All Things 2022 Minnesota High School Football Thread



do most teams open season this next week?
 


watched a 9-man game Friday night on the internet. Nicollet beat Westbrook-Walnut Grove 40-38. Nicollet threw a 30-yd TD pass on a hail mary to end the game. snapped the ball with :02 left on the clock.

no defense for either team, but it was entertaining.
 


Minnesota’s top high school football players: Meet the state’s best offensive linemen​

Jerome Williams, 6-4, 285, Sr., Osseo

Williams is the state’s second-highest ranked recruit behind defensive end Jaxon Howard. A 4-star recruit, Williams is committed to play for the University of Minnesota. He played right tackle for the Orioles, but he will slot in along the interior of the offensive line for the Gophers. He was second-team All-State last season, and while his team only went 4-5, he led a strong offensive line.

Greg Johnson, 6-5, 280, Sr., Prior Lake

Johnson is ranked ever so slightly behind Williams and had a case of his own as the state’s best offensive lineman. An offensive tackle who also committed to the Gophers, he was the fulcrum of an offensive line which powered Prior Lake to offensive heights which included over 1,000 yards through the air and 2,159 via the ground. He has great size for a tackle and brings an entertaining style of play with his ability to block down the field.

Justin Jacobson, 6-2, 245, Jr., Pelican Rapids

Jacobson is a versatile athlete who runs a 4.9 40-yard dash, benches 285 pounds and squats 455. “Justin is the ideal offensive lineman at the high school level,” coach Eli Beachy said. Jacobson has the versatility to play both tackle and guard and Beachy believes he could even play tight end or running back if needed.

Reese Tripp, 6-7, 330, Sr., Kasson-Mantorville

Like the two lineman ranked above him in the state, Tripp is also a Gophers commit. He has prototypical tackle size and plays both ways for coach Joel Swanson. “He is pretty athletic for a guy his size,” Swanson said. “He moves well and is able to pull around and lead a play to the outside.”


Beau Johnson, 6-7, 250, Sr., Spring Lake Park

Johnson, a 3-star, is the state’s No. 13 recruit. He’s a big bodied, physical tackle who recently committed to play for North Dakota State at the next level. His play helped power Spring Lake Park to a 6-2 record and a total of 2,117 rushing yards.

Kasey Gerhard, 6-0, 270, Sr., Worthington

With ideal size for an interior lineman, Gerhard has been a focal point of both the offensive and defensive lines for Geno Lais’ programs. But it’s been along the offensive line where he’s made a name for himself. “He’s very consistent and moves well,” Lais said. “Understands schemes and has been a leader of the offensive line for two years.”

Wyatt Groskreutz, Sr., NRHEG

Groskreutz is a four-year starter. Unfortunately for coach Mark Kruger, his offensive lineman will be recovering from a torn ACL for the first few games of the 2022 season. It will be a big loss, because with Groskreutz plays, he can operate effectively from all five of the line’s positions.

Joseph Meier, Sr., Watertown Mayer

Meier started every game as a junior for a 7-3 Watertown Mayer team in 2021. He’s slated to be a two-way player for coach Andrew Phillips this season. Phillips describes him as a big frame player who is the anchor of a strong offensive line.

Tait Anderberg, 6-7, 300, Jr., Lakeville North

Lakeville North head coach Brian Vossen needed just two words to describe his star offensive tackle: giant and strong. Anderberg’s frame has propelled into one of the state’s most imposing offensive linemen.

Grant Chapman, 6-5, 28, Sr., Anoka

Chapman, a 3-star tackle with offers from Division I schools, is a quarterback’s best friend. With Chapman’s help, quarterback Jacob Deutschman threw for the third most yards in the state (2,478), and Anoka finished 6-4 in 2021. There will be a new quarterback under center in 2022, and whoever it is is lucky to have Chapman on the front line.


Jack Liwienski, 6-3, 185, Minnetonka

Liwienski is a 2-star interior offensive lineman who committed to North Dakota State in late June. In 2021, Minnetonka went 8-2 overall, had a 1,500 yard passer, a 700-yard rusher and four receivers with at least 275 yards. Liwienski was key to that success.

