Sports
Football Playoff Preview: Osseo at Wayzata
The Orioles overcame first-half miscues to gain a win against Maple Grove in the section semifinals. They now find themselves up against the number-one ranked Trojans for the opportunity to play in the state tournament.
Gameday
Osseo (9-1, 7-1 in the Northwest Suburban Conference) at Wayzata (9-0, 4-0 in the Lake Conference)
Playmakers
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* Antonio Ford, Wayzata Running Back: Ford has carried the heaviest load for the Wayzata rushing game all season, and his load is only going to get heavier. With fellow running back Erik Roti out with an ankle injury, Ford is guaranteed to get most of the carries against the Orioles.
* Bridgeport Tusler, Osseo Running Back: The junior running back led the Orioles in rushing this season. He has the ability to be a big-play threat. He proved it last week with an 82-yard scamper in the come from behind victory over Maple Grove.
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The Trojans win if…
They can put last week’s performance behind them and play with the fire they played with against Eden Prairie. Attitude and game preparation will only become more important as the Trojans go deeper into the playoffs. If they come out and play like they did against Champlin Park, they will experience an early end to their season.
The Orioles win if…
They play mistake-free football and find a way to win the field position game. The Orioles committed too many penalties and mistakes in last week’s win against Maple Grove. They are going to have to shore up those mistakes if they want a chance to upset Wayzata.
They will also need to be able to win the special teams battle in order to get good field position and keep the Trojans going long distances to gain points.
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.
* Erik Roti, Wayzata Running Back: Roti hurt his ankle during last week’s victory over Champlin Park. He could be out as long as four weeks, according to Head Coach Brad Anderson.
* Ryan Poppitz, Wayzata Linebacker: Poppitz suffered a torn meniscus in his knee during last week’s game. He will be out for the remainder of the season. Poppitz is one of the Trojan’s stars on defense. Someone will need to step up and fill his position quickly.
Two-Minute Drill
Site: Wayzata High School
Time: 7 p.m.
Projected Weather: Mostly sunny, 55 degrees
Wayzata Schedule
Sept. 1 at Prior Lake (W, 47-20)
Sept. 9 at Eagan (W, 28-7)
Sept. 16 vs. Anoka (W, 44-21)
Sept. 23 vs. Carmel Catholic (University of Dubuque) (W, 33-27)
Sept. 30 vs. Minnetonka (W, 35-7)
Oct. 6 at Edina (W, 28-6)
Oct. 14 at Hopkins (W, 40-20)
Oct. 19 vs. Eden Prairie (W, 9-0)
Oct. 29 vs. Champlin Park (W, 21-14)
Nov. 4 vs. Osseo