Wayzata Rolls Over Hopkins, Remains Undefeated

It was the biggest challenge so far for Wayzata's defensive secondary.

The Trojans knew they needed to limit the number of times Hopkins’ Andre McDonald—arguably the best wide receiver in the state—touched the football if their undefeated record was to remain in tact.

Wayzata did that and more.

They managed to challenge the Hopkins passing game by getting a good amount of pressure on Hopkins quarterback J.T. Den Hartog when he dropped back to pass, which forced him to make decisions quickly. Those quick decisions led to turnovers and sacks.  

Wayzata's special teams play also looked better than in previous games—setting the offense up with great field position numerous times throughout Friday's contest.

“We tell our players that it is an important part of the game,” Wayzata head coach Brad Anderson said. “Going into the playoffs, it’s going to be important to be our best on special teams.”

Game Recap

The Trojan’s scored first after running back Antonio Ford bounced a nine-yard run to the outside for a touchdown.

Wayzata scored again later in the first quarter as quarterback Nick Martin threw a pass down the middle to wide receiver Jeff Borchardt for the Trojan’s second score of the night. They failed to get the extra point due to a bad snap.

Wayzata extended their lead early in the second quarter when running back Erik Roti took the ball into the end zone from nine yards out to put the Trojans up 20-0.

Capping a long drive, Hopkins scored their first points of the night when quarterback J.T. Den Hartog hooked up with wide receiver Andre McDonald for a one-yard score, cutting the deficit to 20-7 at the half.

The Trojans came out running in the third quarter.

Roti took the ball off tackle and out ran the defense for 55 yards for his second touchdown of the night.

But the Royals responded by marching down the field and throwing it up once again to Andre McDonald for the touchdown.

Wayzata then turned up the offensive heat, with Ford running in his second score of the night and Martin scampering for a touchdown—extending their lead to 40-13.

The Royals connected on a pass late in the game, but it was too little too late. Final score: Wayzata 40, Hopkins 20. 

Patch Player of the Game: Erik Roti and Antonio Ford, Wayzata Running Backs

Roti and Ford both went off for two touchdowns in the win. They ran the ball well when they needed to against a defense that attempted to stuff the box.

Roti took one carry 55 yards in speedy fashion for a touchdown, and Ford carried the ball for tough yards all night. If the Trojans can keep both backs healthy, the Wayzata running game is going to be hard to stop going into sections.

What the Trojans did well…

The Trojans managed to bring the pressure when the Royals dropped back to pass the football. This was crucial in limiting the number of times the Royals’ big-time wide receiver Andre McDonald touched the football.

The offense also did a good job at taking what the Royals gave them. They ran the ball well when Hopkins was on their heels, and they passed the ball well when Hopkins stuffed the box. This allowed them to score 40 points on an athletic Royals defense.

What the Trojans need to improve…

They are going to need to improve on special teams play if they want to make a run at another state championship. Although the punt return team did better when fielding the football, fans saw a flurry of missed extra points. As the Trojans are entering the playoffs they are going to have to fix this. Otherwise, missed points will come back to haunt them.

Next Game

Wednesday, Oct. 19 at home against Eden Prairie. Game starts at 7 p.m.