Totino-Grace scored on three consecutive possessions in the second half, breaking open a tight defensive struggle and pulling away for a crucial— and decisive — 39-6 victory over Andover.

Junior Lance Benick led the balanced Eagle attack, scoring three touchdowns (two rushing and one receiving) and picking up 110 yards on the ground. He also orchestrated the Eagles’ lone scoring drive in the first half from under center, before playing mostly at running back after halftime.

Andover, playing at home, controlled much of the game until the third quarter, though, but the Huskies missed a number of opportunities to take the lead early on.

With Totino-Grace clinging to a 7-6 lead, the Huskies twice turned the ball over on downs inside the Eagle 40-yard line, including once on fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line. The Huskies also two dropped passes on sure-fire touchdowns, with both drives ending without Andover scoring points.

When plays needed to be made, though, Totino-Grace turned to Benick. The strong-running junior carried the ball for 53 of the Eagles’ 64 yards on a third-quarter scoring drive. His touchdown late in the fourth quarter sealed the victory.

Andover quarterback Connor Wilkie finished the night with 162 yards and one passing touchdown.

Key of the game: Lance Benick, who quarterbacked the Eagles’ lone scoring drive in the first half, carried the ball four times for 53 yards as a halfback on a critical third-quarter scoring drive. He finished off the 64-yard possession with a 3-yard touchdown run to increase the Eagles’ lead to 20-6.

Quote: “Wherever the team needs me right now is where I’ll line up.” — Benick said of his multiple roles in the Eagles offense.

One thing to know: The victory keeps Totino-Grace tied atop the conference standings, setting up a potential championship showdown with Osseo on Oct. 16.

BRYCE EVANS