High School Football Playoff Picture: Semifinal Showdowns Set the Stage for Championship Weekend

The road to the state championship narrows this Friday as teams across Minnesota and Wisconsin battle for a coveted spot in the finals. A slate of compelling semifinal matchups promises intense competition, showcasing the talent and dedication of these young athletes. From dominant rushing attacks to stifling defenses, these games will likely be decided by a handful of pivotal plays. Here’s a comprehensive look at the contests, with predictions for each.

Minnesota High School League Semifinal Previews

Class 2A: Jackson County Central Faces Eden Valley-Watkins

All eyes will be on Jackson County Central as they take on Eden Valley-Watkins at 9:00 a.m. The JCC Huskies, led by University of Minnesota commit Roman Voss, have been a force to be reckoned with all season. Voss’s exceptional talent and leadership have propelled the team to a dominant record, and they appear poised for a deep playoff run. Eden Valley-Watkins will need a monumental effort to contain Voss and the Huskies’ potent offense.

Prediction: Jackson County Central 28, Eden Valley-Watkins 21

Class 4A: Kasson-Mantorville Challenges Grand Rapids

At 11:30 a.m., Kasson-Mantorville will clash with Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids’ quarterfinal victory over Benilde-St. Margaret’s was a unique display of offensive strategy, relying heavily on a run-focused attack – 47 rushing attempts to just one passing play. Can they replicate that formula against Kasson-Mantorville? The key will be establishing the run and controlling the clock.

Prediction: Grand Rapids 20, Kasson-Mantorville 13

Class 5A: Defensive Battle Between St. Thomas Academy and Spring Lake Park

The 2:00 p.m. matchup between St. Thomas Academy and Spring Lake Park is shaping up to be a defensive struggle. Both teams have consistently shut down opposing offenses, with neither allowing more than 20 points in a single game this season. The team that can break through and execute a few key plays will likely emerge victorious. Which side will find that offensive spark when it matters most?

Prediction: St. Thomas Academy 17, Spring Lake Park 14

Class 2A: Goodhue vs. Holdingford – A Clash of Styles

Goodhue’s Jack Carlson, a 1,000-yard rusher, will be crucial to their success against Holdingford at 4:30 p.m. The Wildcats will need to establish a strong running game to control possession and keep Holdingford’s explosive quarterback, Jaxon Bartkowicz, off the field. Bartkowicz leads a high-powered offense that poses a significant threat.

Prediction: Holdingford 42, Goodhue 20

Class 6A: Lakeville South and Marshall – A High-Scoring Affair?

The 7:30 p.m. contest between Lakeville South and Marshall promises plenty of points. Lakeville South’s dominant rushing attack will be tested by Marshall’s star quarterback, Jett Feeney. This clash of styles should create an exciting and high-scoring game. Will Lakeville South’s ground game prove too much, or can Feeney lead Marshall to an upset?

Prediction: Lakeville South 52, Marshall 38

Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Semifinal Previews

Division 2: River Falls Takes on Notre Dame

In Wisconsin, River Falls will face off against Notre Dame at 7:00 p.m. at D.C. Everest High School. River Falls’ offense has been consistently strong throughout the season, but they’ll face a tough challenge against Notre Dame’s Kingston Allen, who has amassed an incredible 2,967 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns. Containing Allen will be paramount for River Falls’ defense.

Prediction: River Falls 49, Notre Dame 45

Division 4: Baldwin-Woodville Aims for Back-to-Back Title Game Appearances

Baldwin-Woodville and Winneconne will battle at 7:00 p.m. at Marshfield High School. Both teams boast dominant defenses and enter the game with perfect 12-0 records. Baldwin-Woodville’s experience, having reached the state title game last year, could give them an edge in this closely contested matchup. What impact will that prior championship experience have on the outcome?

Prediction: Baldwin-Woodville 21, Winneconne 17

The stage is set for an unforgettable weekend of high school football. These semifinal matchups promise thrilling action and will ultimately determine which teams will compete for state championships. Don’t miss the excitement!

What predictions do you agree with, and which ones surprise you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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