The abrupt end to the 2020 season, which did not include a state tournament, led to a spirited debate. Who had the state’s best Class 6A team among undefeated Lakeville South, Eden Prairie and Rosemount? This was old-school stuff, pre-1972, before mythical state champions chosen by sportswriters were replaced with, you know, actual state champions decided on the field.
It would be nice to think two-thirds of last year’s debate will be settled Friday night when Eden Prairie and Lakeville South meet. But, of course, we know this is a different season, these are different teams with different players, etc., etc., etc.
That's not to say this isn’t a great matchup. The Star Tribune metro rankings from Sept. 5 have Lakeville South No. 1 and Eden Prairie No. 2. The Associated Press Class 6A rankings dated Sept. 9 have it Eden Prairie No. 1 and Lakeville South No. 2.
Both teams are 2-0. Eden Prairie is outscoring its opponents 83-29; Lakeville South has a 62-14 scoring edge. Eden Prairie junior quarterback Nick Fazi threw three touchdowns in the Eagles’ 37-29 triumph over Farmington last Friday. Lakeville South junior running back Carson Hansen has gained exactly 300 yards in two games. He’s averaging 11.1 yards per carry.