Trevion Mack, 6-5, 295, Sr., Irondale

Mack is a 2-star recruit. He committed to Northern Illinois at the start of August and will look to have one final, dominant year for Irondale in 2022. While Irondale was just 4-5, the program averaged over 200 rushing yards per game in 2021 behind Mack and others.

Jacob Lopau, 6-7, 300, Sr., Rocori

Lopau is the state’s No. 30 recruit, a 2-star, and a North Dakota commit. He’s one of the biggest lineman in the state. The Cold Spring native also had interest from Northern Iowa in the 2022 recruiting cycle.

Michael Bougie, 6-4, 278, Sr., Cretin-Derham Hall

On a big offensive line, Bougie stands out. He’s got the size and versatility to play multiple positions although he will primarily play tackle for Steve Walsh’s program. “Michael will be one of the big men on the line,” Walsh said. “He brings physicality and strength at a key position.”

Jaydon Ellis, 6-3, 270, Jr., Burnsville

What he lacks in prototypical tackle height, Ellis makes up for with sheer, brute strength. On defense, he plugs up holes as the nose tackle for coach Vince Varpness. On offense, he brings a similar level of strength. Force is the defining word that Varpness uses when talking about Ellis.


Kade Lewis, Sr., Sartell St. Stephen

Scott Hentges' team had quite the offensive line last season, and in 2021it will be anchored by a pair of seniors. The first is Lewis, who is a three-year starter along the front. He’s got versatility for his size which is demonstrated by his commitment to play Division I baseball for Butler.

Will Mahowlad, Sr., Sartell St. Stephen

Mahowlad is the second offensive lineman that will anchor this unit. And, like Lewis, is a three-year starter. Another similarity to Lewis is the versatility. Mahowlad has played both ways the past few years and it remains to be seen if he does that once again or sticks to the offensive side for coach Hentges in 2022.

Ethan Martinez, 6-1, 225, Jr., Tracy-Milroy-Balaton

Martinez is somewhat undersized for left tackle. But, with an extensive wrestling background, he’s been up to this challenge physically. “He plays really well off blocks and is able to move when on offense extremely well,” coach Jason Kainz said. “He is a big, athletic kid.”

Brecken Klein, 6-4, 280, Sr., Lakeville South

Klein was one of several impressive prospects for coach Ben Burk’s championship-winning program in 2021. Klein played center last season and was the anchor of a talented group. “A tremendous work ethic. … He will continue to grow,” Burk said.


Go Gophers!!
 

‘Success breeds success’: Lakeville South Cougars became Minnesota high school football’s new standard by sticking to theirs​

Lakeville South’s football practice Monday morning wasn’t quite up to snuff. Not for the Cougars. Not with the standard they’ve set for themselves in recent years, which has resulted in unprecedented success.

And Lakeville South coach Ben Burk let his players know about it, while also giving them an option.

“If you don’t want me to hold you to the standard, I won’t. You just tell me,” Burk said. “But they’re like, ‘No, we want it. We know what the expectation level is.’ ”

That, Burk said, is the difference between where the Cougars were four years ago and where they are now. That standard of effort and execution was previously an idea, and now is a reality that has been realized year after year.

“Success breeds success,” Burk said. “Even the guys that didn’t play in games, (they) watched guys do that at the high level, so now they’re trying to emulate it. They have a model, and it’s easier to follow a model. So that’s kind of what we’re doing and hoping for and breeding the next group to try to be similar.”


Go Gophers!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Go4

Running wild: Five metro running backs to watch (and four more from around Minnesota)​


Carson Hansen, Lakeville South

Senior, 6-0, 200

College:
Iowa State

An explosive back with plenty of elusiveness to go with his speed. He ran for 2,012 yards and 23 touchdowns while leading the Cougars to a 13-0 season and the Class 6A championship. Hansen also caught four touchdown passes. "He's an extremely versatile player that can do everything skilled positions require, especially block," Cougars coach Ben Burk said. "As talented as Carson is, he's also genuinely humble and a quality person."

