South has an unusual supporter. After pummeling the Tigers 42-0, Eden Prairie coach Mike Grant approached the opposing players to offer words of encouragement.

The unconventional postgame gesture sounded like a message of hope for a program with ambitions. Grant commended South for suiting up against Eden Prairie when most of the rest of the state avoids the defending state champion. He told the boys they played hard and that his players were challenged. Grant also said he was on South's side; meaning he's fan.

The exchange ended with quiet cheers as the Eden Prairie coach said he'd be rooting for the Tigers next week when they face Southwest. This statement brought smiles to the boys' faces because the seniors have never beaten their city rival.

Senior captain Bo Schwanke's season goal was to finally take down the Lakers. Wins against Washburn and even Eden Prairie would have been nice, but nothing compared to beating the Lakers. An afternoon win on Saturday at Southwest would define a successful season for the South players. Especially following last Friday's beating at Eden Prairie.

Here are some photos chronicling South's second visit in as many years to Eden Prairie. The mood of the day quickly changed.

Minneapolis South (3-2) at Southwest (4-1), Saturday at noon
Last year's result: Southwest won 28-0
Noteworthy: Last year's meeting was scoreless at halftime, before Southwest scored three touchdowns in the third quarter.