High School Football: Friday’s state quarterfinal predictions

Anoka (7-3) vs. Lakeville North (9-1), 7 p.m. at Farmington High School

Two of the elite quarterbacks in the metro square off in Anoka’s Peyton Podany and Lakeville North’s Riley Grossman.

Podany threw for 306 yards in a back-and-forth thriller with Lakeville South last week. But the Tornadoes’ secondary gave up a lot through the air against a Cougars team not known for its passing game, meaning Grossman could have plenty of opportunities for success.

It won’t be a surprise, however, if Lakeville North first sees if it can dominate the game on the ground with its offensive line and star running back Sam Ripplinger, who ran the ball 33 times for 136 yards and two scores last week against Champlin Park

Our pick: Lakeville North 30, Anoka 23

Shakopee (9-1) vs. Mounds View (8-2), 7 p.m. at Spring Lake Park High School

Jacob Sampson and Mitchell Olson have proven to be a potent one-two punch for the Mustangs all season on the ground, with Sampson also capable of making plays with his arm.

They’ll have to be on their “A” game for Mounds View to stay in the fight against a Shakopee team that’s blowing everyone out of late and has the look and feel of a premier Class 6A championship contender.

But Shakopee’s passing game is essentially nonexistent, so if Mounds View’s defensive front can win at a high rate, the Mustangs can compete.

Our pick: Shakopee 24, Mounds View 14