Jadon Hellerud, Shakopee

Senior, 5-10, 200

College:
Uncommitted

Hellerud carried the ball 266 times for 1,339 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior. He didn't rest on his laurels. "Jadon has worked on his speed and quickness in the offseason, and we have seen a different gear when he has the ball in his hands," Sabers coach Ray Betton said. "Jadon is a true power back. He runs with great pad level."

Max McEnelly, Waconia

Senior, 5-11, 210

College:
Minnesota (wrestling)

McEnelly makes an impact both offensively and defensively. He compiled 1,511 yards on 243 carries and scored 16 touchdowns on the ground last season. Also a linebacker, he registered 87 tackles. He has been a two-way starter for the Wildcats since his sophomore season. He's also a three-time state champion and two-time national champion in wrestling. "Max is one of the most competitive athletes I've ever been around," Waconia coach Corey Shea said.

Sawyer Seidl, Hill-Murray

Senior, 5-10, 170

College:
Uncommitted

Seidl poses problems for opponents from the backfield and also in the return game. He rushed for 1,878 yards, averaging 7.1 yards per carry, and scored 19 touchdowns last season and also returned a punt for a touchdown as a junior. His total high school numbers: 3,403 rushing yards, 32 touchdowns and 15 games of more than 100 yards.

Levi Teetzel, Hutchinson

Senior, 5-11, 208

College:
Uncommitted

"Levi is one of the best old-school running backs Hutchinson has had," said Tigers coach Andy Rostberg, entering his 24th season at the helm of the program. "He has speed, power and cutting ability." Teetzel rushed for 1,533 yards and 18 touchdowns last season despite being slowed by a sprained ankle in the Tigers' three state tournament games. He will be the workhorse once again in 2022 as Hutchinson looks to defend its Class 4A championship.

Now meet four runners from small towns who are also expected to pile up yards:

Carter Benda, Murray County Central

Senior, 5-8, 165

College:
Uncommitted

A focal point of the Rebels' offense, Benda rushed for 1,605 yards and 16 touchdowns, caught three scoring passes and returned two kicks for touchdowns as a junior. He also makes an impact defensively, whether at linebacker or cornerback. "Carter has great speed, vision and pad level," coach Patrick Freeman said. "What I love about Carter is he plays like he is 6-4, 225. He is a physical runner that continually keeps his feet moving."

Holt Larson, Dawson-Boyd

Senior, 5-11, 190

College:
Uncommitted

A punishing fullback, Larson rushed for 1,144 yards on 168 carries and 17 touchdowns as the Blackjacks overhauled their ground game during a 7-3 2021 season. "Holt is a very strong kid," Dawson-Boyd coach Cory Larson said. "He is extremely coachable with above-average speed. He gets a lot of yards after contact. "

Chisum Schmiedeberg, Kittson County Central

Senior, 5-8, 155

College:
Uncommitted

Schmiedeberg averaged nearly 10 yards per carry a year ago, rushing for 1,435 yards and 17 touchdowns for the Nine-man state tournament semifinalists. "Chisum is special because he sees the field very well, understands the flow of the game and can read holes, defenders and defenses very well," Bearcats coach Cory Waling said. "He can make people miss and has a gritty style of running that makes him hard to bring down. Put all of that in a small, hard-to-track package, and you have a dangerous running back."

Hudson Vosika, BOLD

Sophomore, 5-9, 185

College:
Uncommitted

Vosika is trying to follow in the footsteps of his older brothers, Dawson (2018) and Gavin (2018 and 2019), and lead the Warriors back to the Prep Bowl finals in Class 1A. He lugged the ball 223 times for 1,952 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. He also caught a touchdown pass and returned an interception for another score. "Hudson has become a patient back who sets up blocks well and really finishes runs," BOLD coach Derek Flann said. "He has added a year of experience and work in the weight room to a lot of natural gifts."


Go Gophers!!
 

