Andy Moritko’s father played for the Gophers and now he wants his shot as well.
Moritko, who attended camps at Minnesota, Air Force and North Dakota State this summer, has caught 23 passes for 313 yards and seven touchdowns this season, helping the Eagles to an 11-1 record. The team has been dominant since losing their opener 28-0 to Minnetonka, outscoring their opposition 370-121.
Moritko, who was named to the StarTribune All-Metro team as a defensive back this week, has stepped up his play in the postseason. He scored on a 46-yard interception in their 14-7 section championship win over Mounds View. Moritko had a game-high 14 tackles, a key interception and a five-yard touchdown reception in their 21-17 win over Prior Lake Friday. The victory propelled them to a matchp of the Eagles as they will face Eden Prairie Friday night at the Metrodome.
Totino-Grace, which has won six of the last eight Class 4A titles, moved up in classification this year. They finished 12-1 and won the state title last season with a 34-14 victory over Rogers. Moritko had 18 receptions for 321 yards and four touchdowns in 2010. He had 72 tackles, including a season-best 14 tackles against Irondale and intercepted three passes.
Moritko comes from an athletic family. His older brother, Adam and older sister, Abbie, were also athletes at Totino-Grace. Adam and his father coach the Eagles’ offensive and defensive linemen.
Totino-Grace head coach Jeff Ferguson was pleased with his standout’s play against Prior Lake.
“He stepped up big with a touchdown, said Ferguson. “He stepped up big with an interception. That was a great play when they were going in. Sometimes, it is just a couple of those plays, that make a difference in a game and he made a couple of them.”
Moritko, who will likely move to tight end or linebacker in college, talked to GopherHole.com after the game to learn the latest on his recruitment.
GH: You were able to hold Prior Lake to a field goal late in the game, keeping them out of the end zone. Did you think that was a key to the win?
Moritko: Definitely. If they go in and score, it is a tie game and it is anyone’s game at that point. We stopped them and held them to a field goal and we know that we can run the clock out on offense. We felt really good after that with where we were going after that play.
GH: It was a 7-7 game when you were able to take the ball away from Prior Lake receiver Matt Arends with an interception. Did that feel like another key moment?
Moritko: He made a great catch on me in the first half between me and my teammate. I really thought that it felt great to get one back from them. Take the momentum back and it was great game-changer for us.
GH: You know the history of the program and are one of those versatile players who does a little bit of everything for Totino now.
Moritko: It is great. You really feel that you are the team as a seniors. You carry the team, everything you do affects all the sophomores and underclassmen. It feels great to finally be out there at the upper top. Coming up as a ball boy, all the way from second grade and to finally be at the top as a senior, is amazing.
GH: Does this feel bigger as a 5A team as compared to a 4A team?
Moritko: I think you feel it is faster and they hit harder. You have to play a full game.
GH: You have a big test against Eden Prairie next. I don’t know how much you know about them, but I’m sure that you are familiar with their tradition. What are you expecting from them?
Moritko: I expect them to be the best team that we have played this year. I have the utmost respect for them. I have seen them through the years come out and dominate. They are one of those teams that you really want to play. The are the top of the upper echelon of Minnesota football. It is going to be a good opportunity.
GH: They are a team that likes to run, run, run. Is that something that will change your role as a safety with you playing in the box more?
Moritko: Normally, our safeties are pretty active in the running game. We come up and make hits. They have a really great running back in Andrew Larson. It will change our safety play a little bit, coming up and playing more run.
GH: Are you planning on taking some college visits once the season is done?
Moritko: For sure. Whatever opportunities I get, I will take those.
GH: Any places that you are definitely planning on visiting?
Moritko: I think that I will definitely visit Air Force. They offered me, so I want to go out there. Minnesota would be amazing to go there on an official visit. North Dakota State is a really great program. I have been in touch with them, so that would be a really great opportunity, too.
GH: Your dad played at Minnesota. What has he told you about the program?
Moritko: The tradition. You see that they have won national championships in 60’s. Big Ten championships in the 30’s and 40’s. They have a really great tradition and it is really an honor to play in that program. I have heard that from a lot of people.
GH: Obviously, your dad would be very proud, if you were able to end up there.
Moritko: I think that anybody in that situation, father or son, going to the same school would be a great opportunity. It would be a great thing for anybody.