Moorhead Spuds (2-0) at Minnetonka Skippers (2-0), 6 p.m.

Marcus says: The Skippers haven’t allowed an opponent to score in the first three quarters through two games this season. The Spuds have scored 76 of their 82 points this season in the first three quarters of games. So something has to give, as the cliché goes. I’m leaning on Minnetonka’s defense. The health of Moorhead’s Jett Feeney is also a factor in a game against talented fellow junior quarterback Caden Gutzmer. The pick: Minnetonka 31, Moorhead 24

Jim says: Which team faces the biggest test? Moorhead, which is making its second trip of nearly four hours to the Twin Cities in two weeks? Or Minnetonka, whose young, developing defense faces a Spuds team overflowing with top-end talent? Both teams have weapons galore, but Minnetonka — playing at home and with a significant size advantage — has the edge. The pick: Minnetonka 34, Moorhead 30

Mankato West Scarlets (1-1) vs. Mankato East Cougars (2-0), 7 p.m. at MSU Mankato

Marcus says: Mankato West quarterback Osborne Lorenz can sling it, but the last time his team relied more on passing than running was in a 21-19 loss against run-heavy Mahtomedi in the opener. Lorenz fell just short of leading his team to a comeback win. Playing from behind will be even tougher to overcome Friday vs. rival East, which is balanced offensively, averaging 208 yards passing and 243 yards rushing. The pick: Mankato East 31, Mankato West 21

Jim says: It would be easy to say this is one of the most anticipated games in the rivalry between the two schools, but truthfully, all of their matchups draw plenty of Key City interest. They split a pair of games last year, with East winning a postseason meeting. Both have running backs coming off stellar outings: East’s Blake Kamphoff (178 yards rushing) and West’s Trevor Sheldrup (200). I like East’s defense to make the difference. The pick: Mankato East 26, Mankato West 18

Lakeville North Panthers (0-2) at Lakeville South Cougars (1-1), 7 p.m.

Marcus says: The past two meetings in the Lakeville schools’ rivalry were close games, including Lakeville North’s 35-31 win last season. But the Panthers have scored just two touchdowns this season, and the Cougars have given up only three. Hate to say it, but this year’s matchup might look more like the 35-0 Lakeville South bashing in 2022. The pick: Lakeville South 35, Lakeville North 10

Jim says: Lakeville North’s offense, particularly its passing game, has been left wanting in the first two weeks, mustering just 101 total yards through the air. Meanwhile, its rival to the south is averaging a punishing 279 yards per game on the ground. Football logic leans heavily toward the team with the effective running attack. But this is a rivalry game; passion counts most of all. I think South wins, but it won’t be easy. The pick: Lakeville South 23, Lakeville North 20

Chanhassen Storm (2-0) at Waconia Wildcats (2-0), 7 p.m.

Marcus says: Chanhassen’s passing attack has been impressive through two games, but that hasn’t meant it was a cakewalk to the 2-0 start. The Storm needed big plays to escape Alexandria 24-22 after a game-winning 29-yard field goal. Facing that type of adversity early prepared Chanhassen for tough matchups down the road. Meanwhile, Waconia hasn’t been tested, outscoring its first two opponents 56-9. The pick: Chanhassen 34, Waconia 17

Jim says: Chanhassen quarterback Nathan Ramler has been on fire in the first two weeks of the season, passing for 580 yards and seven touchdowns. Can he solve a Waconia defense that has allowed nine total points and refuses to give up yards? I’m leaning toward the Storm. The pick: Chanhassen 28, Waconia 7