Eden Prairie defenders Melvin De-Souza and Drake Michaelson sacked Totino-Grace quarterback Bob McDaniel in first half action during the Class 5A semifinals Friday, Nov. 18, at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. Marlin Levison, Star Tribune
A 49-7 shellacking of Totino-Grace in Friday's Class 5A semifinals means Eden Prairie will hold its final practice of this season on Thanksgiving to prepare for the Prep Bowl.
-- David La Vaque, Star Tribune
Most sporting events have a game-changer of one kind or another. For the Eden Prairie Eagles, that came in the form of a pick-six play by junior cornerback, Logan Duitsman.
“We were really rolling on defense and Melvin De-Sousa had a tip and it came right to me and I took it to the end zone,” Duitsman said.
That play seemed to deflate any fight Totino-Grace had left in it. But Eden Prairie didn’t let their stellar lead go to its head.
“You just got to keep getting better every play and that’s what we’ve been doing,” Duitsman said.
Next up for Eden Prairie is the championship game against the winner of Saturday's semifinal matchup between Wayzata and Cretin-Derham Hall.
Duitsman stressed the importance of not being too short-sighted after a rout. He also had high praise for his running back who lifted his team with four touchdowns.
“He’s been carrying us all year,” Duitsman said. “He’s the best running back in the state. I don’t care what anyone else says.”
-- Jennifer Brook, MN Football Hub staff
1. Andrew Larson, Eden Prairie
A talent above and beyond even his own impressive teammates, Larson put this game out of reach in the first half. His four touchdowns carried his team past Totino-Grace with ease.
2. Logan Duitsman, Eden Prairie
Early in the second quarter, Totino-Grace was putting together a big drive and had just converted on a fourth and 5. All of that went away when Duitsman picked off a pass and ran it 65 yards for a touchdown.
3. Bob McDaniel, Totino-Grace
The lone Totino-Grace touchdown wasn't one that would make a difference in the game. However, there is something to be said about saving face. McDaniel powered into the end zone late in the 4th quarter and had a picture perfect stiff-arm to get him past a defender.