Prior Lake's Jack Kaiser took it a step further Thursday night. On the first drive, the senior running back caught a screen pass and motored his way to a 62-yard touchdown, giving the underdogs a 7-0 lead in front of the home fans.

The Lakers ended up losing to Wayzata, but high hopes remain for Kaiser and Co.

Q Heck of a way to start your season. Could you draw it up any other way?

A It felt great. It's nice to start off fast and get that first touchdown to get ahead on Wayzata, which is a great team. But we have to capitalize on other opportunities and go from there.

Q Could you run through that play?

A Our quarterback, Topher Rose, threw a bubble out to me on the flat. I broke one tackle, juked some guy and then broke another tackle and then it was just straight to the end zone from there.

Q How do you prepare going up against Wayzata's defense, which has a strong history of success?

A You just have to look at the film. Recognize their defense, their blitzes, their stunts -- and practice hard. On the weekdays, you just have to go up against a good scout defense.

Q Is that intimidating at all, going up against a defense and team like that, especially one that just won a state championship?

A Not really. Everybody knows Wayzata is the best team -- or one of the best teams. You get a little nervous. You get a little nervous, but they go away fast after that first play and then you're good to go.

Q You also broke up a potential Trojans touchdown pass in the first quarter. How do you like playing on defense?

A I like it, playing corner. It's my first year playing defense this year -- and they're giving me a shot. It will be fun. We'll see where it takes me. I've been practicing defense all year, so I expected to be in.

Q As a senior and a leader, what do you want to be remembered for when you finish here at Prior Lake?

A Just giving it all we've got every game. Going hard to the whistle. No cheap shots. Playing fair and giving it all we got.

Q A lot of coaches say you guys could be a team that surprises a lot of people. Why are they saying that?

A Because we have a lot of great players on our team that can make big plays at any time. I don't think we'll surprise anyone. We're expected to do well as a team, as a program. It's going to be a fun year.

AARON PAITICH