Tiny Joe's KFAN/BMTN prep football state tournament preview
For a recap on all of the state tournament action, tune into FM 100.3 KFAN's Friday Night Scoreboard show. It airs Friday night from 9:00-10:30 p.m.
Class 5A Preview
Eden Prairie vs. Anoka
Anoka, 9-1, has a very strong rushing attack, and offensively they can keep up with Eden Prairie. The biggest challenge will be slowing down Eden Prairie's offense. However, the Eagles scored only 6 points in their section championship win over Minnetonka.
Totino-Grace vs. Prior Lake
The Eagles defeated Mounds View in the section final to reach the tourney in their first year in class 5A. Prior Lake is also making their first appearance in the state tournament.
Wayzata vs. Moorhead
It's the Trojans against the surprising Spuds. This has the makings of a blowout, but the Trojans have dealt with some key injuries. Remember last year's quarterfinal round when Brainerd defeated Eden Prairie? Another out-state team could pull the upset.
Lakeville North vs. Cretin-Derham Hall
This is the most intriguing big school match-up. North believes they'll be fine if they tackle well and slow down the Raiders running game.
Class 4A Preview
Spring Lake Park vs. Bemidji
The Panthers have a stout defense, but Bemidji has a strong offense led by three year starter Mitchell Hendricks. By the way, this is Hendricks' third straight trip to the state tourney, and he and the 'Jacks are due for a win.
Mankato West vs. South St. Paul
West head coach Mark Esch told me that his team has a more powerfull offense than the one that won a state title in 2008. That's incredible. The Packers are fresh off an incredible comeback win over St. Thomas Academy.
Rocori vs. Rogers
Rogers finished runner-up to Totino-Grace last year. This year they'll have their hands full against a 9-1 Rocori team that's been helped greatly by a transfer from Spring Lake Park, Billy Morris.
Faribault vs. Hill-Murray
How impressive would it be if Brooks Bollinger leads the Pioneers all the way to Prep Bowl? It's very possible because the Pioneers will be favored in the first round.
Class 3A Preview
Annandale vs. Greenway/Nashwauk/Keewatin
What an amazing run by Annandale. They started the season 0-4, but then got hot in the section playoffs and knocked off three very good teams.
Holy Family Catholic vs. Fairmont
This will be a great game. HFC is a powerhouse on offense and a slight favorite over Fairmont. But watch out for the Cardinals, their lone loss this year came against 4A power, Marshall.
Providence Academy vs. Perham
Perham has won six straight after a slow start to the season. Providence Academy is making its debut trip to state.
St. Croix Lutheran vs. Plainview-Elgin-Millville
This is like a mini-state championship game. St. Croix Lutheran is ranked No. 1 in the state while P-E-M is ranked No. 2.
Class 2A Preview
Moose Lake-Willow River vs. Pierz
MLWR is the favorite in this game, but the last time these two schools played in the state tournament, it went in favor of Pierz.
Blue Earth Area vs. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown
Blue Earth's only loss this season was a 15-13 game against 3A power, Fairmont. They are a legit contender for state title.
Caledonia vs. Maple Lake
Caledonia, the defending 2A state champion, has lost only one game this year. It came in week one against Plainview-Elgin-Millville. Caledonia has won three of the last four 2A state titles.
Paynesville Area vs. Warroad
This is pretty cool. A prototypical wrestling school against a hockey town.
Class 1A Games
Mahnomen vs. Braham
Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's vs. Adrian
Dawson-Boyd vs. Warren-Alvarado-Oslo
Blooming Prairie vs. Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity
9-Man Games
Ada-Borup vs. Bigfork
Nicollet vs. Edgerton/Ellsworth
Silver Bay vs. Kittson County Central
Spring Grove vs. Wheaton/Herman-Norcross