High school football: Week 1 predictions, Thursday edition​

Stillwater at Centennial, 7 p.m.​

Stillwater’s 7-0 win over the Cougars in last year’s regular-season opener seemed to serve as a launching pad for the Ponies, who went on to an eight-win season.

The Ponies return quarterback Max Shikenjanski, among others, leaving expectations high for Stillwater in 2022. A road win over a high-quality Centennial team would only speed up the Ponies’ hype train early this fall. Our pick: Stillwater 20, Centennial 17

Eden Prairie at East Ridge, 7 p.m.​

It was 46-0 Eagles in the 2021 season opener. East Ridge has designs on this affair being far more competitive. The Raptors have a number of key returners from last fall, all of whom helped East Ridge go 6-2 over its final eight games.

Can that momentum spill into 2022? Can East Ridge post points against an expectedly fearsome Eagles defense featuring the likes of defensive back Devin Jordan and defensive lineman Chiddi Obiazor? Our pick: Eden Prairie 24, East Ridge 14

South St. Paul at St. Thomas Academy, 7 p.m.​

St. Thomas Academy is a monster in Class 5A, and South St. Paul won just two games last season. But if you assume that means Thursday’s opener is destined for a blowout, think again.

St. Thomas Academy’s only loss in 2021 came to eventual state champ Mankato West in the Class 5A quarterfinals. Yet the game between these two teams was decided by just 12 points — the second-tightest margin of victory for the Cadets all season. The rivalry matters. Our pick: St. Thomas Academy 24, South St. Paul 12

Como Park at Harding/Humboldt, 6 p.m., at Harding​

Harding/Humboldt’s first season as a co-op in 2021 lead to a successful four-win performance and renewed optimism about the football future of the two schools. High turnout to open camp this fall suggests the success may be sustainable.

So, too, would a season-opening win over Como Park, which surely remembers its 25-14 loss to the co-op to open last season. Our pick: Como Park 21, Harding/Humboldt 19

Cretin-Derham Hall at Spring Lake Park, 7 p.m.​

The Steve Walsh era officially gets underway Thursday in Spring Lake Park, and life won’t be made easy on the new Raiders coach. For the second straight season, Cretin-Derham Hall opens its season with three consecutive Class 5A juggernauts.


Go Gophers!!
 



High school football: Week 1 predictions, Thursday edition​

Stillwater at Centennial, 7 p.m.​

Stillwater’s 7-0 win over the Cougars in last year’s regular-season opener seemed to serve as a launching pad for the Ponies, who went on to an eight-win season.

The Ponies return quarterback Max Shikenjanski, among others, leaving expectations high for Stillwater in 2022. A road win over a high-quality Centennial team would only speed up the Ponies’ hype train early this fall. Our pick: Stillwater 20, Centennial 17

Eden Prairie at East Ridge, 7 p.m.​

It was 46-0 Eagles in the 2021 season opener. East Ridge has designs on this affair being far more competitive. The Raptors have a number of key returners from last fall, all of whom helped East Ridge go 6-2 over its final eight games.

Can that momentum spill into 2022? Can East Ridge post points against an expectedly fearsome Eagles defense featuring the likes of defensive back Devin Jordan and defensive lineman Chiddi Obiazor? Our pick: Eden Prairie 24, East Ridge 14

South St. Paul at St. Thomas Academy, 7 p.m.​

St. Thomas Academy is a monster in Class 5A, and South St. Paul won just two games last season. But if you assume that means Thursday’s opener is destined for a blowout, think again.

St. Thomas Academy’s only loss in 2021 came to eventual state champ Mankato West in the Class 5A quarterfinals. Yet the game between these two teams was decided by just 12 points — the second-tightest margin of victory for the Cadets all season. The rivalry matters. Our pick: St. Thomas Academy 24, South St. Paul 12

Como Park at Harding/Humboldt, 6 p.m., at Harding​

Harding/Humboldt’s first season as a co-op in 2021 lead to a successful four-win performance and renewed optimism about the football future of the two schools. High turnout to open camp this fall suggests the success may be sustainable.

