Mahtomedi vs. South St. Paul
7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29

South St. Paul has made the last four state tournaments, and the Packers (4-0, 2-0) look to make it five this year behind a defense allowing just 9.3 points per game.

Mahtomedi ended a five-year state tournament drought a season ago, but could not advance out of the Class 5A quarterfinals. The Zephyrs (3-1, 2-0) could do so this year, due in part to a defense giving up 15.5 points per game.

Mahtomedi boasts a pounding ground game, with senior running back Brandon Anderson (568 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns), while South St. Paul counters with senior running back Chase Bentson (363 rushing yards, 4 TDs).

The Packers have won the previous three meetings, including a 23-20 overtime victory in 2014 -- the last time the teams played.