The first half fire burned hot for Fridley on Thursday night at Minneapolis Southwest High School, where the Tigers (1-0) torched the host Lakers (0-1) with three early touchdowns that set the tone for a 27-10 win.

For a Tigers squad consisting of 17 seniors who have won 16 games over the past two seasons who are beginning their quest for a third straight state tournament appearance, Thursday's victory was a solid first step.

“It was a good win...and I believe this group is going to go as far as our seniors will take us,” Fridley coach Justin Reese said. “This game was a good measuring tool to see where we are at, and where we can grow from it.”

What Reese saw Thursday night was proof that his deep roster will continue the upward trend of Fridley Football.

Gone from the Tigers' offense is graduated running back Prince Okolie, who ran for 1,666 yards last season with an average of 6.7 yards per carry. In his stead Thursday was senior Ben Zayzay, who broke loose for two touchdowns in the first half as Fridley proved that it can continue to run the ball effectively.

“Don’t count out Ben Zayzay,” senior quarterback Noah Couwenhoven said. “He runs like an animal, he doesn’t stop charging until he’s on the ground. I think Ben is going to be an amazing running back.”

The Lakers broke the shutout late in the first half with a 27-yard field goal by Andrew Rowander, then scored their only touchdown on a 4-yard run by T.K. Marshall early in the fourth quarter.

Zayzay is expected to shoulder the Tigers' ground game this season, though Fridley has the means to move the ball in all kinds of ways, and Couwenhoven is the catalyst who runs it.

He threw touchdown passes of 37 and 47 yards, the first of which was thrown to senior Nate Soto early in the second quarter, and the second was hauled in by Casey Fisher midway through the third.

Cowenhoven’s ability to connect with Soto is well documented, having accounted for eight touchdowns and over 650 yards last year. But Fischer is new, along with receiver threat Nick Philips, and running four deep is something that the quarterback is working to become accustomed with.  

“I think the more Casey and Nick work in, it’s going to be a great thing for our offense,” Cowenhoven said. “Four receivers instead of two is a lot tougher to stop.”

Coach Reese echoed that sentiment, stating Fridley ought to be more dynamic than a more ground heavy approach last year.

“If Zayzay keeps running like that, then it will be similar,” coach Reese said, laughing. “But we’ve got so many tools in our offense. If it’s not him, then it will be Nate [Soto] or Caleb Brandt or whoever...we’ve got guys who can play.

“We just need to find our groove,” he added.

Fridley scored on its opening drive and held a commanding lead by halftime en route to a 27-10 road victory Thursday night at Minneapolis Southwest High School.

The Tigers (1-0) were fueled by two rushing touchdowns from senior Ben Zayzay, while senior quarterback Noah Couwenhoven threw two touchdown passes to help lead the way.

Couwenhoven hit Nate Soto for a 37-yard strike midway through the second quarter, then connected with Casey Fisher on a 47-yard touchdown pass midway through the third as Fridley never trailed.

Minneapolis Southwest (0-1) broke the shutout late in the first half with a 27-yard field goal by Andrew Rowander, then scored its first touchdown on a 4-yard run by T.K. Marshall early in the fourth quarter.

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