So, too, would a season-opening win over Como Park, which surely remembers its 25-14 loss to the co-op to open last season. Our pick: Como Park 21, Harding/Humboldt 19

Cretin-Derham Hall at Spring Lake Park, 7 p.m.​

The Steve Walsh era officially gets underway Thursday in Spring Lake Park, and life won’t be made easy on the new Raiders coach. For the second straight season, Cretin-Derham Hall opens its season with three consecutive Class 5A juggernauts.


Go Gophers!!
I love how the paper tries to help cretin in two ways

1) it’s the only game they don’t pick
2) they call spring lake park a juggernaut
 

I love how the paper tries to help cretin in two ways

1) it’s the only game they don’t pick
2) they call spring lake park a juggernaut
was gonna say, no idea why CDH-SLP would be considered a marquee game lol
 

I caught the Eden Prairie scrimmage last week involving St. Thomas, Chanhassen, and Champlin Park. I didn't see Grant's no-name D scored upon by any of the teams. Eden Prairie's O scored by passing more than running, a bit different than expected. They have a difficult schedule this year playing LS, Farmington, Rosemount, Shakopee, Prior Lake, Stillwater and Edina, but they look like the typical Grant team of years past. I'm looking forward to the LS game.
 

I watched parts of the 9th and 10th grade Wayzata teams against Roseville last night because our fifth grade game was on the same field right after that. There are some big and fast kids coming up for Wayzata in the next two years. Not sure how the varsity will do this year. The coaches are concerned they lack size.
 



was gonna say, no idea why CDH-SLP would be considered a marquee game lol
It's because it's the Pioneer Press. Why else would they mention Harding/Humboldt vs. Como?

It's weird though. Spring Lake Park seemed to be an aging, dying area, like Columbia Heights and Fridley, but then they started building all those new developments in Blaine, but located in the SLP district, and now they've become a much younger school district.
 

Having lived in Woodbury the past 20 years I'm an East Ridge fan. Having been somewhat familiar with the youth program for awhile, this years senior class leaves something to be desired but their junior and sophomore classes are pretty good. They'll be more competitive with EP than last year but just can't see them pulling off the upset.
 

Ten must-see games on the 2022 Minnesota high school football schedule​


Thursday

Osseo at Maple Grove

It doesn't get much better than opening the season against a bitter intradistrict rival. Osseo just might have its best team since Ryan Stockhaus took over the program in 2016. The Orioles haven't scored more than one touchdown in the past four meetings.

Sept. 9

Lakeville North at Lakeville South

This crosstown rivalry is always a stern clash played before a jam-packed crowd. Class 6A defending state champion Lakeville South has won the past three meetings (34-19, 35-15 and 12-0). The Cougars will be favored to take the Big Cat Trophy a fourth consecutive time.

Chaska at Chanhassen

These intradistrict rivals have been meeting since Chanhassen High School opened in 2009. To the winner goes the clay Victory Jug. Three of the past four meetings have been decided by five points or fewer. Both teams have key holes to fill from their winning teams of a year ago.

Sept. 16

Lakeville South at Eden Prairie


The beginning of what could be a very difficult four-game stretch for Eden Prairie. The Cougars defeated Eden Prairie 42-7 last season. Eden Prairie isn't a program that forgets.

Sept. 23

Becker at Hutchinson

Bulldogs mentor Dwight Lundeen will move up to the second spot for most career coaching victories if he can get eight this season. He has 382, trailing retired Brainerd coach Ron Stolski (389) and Verndale's Mike Mahlen (417). This will be a tough spot to add another. Hutchinson has its sights set on successfully defending its Class 4A state championship.

Sept. 30

Minnetonka at St. Michael-Albertville

The Skippers are coming off their first winning season (8-2) since 2018. Now comes the challenge of maintaining success. The inexperienced Knights, with 19 starters graduated, will have half of the regular season behind them and could pose problems for Minnetonka. The Skippers held on for a 23-20 victory last year.

Prior Lake at Eden Prairie

A golden opportunity for Prior Lake to show it belongs with the big boys. The Lakers have been around .500 the past seven seasons but have all the makings of a team moving into the upper echelon. Problem is, Eden Prairie could be better than it was when it went 10-2 last season.

