Hopkins, after leading by 17 points in the first quarter, erased a 12-point deficit in the second half to win a wild game over Edina.

With 5:20 remaining in the Class 6A, Section 6 quarterfinal, Hopkins senior quarterback Tyler Lee found senior tight end Kyle Johnson in the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown to give the Royals’ a 37-36 lead - one it wouldn’t relinquish. 

“I saw him waving his hand, I got hit when I threw it, but I heard the crowd go nuts and knew it was a touchdown,” Lee said.

Hopkins was up 17-0 in the first quarter before Edina came from behind, scoring four consecutive touchdowns to take a 36-24 lead with 3:02 left in the third quarter.

“Our team never puts their head down,” Lee said. “We keep our heads up and keep fighting.”

The win was Hopkins’ second of the season over the Hornets, the No. 6 seed in the section.

Key of the game: With his team trailing 36-31, Hopkins junior safety Andy Aune intercepted a pass by Edina quarterback Charlie Smith at midfield and returned it to the Hornets’ 37-yard line, setting up the Royals’ go-ahead touchdown. 

“It was pure adrenaline,” Aune said. “I give all the credit to the defensive line. They put pressure on the quarterback and made him throw it awkwardly.”

Quote: "For the seniors this is our last game on this field. It’s really special to go out on a win against a really good team.”  -- Tyler Lee

One thing to know: Hopkins will play Lakeville North, the No. 2 seed in Section 3, on Saturday. The Panthers defeated Hopkins 39-13 in August. 

“We’re hopefully going to get our revenge,” Lee said. 

PATRICK JOHNSON

Hopkins erased a 12-point deficit and won a wild one over Edina.

With 5:20 left in the game Friday, Hopkins senior quarterback Tyler Lee found senior tight end Kyle Johnson in the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown to give the Royals a 37-36 lead. 

Down 36-31, Hopkins junior safety Andy Aune intercepted a pass by Edina quarterback Charlie Smith at midfield and returned it to the Hornets’ 37-yard line, setting up the Royals’ go-ahead touchdown. 

Hopkins led 17-0 in the first quarter before Edina came from behind and led 36-24 with 3:02 left in the third quarter.

Check back later for more on the game.