Football Friday: Wayzata vs. Carmel Catholic (Illinois)

Gameday

Wayzata (3-0, 0-0 in the Lake Conference) vs. Carmel Catholic (3-1, 3-1 in the East Suburban Catholic Conference)

Playmakers

Nick Martin, Wayzata (Quarterback): Martin has proven himself under pressure during the first three games of the season. When the game seemed too close for comfort, Martin found ways to move the ball down the field, whether it was with his arm or his legs. His ability to beat a defense in multiple ways has opposing coordinators pulling their hair out.

Erik Roti, Wayzata (Running Back): The Trojans know that every time they step on the field they have one of the fastest players on their team. If this was recess football, Roti would be picked first because of his speed and ability to make people miss in the open field. He is averaging nearly 10 yards per carry so far this season, and sharing carries with fellow running back Antonio Ford only makes Roti’s slashing style more effective.

Antonio Ford, Wayzata (Running Back): Everyone knew Ford was a strong runner between the tackles. He’s low, and his tough running style has gained the Trojans extra yardage early in the season. But Ford also proved he can also run on the outside in the game against Anoka. Ford is leading the team in rushing, with 248 yards. His toughness will be needed this week as the Trojans will be trying to establish the running game early on.

Brian Brennan, Carmel Catholic (Quarterback): Brennan has proven to be dangerous with his feet. The Corsairs run an option offense, which gives Brennan ample opportunity to keep the ball and run for big yardage himself. The Corsairs offense starts with Brennan, and if opponents aren’t careful, drives will end with him as well.

Jordan Kos, Carmel Catholic (Running Back): Kos is often the recipient of the football in the Corsairs option offensive attack. He is quick to the outside and is able to break a game wide open. He racked up 128 yards and three touchdowns during last week’s game. Look for him to touch the ball often. The Corsairs attempted to pass the ball only twice in their previous matchup.

The Trojans Win If…

They make smart decisions, eliminate turnovers and mental mistakes. They will also need to put together some long drives and eat up time. This will keep the Carmel option offense off the field, which will eat up a good amount of time itself when it gets going.

How the defense plays the option could make or break this game for the Trojans. The Corsairs are well coached and have the talent to be dominant on the offensive side of the football. If the defense can force turnovers, confuse the Carmel offense and force them into passing situations, they will be in good shape.

The Corsairs Win If…

They can force their offensive will on the Trojans. If the Corsairs are allowed to play their option game all night long, they will eat apart any opponent. The squad gained 326 yards on the ground and only threw two passes in a rout of a conference opponent last week.   

Carmel’s defensive front seven are also a strong bunch. If they find a way to shut down the Wayzata running game, they will most likely control the football and win the ball game.

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.

Kit Snyder, Wayzata (Defensive End): Snyder dislocated his elbow in the win over the Wildcats in week two. His defensive presence may be sorely missed at defensive end, a position critical in stopping an option running attack.

Two-Minute Drill

Site: University of Dubuque (Iowa)

Time: 7 p.m.

Projected Weather: Partly Cloudy, 63 degrees

Wayzata Schedule

• Thursday, Sept. 1 at Prior Lake (W, 47-20)
• Friday, Sept. 9 at Eagan (W, 28-7)
• Friday, Sept. 16 vs. Anoka (W, 44-21)
• Friday, Sept. 23 vs. Carmel Catholic (University of Dubuque)
• Friday, Sept. 30 vs. Minnetonka
• Thursday, Oct. 6 at Edina
• Friday, Oct. 14 at Hopkins
• Wednesday, Oct. 19 vs. Eden Prairie