WAYZATA, Minn. — In a commanding performance, the #2 Metro Ranked Wayzata Trojans triumphed over the Hopkins Royals in a resounding victory. The defensive line, led by standout players Tobi Okuyemi, Kevin Potas, and Carl West, exhibited formidable prowess, securing numerous sacks throughout the game.
Key highlights included Daryl Brown’s electrifying 50-yard punt return in the second quarter, which significantly impacted the outcome of the match. The Trojans showcased their offensive prowess with impressive plays, including Matt Tarpley’s 36-yard touchdown run, a long pass from John Ries to Cecil Doe for a touchdown, and a 45-yard scamper by Garrett Englehardt.
The first quarter saw Wayzata’s defense imposing pressure, resulting in multiple sacks and defensive plays. Despite initial penalties, the Trojans held Hopkins to a successful punt, setting the tone for the remainder of the game.
In the second quarter, Wayzata continued to dominate, with Englehardt’s touchdown putting them ahead 13-0. Subsequent plays, including Tarpley’s touchdown run and Brown’s punt return for another score, extended the lead to 27-6. Despite a Hopkins response with a kick-off return for a touchdown, Wayzata secured additional touchdowns, ending the first half with a commanding 34-6 lead.
The third quarter witnessed continued Trojans‘ dominance, as they extended their lead to 48-6 with well-executed plays and a stout defensive performance. The final quarter featured additional scores for Wayzata, resulting in a convincing 54-13 victory over Hopkins.
Noteworthy defensive contributions included numerous sacks by Wayzata’s defensive line and interceptions by players like Chris Meyers. The Trojans’ offensive display showcased the team’s depth and skill, with different players contributing to the overall success.
As the game concluded, Wayzata emerged triumphant in the Battle of Ridgedale, highlighting their strong position in the Metro rankings and solidifying their reputation as a formidable force in high school football.
Head Coach Brad Anderson reflected on the win after the game:
“That’s a good team over there, they weren’t at full strength. I think at playoff time with all their guys back, they are going to be dangerous. On the same note, defensively we played well all night long. Offensively, we sputtered, but boy when we had big plays they resulted in scores. We did it both running and passing. I felt very good about our performance tonight.
Kevin Potus, Tobi Okuyemi and Crazy Carl West [made it possible so that we] didn’t have to blitz a lot of guys to get pressure with those three. We blitzed some, but not a lot. We knew against that type of speed and those receivers and that we didn’t want to be leaving them out there one on one a lot. We got a lot of pressure with those guys and it made a big difference.”
Daryl Brown described his punt return for a touchdown and the massive block AJ Tarpley set for him that sprung:
“Every game Coach tells me, don’t think, just catch the ball and make the score–and that’s what I did. AJ [Tarpley] talks to me every day in school and he says follow that train. I saw him, and just went off…”