Oct. 7

Lakeville South at Prior Lake

One week later, the Lakers get thrown back into the fire against Lakeville South. Prior Lake has lost its past three meetings against the Cougars. The Lakers last beat the Cougars in the 2014 season opener.

St. Thomas Academy at Mahtomedi

These two programs are among the elite in Class 5A. Both are coming off 10-win seasons and state tournament appearances, losing to eventual state champion Mankato West. St. Thomas Academy has won the past two meetings by five and six points. Expect another close one.

Oct. 19

Eden Prairie at Stillwater

The Ponies' record should be gaudy at this point. This will be a good indication of where they really stand. Eden Prairie beat them 28-21 in the final regular-season game a year ago. They went 8-2 in 2021, their other setback against Wayzata in state tournament play.


Go Gophers!!
 

I went to the Prior Lake/Shakopee game tonight, Monroe is a stud. Really excited for him to be a Gopher.
 

They played the game: A dozen Minnesota high school football coaches with NFL, college pasts​

The Twin Cities are dotted with high school football coaches who played the game themselves, some at the highest level it's played. Here's a look at a dozen:

Steve Walsh, Cretin-Derham Hall: Helped the Raiders back to prominence in the early 1980s and was a high school All-America in 1984. Went on to quarterback Miami to a college national championship in 1987 and played for six teams and threw for 7,875 career yards in a 10-year NFL career.


Marcus Harris, Breck: A graduate of Brooklyn Center, he became an award-winning collegiate receiver at Wyoming. He had three years with more than 1,400 yards receiving and won the 1996 Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver.

Willie Howard, Cooper: An All-Pac-10 defensive lineman at Stanford, he was a second-round selection of the Vikings in 2001 and and played for two seasons before his career was cut short by a knee injury. He recently added the title of activities director at Cooper.

Bo Wasurick, Anoka: A native of the Green Bay, Wis., area, Wasurick was a tight end for the Gophers from 1995 through 1998. He caught one pass in his career, a 5-yarder in 1997. He has coached for 23 years since, with stops in Wisconsin, Texas and Minnesota.

James Manuel, Irondale: A graduate of Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, Manuel played for the Gophers from 2010 through 2013. He was recruited as a safety, a position he played for two years before moving to linebacker for his junior and senior seasons. Had 40 tackles as a safety, 103 tackles and a pick-six as a linebacker.

Sean McMenomy, Benilde-St. Margaret's:The Rosemount native was a hard-hitting cornerback for the Gophers from 1992 though 1996. Since graduation, he's been a head coach at Minneapolis Southwest and DeLaSalle and at schools in North Carolina and Oregon.


Go Gophers!!
 

is Lakeville south the team to beat again?
 


Go4-Ask the same question about 9:15pm on the evening of 9/16/22. LS goes to EP.

ahh, didn't realize they play so early in the season. nice to see them schedule a matchup like that.
 


per Randy:

On Friday, third-ranked Prior Lake played No. 6 Shakopee at Dan Patch Stadium in a Class 6A football matchup the lived up to its billing, with the Lakers emerging with a 24-16 victory over the Sabers.

Playing key roles for Prior Lake in the victory were a pair of players who've committed to the Gophers for their recruiting Class of 2023: defensive lineman Martin Owusu and offensive lineman Greg Johnson.

Lakers coach Matt Gegenheimer sees Owusu as a player who's transformed himself by adding 40 pounds.

"Everybody was a little hesitant [in recruiting] because they didn't know if he was a D tackle or a D end," Gegenheimer said of the 6-3, 280-pound Owusu. "Once the Gophers saw that he was 280 pounds, they knew he could play D tackle for them. He's done a tremendous job in the weight room and physically changed his body, turning into a man."

Through two games, Owusu, a three-star recruit and the No. 5-ranked player in Minnesota in the 2023 class, has eight tackles and two sacks.

