Wayzata Football Smooths Rough Edges in Win Over Eagan

The second game of the season was a sharpening process for Wayzata High School's football team. More confidence and fewer penalties resulted in an overall better overall performance from the Trojans as they went on to trump Eagan, 28-7.

The effort put forth by Wayzata's defense was one of the many improvements of the night. Playing against a quarterback who likes to run, the young Trojan lineup was fast to the ball and tackled well throughout Friday's matchup.

“As they get more confidence and experience they will play faster,” head coach Brad Anderson said. “They are young, and they are only going to get better.”

Even though the Trojans started the night with the football, the defense soon found itself on the field following a fumble. It gave the Wildcats good field position, but Wayzata's hungry defense worked quickly—stuffing the Wildcats and keeping them off the scoreboard.

On Wayzata’s next drive, senior running back Antonio Ford took a sweep around the left side and scampered for a 21-yard touchdown run. The touchdown run was the first play that the Trojan rushing game gained significant yardage. The rest of the drive was pass-heavy, which was out of character for Wayzata.  

“On film they showed a lot of cover-two and cover-four defense, which normally indicates you run the football,” coach Anderson said. “But they know we like to run the ball, so they came out playing cover three, and their cornerbacks were pretty soft.”

The next score of the game came in the second quarter off the arm of Wayzata quarterback Nick Martin. Martin dropped back and hit senior tight end Brett Alwin on a drag route across the middle for a 15-yard touchdown—putting the Trojans up 14-0 going into halftime.

Eagan responded quickly in the second half after a botched punt return by Wayzata. The Wildcats got the ball deep in Trojan territory, and after a screen pass and some elusive running by quarterback Drew Bauer, senior running back Michael Busch grinded it into the end zone for an Eagan touchdown.

However, those would be the only points Eagan would have to show on the scoreboard at the end of the game. In the second half, the Wildcats were unable to contain Wayzata running back Erik Roti, who ran for touchdown runs of 15 and 72 yards. The defense also played their strongest football in the red zone, squashing multiple Wildcat scoring opportunities.

Patch.com Player of the Game: Erik Roti Wayzata, RB

Roti enjoyed a breakout game against Eagan, running away from Eagan defenders for two touchdowns and allowing the Trojans to pull away in the second half. Each time Roti touched the ball it was like watching a modern day remake of the tortoise and the hare. Roti left defenders looking as if they were running in sand, and has people thinking that the running game may still be explosive without Mitch Underhill.

What the Trojans Did Best

The Trojans played fast and physical defense. Their lateral movement throughout the game against Eagan runners was quick on the outside. They also tackled well and tackled together like a wolf pack going for a kill. With the defense able to stop the Wildcats throughout the game, the offense had more opportunities to put the ball in the end zone.

What the Trojans Need to Improve

Some crucial mental mistakes were made throughout the game, and the Trojans will need to eliminate them if they want to win close games this season. Two botched punt returns gave the Wildcats good field position. Mistakes like this could be the deciding factor during future Lake Conference matchups.

Next Game

Friday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. at home against Anoka.