The Minnetonka Skippers triumphed over the Wayzata Trojans 28-14 on Friday night in the annual Battle for the Bay Bell, a game dominated by defense early before opening up in the second quarter.
The first quarter saw no scoring as both teams’ defenses held strong. However, Minnetonka’s junior quarterback Caleb Francois ignited the scoring with a 13-yard scramble to the right sideline with 4:55 remaining in the second quarter.
Just moments later, Minnetonka capitalized on a Wayzata fumble, as Milan Bobda scooped up the ball and raced 21 yards into the end zone for a defensive touchdown, pushing the Skippers’ lead to 14-0 with 3:57 left in the second quarter.
Wayzata quickly responded with a big play of their own. Trojan quarterback Matt Berkland connected with Sam Booh for an 88-yard touchdown pass, cutting Minnetonka’s lead to 14-7 just over a minute later.
Francois continued to be a problem for Wayzata’s defense, breaking free for a 38-yard touchdown run to give the Skippers a 21-7 advantage before halftime.
In the third quarter, Francois delivered again, rushing for his third touchdown of the night to extend Minnetonka’s lead to 28-7.
Wayzata managed to find the end zone one more time, as Jaxon Brown broke loose for a 39-yard touchdown run after catch with just 1:12 remaining in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Minnetonka’s lead.
Head Coach Lambert Brown talked to Wayzata.com after the game, “There were some things we did well, we just didn’t consistently do it. When we needed to, we threw the ball well. Minnetonka is a good football team, Caleb is a good player, but I feel like we have a bunch of good players too.”
Brown continued, “One game doesn’t determine our season, this was a big one, a rivalry game, but now we have to bounce back and face Shakopee next week.”
The Skippers, now 2-0, will look to carry their momentum forward as they face Edina next week.
Wayzata, falling to 1-1, will aim to regroup when they host Shakopee at Wayzata Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 12.
The Sabres defeated Prior Lake 28-21 and remain undefeated at 2-0.
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