The Wayzata Trojans came up just short Friday night, falling 15-14 to Saint Michael-Albertville after a missed two-point conversion in the final minute sealed their third straight loss to open the season.
The Knights struck first following a turnover on downs by Wayzata on its opening drive. STMA marched 82 yards in 10 plays, capping the possession with a two-yard touchdown run by senior running back Wyatt Mosher. The extra point made it 7-0 with 5:04 remaining in the first quarter.
Wayzata answered early in the second quarter with a drive of its own. Quarterback Thor Soukup engineered an eight-play, 66-yard series, finishing it off with a three-yard touchdown run. The Trojans opted for two and converted, taking an 8-7 lead at the 7:55 mark of the second.
But just before halftime, STMA capitalized on field position and swung the momentum back its way. After taking over deep in Wayzata territory, the Knights needed only five plays to cover 15 yards. Mosher again powered in, this time from the one-yard line, and the Knights converted their two-point try. That put Saint Michael-Albertville up 15-8 heading into the break.
Wayzata’s defense gave the Trojans multiple chances to stay in the game, coming up with three interceptions on the night. Senior defensive back Max Beninga snagged two, while Jaxon Brown added another takeaway, keeping the Knights from extending their lead in the second half.
Despite the turnovers, the Trojans struggled to finish drives until the final minute of the game. With time winding down in the fourth quarter, quarterback Thor Soukup connected with wide receiver John Evans on a long strike from midfield, pulling Wayzata within a single point at 15-14.
Head coach Lambert Brown elected to go for two and the win, putting the ball back in Soukup’s hands. But Saint Michael-Albertville defensive back Beckett Young leapt to deflect the pass attempt, preserving the Knights’ narrow victory.
The loss drops Wayzata Football to 0-3 on the season, while STMA improves to 2-1.
Looking ahead, Wayzata returns home to face Moorhead, who enter the matchup sitting at 2-1 on the season. The Spuds dropped their most recent game to Minnetonka by a 47-21 margin but come in with solid wins over Rogers and Woodbury.
