First report from the game:

The Lakers, riding a four-game winning streak, scored on four of their first five possessions, jumping out to a 27-0 lead before cruising to a 47-7 victory. 

Junior running back Alex Hart had three touchdown runs, and senior Blake Weber had more than 100 yards of total offense and a score in the first 15 minutes alone.

While the offense filled up the stat sheet, the Prior Lake defense kept the sputtering Sabers at bay. Shakopee turned the ball over twice in the first half and didn’t get a first down until its fourth offensive possession.  

The Sabers’ lone score came on a pretty second-quarter pass play from quarterback Travis Larsen to speedy wideout Tyler Sloss.

Larsen, though, was swarmed by Laker defenders every time he dropped back, and at 5-6, 140 pounds, the sophomore signal caller seemed to epitomize the stark contrast in size between the two opponents. Prior Lake’s burley offensive and defensive front controlled the line of scrimmage all night.

Senior quarterback Nick Vanek also had a touchdown run for the Lakers, as did Alex Feine, who broke a 50-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter.

Prior Lake (7-2) advances to the second round Section 6 semifinals to play Wayzata. 

Recap: With a quick start on offense and a dominating defense, Prior Lake took away much of the suspense before halftime. The Lakers scored on four of their first five possessions in taking a 27-0 lead. Prior Lake junior Alex Hart had three touchdown runs. Blake Weber had more than 100 yards of offense and a score in the game’s first 15 minutes.

Key of the game: Prior Lake’s defense controlled the line of scrimmage. Shakopee didn’t gain a first down until its fourth possession. The Lakers forced three turnovers.

Quote: “We know they run kind of a funky offense, and we were ready for everything they threw out at us.” 
— Prior Lake’s Hart

One thing to know: Prior Lake’s single-wing offense is about power. Weber, Hart and quarterback Nick Vanek all weigh more than 200 pounds. The lightest in the backfield, senior Alex Feine, weighs in at 195.

BRYCE EVANS