopes this season. Edina QB West might have spent most of his offseason at the rink preparing for his hockey future, but he was smooth and assured with four touchdown passes in a 49-21 rout of Hopkins. Don’t overlook the contribution of RB Chase Bjorgaard, who ran for 181 yards in the victory. That kind of two-pronged attack makes the Hornets dangerous. The pick: Edina 35, Wayzata 17