Weekly staff football picks

The big boys -- Class 6A -- begin their postseason tonight. On paper, most first-round games look like mismatches, but there are a few that should be dandies.

A 2-1 showing on Tuesday gives Jim a slight edge in the season record at 19-15. David, known for his strong postseason pushes, is at 17-17.

Jim says: When it plays mistake-free, Lakeville South can compete with anyone. Witness the Cougars' 49-14 romp over top-seeded Prior Lake in Week 2. But turnovers have been a bugaboo, including four in a 12-0 loss to Rosemount on Oct. 5. Coach Larry Thompson will have those mistakes cleaned up.

Pick: Lakeville South 22, Rosemount 12

David says: That 12-0 loss came at Lakeville South. This time, the Cougars must travel to Rosemount. Overwhelmed last week by Lakeville North, the Irish saw a three-game win streak snapped. But guys are getting healthy and in position and the Irish should prevail.

Jim says: Looks like whatever was ailing Cretin through the early weeks of the season has been resolved. After a 2-2 start, the Raiders renewed their commitment to the run and have since averaged 48.5 points game.

Pick: Cretin-Derham Hall 36, Woodbury 16

David says: Even after a 48-20 drubbing by Cretin in Week 7, Royals coach Andy Hill believed his team could play with the Raiders. Another reason for hope, tailback Quaran Al-Hameed returned from injury last week.

Jim says: Hopkins' three losses have come to Eden Prairie, Edina and Wayzata, all among the top seven in Class 6A. If quarterback J.T. DenHartog has time to throw, the Royals are tough to beat. And if he doesn't, he can win games with his legs.

Pick: Hopkins 33, Minnetonka 24

David says: Minnetonka lost in Week 8 on a last-second touchdown, a game that included a 91-yard DenHartog touchdown run. Something tells me the Skippers won't allow the young man to run quite so free this time.

Pick: Minnetonka 21, Hopkins 20