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Minnetonka stays unbeaten after special teams mistakes plague Wayzata

By David La Vaque, Star Tribune, 09/23/16, 10:00PM CDT

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Quarterback Garrett Olson passed for two touchdowns and ran for another in the Skippers' 24-7 victory.


Minnetonka quarterback Garrett Olson (8) attacks the Wayzata defense on a quarterback draw, including defensive back Sam Loven (23) in the second quarter Friday at Wayzata High School. Photo: DAVID JOLES * djoles@startribune.com

Minnetonka quarterback Garrett Olson pumped his right arm like the pistons on a steam engine while detailing the Skippers’ simple yet effective play calling.

“Our game plan going into this game was, ‘We’ve got to pound the rock, pound the rock, pound the rock,’ ” Olson said.

The rock is crying uncle.

In Minnetonka’s 24-7 victory over Wayzata, Olson rushed 22 times for 70 yards and a score. Running back Shadon Hopkins added 107 yards on 19 carries.

The Skippers (4-0) remained unbeaten and captured the Bay Bell traveling trophy for the first time since 2014. Even then, the Trojans won it back nine days later in the playoffs. Minnetonka reclaimed the trophy Friday by force.

On the other side, Wayzata coach Brad Anderson deemed the game a team loss. Special teams miscues led to 10 Minnetonka points, and a lack of execution on offense and defense doomed the Trojans (1-3).

Wayzata led 7-3 after quarterback Keaton Heide hit Brandon Bluford in stride on a slant route for a 71-yard score in the second quarter. But the Trojans’ highlight reel ended there.

“We didn’t play well in Week 1 or Week 3, so three times is a trend,” Anderson said. “We have the players and the talent to do better, but are we competitive enough? We’ve been challenged and have yet to step up.”

Olson and the Skippers’ offense did more than just pound the rock. His 10-yard touchdown pass to Gus Steiger provided a 10-7 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, Olson threaded a ball to Nate Shoemaker for a 45-yard touchdown and a 17-7 lead.

“It was close, but he made a heck of a catch,” Olson said.

As the fourth quarter began, Minnetonka faced fourth-and-6 in the red zone. Choosing to be aggressive, the Skippers converted on Olson’s pass to Powers Warren at the Trojans 7-yard line.

“We were ready for it, and it was well-executed,” Olson said. “Powers had a great catch.”

Olson finished the drive with a touchdown run and a commanding 24-7 lead.

“It comes down to running the football and trusting your teammates,” Olson said. “I think our offensive line did a tremendous job.”

David La Vaque • 612-673-7574

First report

Superior special teams play gave Minnetonka a 24-7 victory at Wayzata and kept the Skippers (4-0) unbeaten this season.

Wayzata (1-3) punting miscues led to 10 Minnetonka points.

A bad snap left Wayzata punter Myles Johnson with no option other than falling on the ball. Minnetonka took over at the Trojans’ 48-yard line and drove to a 22-yard field goal from Juan Villa for an early 3-0 lead.

Minnetonka led 10-7 when a second Wayzata special teams mistake proved costly in the third quarter.

Johnson dropped the snap, recovered, then ran and slid well short of the first-down marker. Minnetonka took over at midfield and a few plays later, quarterback Garrett Olson found Nate Shoemaker for a 45-yard touchdown and a 17-7 lead.

Olson, already with two touchdown passes, added a 7-yard touchdown run for a 24-7 lead in the fourth quarter.

Check back later for more on the game.

Game at a glance

Key of the game: Wayzata’s punting unit made two bad snaps that led to great Minnetonka field position and points. Punter Myles Johnson was forced to fall on the ball in the first quarter, which led to a Minnetonka field goal for a 3-0 lead. A dropped snap in the third quarter gave Minnetonka the ball near midfield. A few plays later, Garrett Olson’s 45-yard touchdown pass to Nate Shoemaker made it 17-7.

Quote: “Our defense played out of their mind. They’ve been playing really well all year.” — Minnetonka quarterback Garrett Olson.

Worth noting: Minnetonka kept pushing early in the fourth quarter, converting on fourth-and-6 with a pass to Wayzata’s 7-yard line. Olson completed the drive and iced the game with a touchdown run for a 24-7 lead.

David La Vaque

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