In a surprising turn of events during Friday night’s highly-anticipated match, the game between the Wayzata Football Trojans (1-3) and the top-ranked Eden Prairie Eagles (4-0) was interrupted due to lightning. The decision to postpone the game came with just 8 minutes and 4 seconds remaining in the second quarter. This left players, coaches, and fans waiting for several hours as strong storms passed through the area.
Initially, the plan was to continue the game later that evening, but as time passed, it became evident that a rescheduling was inevitable. Ultimately, after a night of anxious anticipation, it was confirmed that your Wayzata Trojans would finish the game against a formidable Eden Prairie Eagles team on Saturday morning, with the kickoff scheduled for 11:00 AM.
Prior to the delay, and midway through the 1st, the Eagles intercepted a Cole Heilbrun pass after a no-call pass interference against a Trojan receiver by an Eagle defender. Eden Prairie capped a 22 yard drive with this Santosh Bommareddy TD run:
Eden Prairie on the board first as Bommareddy scores on this 10 yard TD run with 3:29 remaining in the first. Eagles 7, @FootballWayzata 0
During the second quarter, the Trojans had a tough time when they made a mistake while trying to punt the ball from near their own end zone, when an intentional grounding was called while the Trojan passer was in the end zone. This mistake led to a penalty called a “safety,” and it gave the other team, the Eagles, two points. So, the score became 9-0 in favor of the Eagles.
Right after that, the Eagles scored another touchdown, and failed to score on the point after touchdown attempt making the score 15-0 in favor of Eden Prairie.
However, an unforeseen event disrupted the proceedings as indicated previously. A lightning bolt struck the area to the west of the playing field, prompting immediate safety concerns. Consequently, the game was temporarily halted under the discretion of the officiating crew.
Intense lightning, thunder, and heavy rain pounded the West Metro area for many hours. The storm was so fierce that, even at 10:00 PM, lightning was still striking close by. Because of the danger posed by the ongoing lightning strikes, officials decided to postpone the game until Saturday morning at 11:00 AM.
With the game now set for Saturday morning, Wayzata will have an opportunity to regroup, strategize, and prepare for a contest already with a score of 15-0 in favor of the Eagles. Stay tuned to Wayzata.com for more sports.
Wayzata vs. Eden Prairie has been rescheduled to Saturday at Wayzata H.S., 11 a.m. No charge.
At the 37th annual Roy Griak Invitational, held at Les Bolstad Golf Course, the Wayzata Girls Cross Country team secured the top spot in the girls championship race. Jazleen Mahlherek-Osorio played a pivotal role, leading the Trojans with an impressive time of 19:03 and securing an 11th place finish.
Ella Hagen from Summit High School in Breckinridge, Colorado took first overall individually, clocking a time of 17:55. Other top local girls runners were Sydney Drevlow from Hopkins taking 7th (18:45), Caitlyn Osanai of Robbinsdale Armstrong taking 22nd (19:40), and April Watson from Maple Grove taking 28th (19:46).
On the boys side, Clay Shively from Trinity Academy in Topeka, Kansas took first in the high school championship heat, finishing in a time of 15:23. The top local runners were Will Weber of Wayzata taking 10th (15:56), Cade Sanvik of Osseo placing 11th (16:02), and Hopkins’ Landon Hering taking 12th overall (16:03).
“The Wayzata girls tennis team rolled to a 6-1 win over visiting Benilde-St. Margaret’s Monday. The Trojans swept the doubles matches and won at first, second and third singles on the way to the win.” From CCX Sports.
In this week’s CCX Sports Spotlight, John Jacobson profiles Wayzata boys’ soccer standout Charlie Piller. The senior midfielder is key player on an unbeaten 7-0-1 Trojans’ team that is currently ranked first in the state in Class AAA. Piller leads Wayzata in assists with seven and has also scored three goals. Piller was on the Trojans’ team last year that won the Class AAA state championship and is hoping that he and his teammates can win the title again this year. After high school, Piller hopes to play college soccer at the Division I level.
Trojans give up two pick 6 turnovers and scores in close game with #4 ranked Shakopee
The Wayzata Trojans had faced their fair share of adversity in the current football season. To start the season, Wayzata has sufferred three consecutive losses to three of the top four ranked teams in the state: Lakeville South, Minnetonka, and most recently Shakopee.
When visiting #4 ranked Shakopee, the Trojans got on the scoreboard first with an 85-yard fumble returned for a touchdown by Kyle Boutwell.
