Football Friday Preview: Wayzata at Hopkins

Gameday

Wayzata (6-0, 2-0 in the Lake Conference) at Hopkins (3-3, 0-2 in the Lake Conference)

Playmakers

Ethan Zeidler, Wayzata Wide Receiver: Zeidler isn’t the most physically imposing player on the field, but he continues to make big plays for the Trojans in the passing game, which has seen more activity in the last couple weeks. Opposing teams have tried their luck stuffing the line of scrimmage in an attempt to stop Wayzata’s  ground game. This opens up the opportunity for the Trojans to throw the ball down field, and Zeidler has proven to be a favorite target for quarterback Nick Martin. Zeidler has an uncanny ability to make his receptions count. He caught three passes last week against Edina. Two of them were for touchdowns.

Andre McDonald, Hopkins Wide Receiver: McDonald—who committed to Vanderbilt—is one of the biggest playmakers in the state. He leads the state in receiving with 39 receptions for 860 yards, averaging 22 yards every time he catches the ball. He has also met the end zone 11 times. Look for the Royals to get him the ball and stretch the field with their high-powered passing game.  

The Trojans win if…

They can play a versatile game on offense and successfully take what the Royals give them. The Trojans have proven throughout the season that they can beat teams on the ground or in the air. If the Royals pack the line of scrimmage like many opponents have this season, Wayzata will have to complete some big passes to make room for work-horse running backs Antonio Ford and Erik Roti.

On defense, the Trojans are going to have the opportunity to use their speed when defending the Royal’s passing game. Position will be important for the Trojans. They will need to be in the right positions to keep an eye on McDonald, who is sure to touch the ball multiple times.

If the Trojans can take advantage of opportunities on offense and play fast, smart defense, they will win this game.

The Royals win if…

They can find a way to stop the Trojan offense and get the ball to their biggest playmaker, Mcdonald, as much as possible. Defensively they are going to have to make the Trojan’s pass the football. They’ll lose if they let the Wayzata ground game get hot. This means stuffing the line of scrimmage and sending linebackers into the backfield. But it also means they’ll be lean in the secondary, which will need to play smart when defending Trojan wide receivers like Zeidler. It’s going to be a pick-your-poison situation for the Royals, but if you have to choose one, you have to make the Trojans beat you in the air.

They will also need to get the ball into the hands of McDonald, who is the Royal’s biggest game-breaking threat. Send him on fade routes down field, and let him go up and get the ball against smaller Wayzata defensive backs. Look for Hopkins to go to him every time they reach the red zone.

Key Injuries

Mitch Underhill, Wayzata Running back: Underhill tweaked his knee in the opening game against Prior Lake. An MRI revealed a torn ACL. He will be out for the remainder of the season.

For the most part, Wayzata has been able to avoid major injuries throughout most of the season. They hope to keep it that way going into the section playoffs.

Two-Minute Drill

Site: Hopkins High School

Time: 7 p.m.

Projected Weather: Mostly Sunny, 63 degrees

Wayzata Schedule

Thu, Sept. 1 at Prior Lake (W, 47-20)

Fri, Sept. 9 at Eagan (W, 28-7)

Fri, Sept. 16 vs. Anoka (W, 44-21)

Fri, Sept. 23 vs. Carmel Catholic (University of Dubuque) (W, 33-27)

Fri, Sept. 30 vs. Minnetonka (W, 35-7)

Thu, Oct. 6 at Edina (W, 28-6)

Fri, Oct. 14 at Hopkins

Wed, Oct. 19 vs. Eden Prairie