Three big, big, big games this weekend at the high school level. No. 1AA Eden Prairie takes on No. 2AA Benilde Friday night, in the best game of the year to date. Also, Grand Rapids, No. 4AA comes to town to play defending state champion Lakeville North, No. 8AA on Saturday afternoon. Too rugged teams that have a lot of talent up front.
Then, one of the best rivalries in Minnesota faces off at the MAC in St. Cloud Saturday night. St. Cloud Apollo, ranked No. 3A plays St. Cloud Cathedral who is also a top ten team. No. 8A. Apollo is The Outsiders and Cathedral are The Family.
Three great games that all serve as a measuring stick for all six teams.
Winner: EP > Benilde...would not be shocked if Red Knights pressure offense is too much for EP.
Winner: Grand Rapids > Lakeville North...I said earlier in the week, Thunderhawks would win by a touchdown, I now say by a field goal.
Winner: Apollo > Cathedral...literally a toss up game, leaning toward sentimental favorite Outsiders in this one by a goal.
Brainerd AA
Tremendous field of teams including No. 6AA Brainerd, but you will also see the Grand Forks Aviators, Fargo Freeze and Osseo Maple Grove.
Winner: Brainerd > Fargo
Moorhead Spudtacular "A"
Winner: Mankato > Grand Forks Wheatkings
Wolfpack Invitational
A very nice eight team field with one top ten team (PCG) and a bunch of teams that are in the rear view mirror. Pool favorites should be No. 7AA Park Cottage Grove in the B pool and White Bear Lake in the A pool. Not one real clear cut favorite or doormat of any of these teams which means just about every game will be exciting.
Good Games: Owatonna vs. WBL (Saturday am), Park Cottage Grove vs. Duluth East (Saturday pm)...both games will have championship game implications.
Sleeper: Andover is a very young team that plays hard every game.
Winner: Park Cottage Grove
Eden Prairie Prairie Face Off
Winner: Edina White
Sibley Salute to Hockey A
Winner: Sibley
Sibley Salute to Hockey B
Winner: Prior Lake (Gold)
Hibbing Squirt B
Winner: Minnetonka (Silver)