Wayzata also scored on a 50-yard passing touchdown from Cole Heilbrun to Tyler Milkes, but two interceptions returned for a touchdown by Shakopee’s Jacob Kasper and Jack Hove and a late rushing touchdown secured the Sabers’ 21-17 win.
Wayzata’s record falls to 0-3, and they are scheduled to play against Edina next Friday. Meanwhile, Shakopee maintains their perfect 3-0 record and is set to face Eden Prairie next Friday.
Friday night lights illuminated Wayzata as our Trojans faced off against our fierce rivals, the Minnetonka Skippers, in an electrifying high school football showdown. This wasn’t just any game; it was the battle for the illustrious “Bay Bell” trophy, a contest with pride and prestige on the line, part of a long standing history related to both the cities of Wayzata & Minnetonka being on Lake Minnetonka. Let me take you through the thrilling action of this unforgettable night.
The game burst into action with Wayzata’s star quarterback, Cole Heilbrun, leading the charge. He displayed his lightning speed and agility, executing a quarterback keeper to perfection, breaking through the Skippers’ defense and finding the end zone. Our Trojan faithful erupted in cheers as we took an early 7-0 lead.
But don’t count the Skippers out just yet! On their next possession, Minnetonka’s running back, Roman Johnson, demonstrated unwavering determination. He bulldozed his way through our defense, capping off a gritty drive with a powerful two-yard rushing touchdown. The first quarter concluded with the score tied at 7-7, setting the stage for a showdown that would keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The second quarter was an all-out defensive battle. Both teams fought tooth and nail, but neither could break through the resolute defenses. Our Trojans had to dig deep after a series of unfortunate events. A late hit out of bounds and an ensuing sideline altercation led to a personal foul and a 15-yard penalty, giving the Skippers an advantageous position in the red zone. But, our stalwart defense stood tall, denying the Skippers’ entry into the end zone and preserving the tie game.
Wayzata’s Ethan McFarland applies pressure to Skipper QB Milos Spasojevic.
As halftime approached, the atmosphere was palpable with tension. Both teams retreated to their respective locker rooms, well aware that the next two quarters would determine the fate of the Bay Bell trophy and set the tone for the season ahead.
The third quarter opened with a bang that sent shockwaves through the stadium. Cole Heilbrun, our Trojan maestro, was determined to put his team in the driver’s seat. He launched a perfectly timed pass to our receiver, Tony Ley, who made an incredible 36-yard touchdown catch in the end zone. The Trojans’ faithful erupted in celebration as we surged ahead 14-7, setting the stage for more drama.
Cole Heilbrun passed to Tony Ley for a 36 yard TD completion.
However, Minnetonka was unyielding. Their offense responded with a meticulously crafted drive that showcased their versatility. Through precise passes and well-executed runs, they steadily approached our end zone. Then, in a moment of sheer determination, Cole Heilbrun showcased his dual-threat prowess. He punched in a one-yard touchdown on the ground, and Yasmeen Madkour’s extra point was spot-on, extending our lead to 21-7.
Minnetonka, however, was not to be outdone. Their quarterback, Milos Spasojevic, exhibited composure and precision as he led an impressive drive. With a pinpoint pass, he connected with his receiver, Hudson Poole, for a 20-yard touchdown strike. Yasmeen Madkour’s extra point was true, narrowing our lead to 21-14.
The third quarter ended with Wayzata maintaining a 21-14 lead, but the Minnetonka Skippers had shown they were far from defeated. The stage was set for a nail-biting final quarter where every play would be crucial in the battle for the Bay Bell trophy and early-season momentum.
As the fourth quarter commenced, the crowd’s anticipation reached a fever pitch. Minnetonka knew they needed a game-changing play, and they delivered. Defensive back Jack Yerhot stripped the ball from Trojan rusher Owen Winston at the 1 yard line in order to prevent Wayzata from scoring another touchdown, one that would have likely been the nail in the coffin. Skipper Tobias Wilson was able to pounce on the ball in the end zone for Tonka.
Skipper Tobias Williams falls on the ball for Minnetonka in the end zone after a Trojan fumble.
Quarterback Milos Spasojevic orchestrated a masterful drive, displaying poise and precision. With just yards to go, he found his dependable receiver, Hudson Poole, in the end zone for a pivotal 5-yard touchdown pass.
But Minnetonka wasn’t satisfied with merely tying the game. They boldly lined up for a two-point conversion attempt. A quick pass from Spasojevic to R. , putting the Skippers ahead 22-21 with only minutes left on the clock.