"He's an obvious force out there," Gegenheimer said. "He had some inconsistencies as a junior that are not there anymore. Every play, his motor is better, his strength is better, his speed is better. He's been destructive the first couple games."


Go Gophers!!
 

The vibe around tonight's Lakeville South at Eden Prairie is starting to resemble the "noise" last seen for the Wayzata/EP game of many years ago, won by EP 13-0. The estimated attendance for that game was 12,000+. If you are an EP fan and didn't get to the game by 5:30 pm the only available seats were on the visitor's side. Weather may be a factor tonight.
 

With strong defense and just enough offense, No. 2 Eden Prairie sinks No. 1 Lakeville South​


Eden Prairie came into Friday's game against defending state champion Lakeville South tied for No. 2 in the state rankings.

A 21-6 thumping of the Cougars means the Eagles will be alone at the top of Class 6A next week.

An inspired defensive effort, coupled with a solid offensive showing, made Eden Prairie (3-0) too much for the visitors from Lakeville South (2-1).

Trailing 14-6 at halftime, the Cougars punted away their first possession of the second half and Eden Prairie took over on its 43-yard line. What followed was a signature Eagles touchdown march, a ground-and-pound affair capped by a 1-yard Tyler Walden scoring run for a 21-6 advantage.

The first half, meanwhile, was anything but the usual. Both teams turned near doom into an opportunity. Eden Prairie lost a fumble at its 23-yard line, setting up Lakeville South for a short field. Eagles defensive back Devin Jordan had other plans.

The Cougars' first play, a rare pass, went directly into Jordan's chest. He returned the gift about 80 yards to the Lakeville South 3-yard line. One play later, Dominic Heim ran the ball into the end zone. Then he did the same with the two-point conversion and the Eagles led 8-0 after one quarter.

On the next Eden Prairie possession, quarterback Nick Fazi hit Michael Gross in stride. Gross, who ran the second leg of the winning 4x200-meter relay at the Class 3A state track and field championship meet in June, won the race for an 85-yard touchdown.


Go Gophers!!
 

I went to the LS/EP game last night. It was a terrific high school football game. Special shout out to EP's Sather, who played both ways last night. He got a muscle cramp in the second half, received treatment on the sidelines, and then came back and blew up several LS plays allowing EP to get the ball in the fourth quarter and run out the clock.
 

That's too bad. Will always root against EP (and Wayzata), for the cowardly decision to not split the school and give more kids a chance to play/participate in extracurriculars.

Kudos to Lakeville district for making the right decision years ago.
 

That's too bad. Will always root against EP (and Wayzata), for the cowardly decision to not split the school and give more kids a chance to play/participate in extracurriculars.

Kudos to Lakeville district for making the right decision years ago.

This.
 

EP has had declining high school enrollment for many years. City has fully built out to ~65,000 residents. What are LS N and LS S trends? How many residents are in Lakeville?
 

That's too bad. Will always root against EP (and Wayzata), for the cowardly decision to not split the school and give more kids a chance to play/participate in extracurriculars.

Kudos to Lakeville district for making the right decision years ago.
As the previous poster wrote, EP is now basically a mature district and if they want to keep numbers up, they'll likely need to turn to open enrollment, which is why Minnetonka and Roseville still have such large high schools in mature districts.

Full disclosure. I live in the Wayzata district, my son will go to Wayzata high school, and I coach youth football for Wayzata. And I agree 100% with you. They absolutely should have built a second high school. There is still a ton of land in the NW part of the district that will eventually be developed and new homes are going up every day. They seem to build new grade schools every two years. I know people who have open enrolled to Orono because of the size of the school.

That said, I do understand the point of not doing so, at least in the case of EP. Roseville, White Bear Lake, Hopkins, Edina, Robbinsdale etc. have all closed or consolidated high schools in my lifetime. It costs a lot to duplicate everything with multiple high schools, knowing at some point, the district may age and then you have to combine again. This isn't just about sports, it's about an overall plan by a district, which is a taxing entity and a unit of government.

That said, Wayzata schools are absolutely excellent across the board. We could not be happier with the education aspect.
 




Top Bottom