Recap: With the final league title up for grabs in the storied Lake Conference, a newbie in the league was the difference-maker. Senior running back Will Rains, a transfer from Eastview, scored four of his five touchdowns in the first half. His last one was in the fourth quarter, a 60-yard run to help the Eagles (8-0, 4-0) hold off a late Hopkins rally and clinch the conference championship.

Key of the game: Eden Prairie held a 28-7 halftime lead, but after a blocked punt, a fumble and three Hopkins touchdowns, the Eagles needed to convert on fourth-and-2 with 79 seconds remaining to close out the victory. Rains handed off on a reverse to senior Belal Omar, who ran 19 yards for the first down.

Quote: “To think of all the great players and great teams to come through this conference, I told the guys they should really cherish this.” — Eagles coach Mike Grant on his team’s title

One thing to know: Hopkins (5-3, 3-1) attacked the Eagles defense through the air. Quarterback Tyler Lee threw four TD passes.

BRYCE EVANS