The top four seeds all have advanced to the state semi-finals for the second straight season. All Four semi-final teams come into the game with identical 10-0 records for the second straight season! I do think that these four teams truly are the top four teams in the state and from this point on, nothing will really surprise me all that much.
#4 Cavalier (10-0) @ #1 LaMoure/L/M (10-0)
The obvious story line here is that this is a rematch of last year's Dakota Bowl. The Loboes have been dominant all season long, including their first two playoff games. Cavalier has been equally impressive. Although they played a few closer games in the regular season, they have been dominating in the playoffs. Both teams are averaging well over 40 points per game offensively. Both teams have tremendous defense. LaMoure has 7 shutouts through 10 games while Cavalier has 5 of their own. Cavalier will have to play a perfect game to get a win on the road. They are capable of doing that. They have the post-season experience playing and winning close games including multiple overtime games over the past three seasons. That said, That's tough to do in a place like LaMoure. Should be an excellent game. Hard to pick against either team. Draw them out of a hat. I predict a 1-score game.
#3 North Prairie (10-0) @ #2 New Salem/Almont (10-0)
North Prairie is always a solid team, but I have to say they kind of came out of nowhere this season. They were a playoff team last year finishing third in their region and exiting the playoffs in the second round. This year they have run the gauntlet going 10-0 to this point while playing a very tough schedule. New Salem/Almont is right back in the exact same position as they were a year ago. Undefeated, At home, in the Semi-finals as the #2 overall seed in the playoffs. Last year they were a 2-point conversion away from a trip to the Dakota Bowl. That memory has to linger and be a driving force for them to get through this round and move on to the next step in a quest for a state title. Like the other semi-final game, I do think that these teams are very similar in a lot of ways. Both teams have big, physical lines. The battle between All-Staters AJ Heins and Nate Tastad could be very fun to watch all afternoon!. Both teams have solid weapons on offense including mobile quarterbacks and solid running backs. Both teams play physical defense. I'm not sure who is going to win this game, but it will be a fun one to watch! Something in my gut tells me that the Cougars go on the road and win a very close game. North Prairie wins 26-24.