Football prognosticators reflect on the five final semi-finals

Springfield Tigers (11-0) vs. Mahnomen/Waubun Thunderbirds (11-0), 9 a.m.

Jim says: I can’t use the experience/no experience angle on this: Both teams are state tournament veterans. Mahnomen/Waubun has nine state championships (most when it was just Mahnomen), while Springfield was second in Class 1A in 2022 and 2023. Choice: Springfield 28, Mahnomen/Waubun 22

David says: I just love Springfield’s combo of QB Parker Kuehn and RB Gavin Vanderwerf. They are enough to, albeit barely, lead the Tigers to the promised land. Because Mahnomen/Waubun has its share of dudes. Choice: Springfield 21, Mahnomen/Waubun 19

Parkers Prairie Panthers (9-3) vs. Minneota Vikings (11-0), 11:30 a.m

Jim says: Congratulations to Parkers Prairie for making their first state tournament semifinal appearance and getting a chance to play at US Bank Stadium. But that means a tie for two-time defending champion Minneota in the semifinals. The Vikings’ winning streak is 31 games and they are regular state tournament invitees. It is a past that is too difficult to overcome. Choice: Minneota 42, Parkers Prairie 18

David says: I agree with Jim. The Vikings have a winning legacy. To speak against them would be to throw away one’s voice. Choice: Minneota 38, Parkers Prairie 21

Dassel-Cokato Chargers (10-1) vs. Pequot Lakes Patriots (11-0), 2 p.m.

Jim says: After spending most of the season outscoring opponents by an average of over 40 points per game, the Patriots were tested by Annandale in the quarterfinals, rallying in the fourth quarter for a 22-15 victory. That definitely caught the attention of the Patriots. Sample: Pequot Lakes 26, Dassel-Cokato 19

David says: Dassel-Cokato is proven in the state tournament: state champion in 2021, runner-up in 2019. The big scene doesn’t bother them. The only thing more? Pequot Lakes beef ahead. Sample: Pequot Lakes 28, Dassel-Cokato 14

Albany Huskies (11-0) vs. Stewartville Tigers (12-0), 4:30 p.m

Jim says: Stewartville masqueraded as a Class 3A team all year. The Tigers, bursting with talent in their lineup, would do well in the big classes. This group looks just as good as last year’s state champion. Choice: Stewartville 34, Albany 7

David says: Stewartville’s defense shut out seven opponents and didn’t give up double figures in any game before beating Holy Family 40-14 in the quarterfinals. Choice: Stewartville 35, Albany 10.