Wayzata running back Christian Vasser (4) ran the ball for a first down against Prior Lake defensive back Nick Larson (5) in the first half. Photo: Aaron Lavinsky • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com
Wayzata seniors Malaki Jackson and Christian Vasser established an identity as physical, tough running backs. Now they need a nickname.
“Thunder and Thunder?” Vasser said with a laugh. “Something like that. All of us run with a purpose.”
The duo helped the Trojans earn a 14-10 comeback victory at Prior Lake on Friday. No. 4 Wayzata, starting 3-0 for the first time in four seasons, edged the fifth-ranked Lakers thanks to a 95-yard fourth quarter drive capped by Vasser’s second short touchdown run of the game.
Vasser, listed as 6-1, 205 pounds, ran 31 times for an unofficial 142 yards. Jackson, listed at 6-2, 210 pounds, gave the Trojans another strong option. He also played nose tackle, getting into the center’s business quicker than a hiccup.
“Malaki is a different breed,” Vasser said. “He’s a beast.”
Same goes for Vasser. Wayzata coach Lambert Brown praised Vasser for always ending runs by falling forward. On Friday, the big fella brought something extra.
A fourth-quarter touchdown drive gave Wayzata a 14-10 victory at Prior Lake on Friday.
The fourth-ranked Trojans (3-0) drove 95 yards for Christian Vasser’s go-ahead touchdown run with 3:22 remaining.
On its ensuing drive, No. 5 Prior Lake (2-1) crossed midfield until a rash of penalties hurled the Lakers backward.
A chop block followed by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on a Prior Lake coach proved too much to overcome. A Wayzata interception sealed the victory.
Check back later for more on the game.