Junior running back Mitch Underhill, a critical part of defending Class 5A state champion Wayzata’s offense, will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn ACL in the Trojans’ first game.

Underhill was injured in the second quarter of the Trojans' season-opening victory Sept. 1 at Prior Lake and sat out the second half as a precaution. An MRI on Sept. 6 revealed the torn knee ligament.

The injury cut short Underhill’s promising junior season. As a 15-year-old sophomore playing in the Prep Bowl, Underhill enjoyed a breakout performance against Rosemount. He finished with 247 yards on 12 carries, including touchdown dashes of 45, 66, 58 and 58 yards.

Without Underhill, a fast runner adept at making cuts, the Trojans will turn to the contrasting styles of Antonio Ford and Erik Roti to lead the running game.

Ford, a tough inside runner who transferred from Coon Rapids for his senior season, posted 13 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown against Prior Lake. Roti, who placed fifth in the Class 2A 100-meter dash last spring, brings an element of speed.