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Eden Prairie's Larson runs wild

By David La Vaque, Star Tribune, 09/01/11, 9:23PM CDT

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Standout running back had 79-yard scamper to key win over Champlin Park


Eden Prairie's Andrew Larson (28) worked his way for yards against Champlin Park. /Kyndell Harkness, Star Tribune

Eden Prairie standout senior running back Andrew Larson carried seven times for 48 yards in the first half of Thursday’s season-opening game, numbers that hung like ominous clouds.

A downpour was sure to come from the guy who rushed for 1,700 yards last season. It came after some halftime encouragement from his coach, Mike Grant, who told Larson to “just go and run through tackles.”

“I think when you get backs who get to be seniors with all that recognition, they think they need to score every play,” Grant said.

Larson’s 79-yard touchdown run in the third quarter is proof of his ability to score from anywhere. Facing 3rd-and-20, Eden Prairie coaches sent Larson into the teeth of the Rebels defense. He emerged from the crowd, broke right and outraced two defenders to the end zone.

He added a short touchdown run in the third quarter as the No. 1 Eagles pulled away from No. 6 Champlin Park in a 24-7 victory. Larson finished with 20 carries for 199 yards.

“We ran a trap and they definitely weren’t expecting it,” Larson said. “They have a really good defense so I wasn’t used to seeing no one in the middle. So I thought, 'This is my chance.’”

A potential running back duel between Larson and Champlin Park junior Michael Sales did not materialize as Sales missed the game with and injury.

Eden Prairie also missed several opportunities with fumbles, dropped balls and other miscues. After Larson’s long touchdown run, the Eagles defense made an interception. But the offense fumbled on the goal line.

Once again, the Eagles defense and special teams answered, forcing the Rebels to punt after three plays and then blocking the punt. A Rebels player caught the ball and got it out to the 1-yard line, where the Eagles got their clinching score - albeit five plays later than desired.

Grant told his players he faults them much less for physical mistakes than mental ones.

“We have 19 new starters who have been waiting since third grade to do this, they just get the yips a little bit,” Grant said.

The teams traded first-half touchdown drives showcasing their contrasting styles in the process. Behind the push of its mammoth offensive line, Eden Prairie mounted a run-heavy touchdown drive of 66 yards.

Champlin Park reached Eden Prairie’s 14-yard line thanks to pass plays from Trevor Garrison to Bryce Marquardt and from Nick Frohreich to Derek Metcalfe.

The Rebels’ Tony Hill tied the game 7-7 with a 14-yard scoring run in the second quarter.
 

Eagles anxious to watch and learn

Eden Prairie coach Mike Grant told his players after the Eagles’ 24-7 victory against Champlin Park they earned a “B” grade but an “A” for effort.

The top-ranked Eagles left several big plays on the field Thursday night against the No. 6 Rebels – including two potential touchdowns. But Grant wanted to focus on improvement rather than dwell on mistakes.

“Films tomorrow will be great,” Grant said. “It’s a teaching thing. We don’t yell or scream or swear. We’ll start film at 8:30 and at 11 we’ll send the kids out. We’ll be better at 11.”

Eden Prairie wasn’t too shabby in Thursday’s season-opener. Running back Andrew Larson ran 20 times for 199 yards. The defense made three interceptions and the special teamer blocked a punt.

But at halftime, Eden Prairie led 10-7 and couldn’t help but think about what might have been. Tight end Zach Hovey caught a pass and ran into Rebels’ territory before getting the ball stripped from behind.

Champlin Park took possession and on the first play, Eden Prairie linebacker Jack Cotrell dropped an interception and potential touchdown.

The Eagles defense held firm and forced a Rebels punt. The possession ended with an Eagles punt after Rashawn Fountain let a sure 55-yard touchdown catch behind the defense drop through his hands.

“What are you going to do?” Grant said. “You’ve got Rashawn Fountain, probably the fastest kid in the metro – he just dropped it. And [Cotrell] has got the best hands on the team and it’s not close. In 7-on-7 he made great catches all summer.”

Taking a cue from his coach, Larson said the best cure for first-game hiccups is the figurative long, deep breath of a good film session. No team is expected to be perfect, but the Eagles must make corrections if they hope to fulfill their state championship aspirations.

“We’re going to learn a lot, I’ll tell you that right now,” Larson said. “That’s the thing I like about film – getting better. I’m excited for it. There’ll be a lot of learning [Friday].”

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