High school football >> Week 5 predictions

Lakeville North quarterback Riley Grossman hands off to running back Sam Ripplinger in the first quarter of the Panthers’ 35-31 winover Lakeville South on Sept. 13. Lakeville North hosts Eagan tonight in a matchup of Class 6A state contenders. MATT BLEWETT — SPECIAL TO PIONEER PRESS

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A look at some of Friday’s top high school football games involving East Metro teams:

Eagan (3-1) at Lakeville North (4-0), 7 p.m.

It’s an odd thing to say in Week 5, but there’s a very good chance this game determines the section’s all-important No. 1 seed in the Class 6A tournament bracket. Yes, the Wildcats are competing for such a distinction, a credit to the patience and perseverance demonstrated by coach Nick Johnson and his players.

Both the Panthers and Wildcats had gantlets to clear to open the season. Both have beaten Rosemount and Lakeville South. Both faced difficult Week 1 opponents (Lakeville North topped Stillwater, while Eagan fell to Edina). That Lakeville North had an extra day off in preparation for this one after its game against Farmington last Thursday could prove to be a key advantage. OUR PICK: Lakeville North 24, Eagan 16

St. Thomas Academy (3-1) at Robbinsdale Armstrong (4-0), 7 p.m.

It’s all systems go right now for St. Thomas Academy, whose offense appears to be finding a rhythm at a good point in the season. Credit to Robbinsdale Armstrong for its undefeated start, which has the Hawks up to No. 5 in the current Class 5A state rankings, but this figures to be their stiffest test to date by a wide margin. OUR PICK: St. Thomas Academy 30, Robbinsdale Armstrong 14

Andover (3-1) at Spring Lake Park (2-2), 7 p.m.

The Panthers are fresh off the sting of a late-game loss to Rogers last week, but there’s plenty to be optimistic about. Spring Lake Park’s rushing attack is proving to be up to the program’s traditionally high standards, led by junior running back Larami Brown, who is up to 494 yards on the ground already this season. The question for Friday is whether Spring Lake Park’s defense can limit Andover’s lethal passing attack enough for the Panthers to continue to be able to run the ball. OUR PICK: Andover 34, Spring Lake Park 24

South St. Paul (2-2) vs. Simley (1-3), 7 p.m. at TCO Stadium in Eagan

Winners of two of their past three games, perhaps things are starting to click for the Packers, who may have found a recipe for success last week in leaning on running back Nasir Robinson. Simley is still in search of such a formula. It is a young team with a lot of developing talent, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Spartans find their groove over the next month. OUR PICK: Simley 24, South St. Paul 20

WISCONSIN

New Richmond (5-0) at Rice Lake (5-0), 7 p.m.

The two teams that have separated themselves as the powers in this year’s Big Rivers Conference duel for the inside track in the title race. New Richmond is physical and touts a strong running game in its own right, but no one has been remotely close to slowing the defending Division 3 state champion Warriors on the ground to date. Rice Lake is averaging 346 rushing yards per game on a gaudy 7.6 yards per carry. That’s with wins over the likes of Menomonie and Chippewa Falls already in its pocket. OUR PICK: Rice Lake 34, New Richmond 27

Prescott (5-0) at St. Croix Central (4-1), 7 p.m.

This type of season felt as though it was coming for Prescott, with a slew of young, talented players coming into their own with added age and experience. The current product is an explosive offense capable of running, passing and putting up points at a high level. Now the Cardinals will see if they can continue that amount of success while facing leveled-up competition. OUR PICK: Prescott 35, St. Croix Central 28

— Jace Frederick