In the waning moments, the Trojans made one last desperate push. However, their Hail Mary pass fell incomplete, and the final whistle sounded. The Minnetonka Skippers had secured a dramatic, come-from-behind victory, winning the Bay Bell trophy and advancing to a 2-0 record on the season. For Wayzata, the defeat stung as they fell to 0-2, but there’s no doubt that they’ll regroup and come back stronger.
As the Trojans left the field, the Minnetonka players celebrated their hard-fought triumph. They had not only claimed the Bay Bell but also etched their names into their school’s football history. It was a night filled with pulsating drama, unwavering passion, and the sweet taste of victory for Minnetonka.
Good day, sports fans! It will be a crisp, autumn Friday night here in our beloved town, and that means one thing – high school football is back in action! Tonight, under the bright lights of Wayzata’s very own Trojan Stadium, we’re in for a classic matchup that’s sure to get your heart pounding and your adrenaline rushing. It’s the Battle for the Bay Bell as Wayzata Football (0-1) takes on Tonka Football (1-0) in a showdown that’s been circled on the calendar since last season.
Last week, Minnetonka made quite the statement, trouncing White Bear Lake with a convincing 38-7 victory. Their star quarterback, Milos Spasojevic, was nothing short of spectacular, completing 10 passes on 15 attempts for 145 yards and an impressive 4 touchdowns. But that’s not all, folks – he also showed off his wheels, rushing for 38 yards on just 4 carries, adding another touchdown to his stat sheet. The Minnetonka offense was firing on all cylinders, and it’s safe to say they’re coming into this game with some serious momentum.
On the other side of the field, the Wayzata Trojans might’ve had a tough start to the season, falling short against Lakeville South. But don’t count them out just yet. Quarterback Cole Heilbrun showed his mettle, completing 16 passes on 32 attempts for a whopping 233 yards and 2 touchdowns. He’s got a cannon for an arm, and if he finds his rhythm early in this matchup, the Tonka defense will have their work cut out for them.
But wait, there’s more to the Trojans than meets the eye! Wayzata’s rushing game, led by Omar Madkour with 13 attempts for 44 yards and Owen Winston, who carried the ball 13 times for 52 yards, can’t be ignored. They bring a ground-and-pound style that could keep the Tonka defense on their toes.
In the receiving department, Wayzata has some firepower of their own. Tony Ley has been a standout, hauling in 5 receptions for an impressive 114 yards and finding the end zone once. Andrew Stokes has been a reliable target as well, with 5 receptions for 50 yards. And don’t forget about Tyler Milkes, who may have just one reception, but it was a critical one for a touchdown, showing that he’s a big-play threat.
Now, the real question on everyone’s mind is, who will take home the Bay Bell trophy tonight? It’s not just a football game; it’s a tradition, a symbol of pride, and bragging rights for the entire year. These two teams, separated by only a few miles, have a long-standing rivalry that has produced countless unforgettable moments.
Minnetonka comes into this contest as the favorites, with a win already under their belts this season. But in high school football, anything can happen under the Friday night lights, and Wayzata will be fighting tooth and nail to defend their home turf and snatch that Bell away from Tonka.
Image courtesy Wayzata Trojans twitter.
So, grab your hot cocoa, bundle up in your Trojan or Skippers gear, and head on down to Trojan Stadium because this Battle for the Bay Bell is about to go down in the history books! It’s a clash of titans, a classic rivalry, and a game that’s sure to have the whole town talking for weeks to come. Kickoff is just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss a single moment of the action. Stay tuned, folks – high school football at its finest is about to unfold right here in Wayzata!
The Wayzata swimming and diving team lost sixteen seniors from a team that finished third in state in Class AA last year, but the Trojans are working hard again this Fall to stay near the top.
Wayzata returns back a few state-contributors from last year in Geneva Fackler, Linnea Kallebo, Lucy Troyak, Emily Alberts, and Ashley Mouyenga. The Trojans host Eden Prairie in a dual meet Thursday in Plymouth.
“The Wayzata football team finished 5-5 in 2022, but all four of the Trojans’ regular season losses were by one score. The team is optimistic that they can make a deep postseason run in 2023 led by their returning starting quarterback Cole Heilbrun and their five starting offensive linemen who all return with some experience at the varsity level. The Trojans open the season at Lakeville South on September 1st.” From CCX Media.
“The Wayzata boys soccer team is hoping to stay at the top after winning the state class AAA title last season, the fourth championship in program history. The Trojans have to replace standout scorers Mike Orlov and Joe Highfield and others lost to graduation, but they do return five starters. Midfield will be a position of strength for Wayzata, with most of that crew returning from the championship team.” From CCX Media.
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