Apple Valley had a bit of a slow start Friday, punting three times in the first quarter against Lakeville South. Then it found something that worked really well: Hand the ball to junior Kellan McKeag.

The running back racked up 130 yards on 21 carries, getting 111 yards on 14 carries in the first half, to spark the Eagles to a 28-20 victory on homecoming. He was a big part of Apple Valley’s 103 yards in the second quarter, scoring on a 2-yard touchdown run with a minute left.

The Eagles (4-2) turned to McKeag after their leading rusher, senior Mario Lewis, was injured last week.

“It felt great,” said McKeag, who went into the game with just 32 yards on eight carries this season. “Filling the shoes for one of the best running backs in the state, I mean it’s pretty tough.”

He pulled double duty against the Cougars by also playing linebacker.

“We hate having to play guys two ways, but he was ready,” Apple Valley coach Chad Clendening said.

The Eagles grabbed the lead for good with 5:39 to play on a 9-yard run by quarterback Noah Sanders and a two-point conversion by McKeag. Lakeville South (1-5) got the ball back and was driving, but Eagles senior Jacob Schmid recovered a fumble with 1:42 left.

Apple Valley had a bit of a slow start to its 28-20 victory, with three punts in the first quarter. Then it found something that really worked well: Hand the ball to junior Kellan McKeag.

The running back racked up 111 yards on 14 carries in the first half of Friday’s home game against Lakeville South, including a two-yard touchdown run with a minute to go in the half. He was a big part of Apple Valley’s 103 second-quarter yards.

On homecoming night, the Eagles turned to McKeag for an offensive spark after their leading rusher, senior Mario Lewis, was injured last week. McKeag came into the game with just 32 yards on eight carries.

The Eagles grabbed the late lead with 5:39 to play. Lakeville South was driving, but Apple Valley senior Jacob Schmid recovered a fumble with 1:42 to go.

The Cougars scored first with a 50-yard touchdown catch by senior Jaden Lindner.

Check back later for more on the game.