Week Two Football Preview: Wayzata at Eagan

Gameday

Wayzata (1-0, 0-0 in the Lake Conference) vs. Eagan (0-1, 0-1 in the South Suburban Conference)

Playmakers

Nick Martin (Wayzata quarterback): Despite accuracy issues when tossing the ball in the game against Prior Lake, Martin still completed six passes for 121 yards. He also displayed the ability to make things happen with his feet, running for 49 yards on two carries. 

Martin’s ability to step up when needed in the victory against the Lakers makes him one of the biggest playmakers on the field going into this week’s game.

Antonio Ford (Wayzata Running back): With the injury to fellow running back Mitch Underhill, Ford got the opportunity to run the football more in the win against Prior Lake. He showed quickness, good vision and the ability to gain yards after the first hit. He also turned into a bionic man at times, bashing defenders away with a tough stiff arm. Ford ran for 104 yards on 13 carries against Prior Lake. Look for more tough carries from this ball carrier against the Wildcats.

Mitch Knutson (Eagan Linebacker): Knutson showed the ability to shed blockers and get to the football against the Lakeville South Cougars. Knutson led the Wildcats with 12 tackles against a high-powered offense in Lakeville South.

Trojans win if…

They can establish the run to enable big shots down the field. They also need to shake off any nervousness that they experienced in their first game, which means getting rid of penalties.

The Trojan defense played like an army of starving cannibals on a fat farm against the Lakers. If they can stay hungry and dominate the game on Friday, they will take the pressure off the offense to score quickly.

Wildcats win if…

They can establish a running game, play mistake-free football and contain ball carriers like Wayzata’s Martin and Ford. The squad showed times of greatness in the passing game against their first competition against the Cougars, but will need to find balance in the offense by establishing a rushing attack against the Trojans if they want a chance at winning the game

Key Injuries

Mitch Underhill (Wayzata Running back): Underhill is out for the season after an MRI this week revealed damage to his knee. Read more on this story here.

Two-Minute Drill

Site: Eagan High School

Time: 7 p.m.

Projected Weather: Mostly Sunny, 79 degrees

Wayzata Schedule

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

Fri, Sep 9 at Eagan

Fri, Sep 16 vs. Anoka

Fri, Sep 23 vs. Carmel Catholic (University of Dubuque)

Fri, Sep 30 vs. Minnetonka

Thu, Oct 6 at Edina

Fri, Oct 14 at Hopkins

Wed, Oct 19 vs. Eden Prairie