Eden Prairie squeaks past Shakopee in low-scoring TCO Stadium series opener

By Blaze Fugina, SportsEngine, 09/20/19, 9:00PM CDT

Although they were held to just 14 points, the Eagles found the scores they needed to win late in the game.

Eden Prairie quarterback David Warren-Mitchell (12) scrambles to avoid pressure from the Shakopee defense Friday night. The Eagles defeated the Sabers 14-6 at TCO Stadium in Eagan. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine

Most prep programs don’t get regular opportunities to play in professional facilities. But for Eden Prairie, a program that’s played in the past three Class 6A Prep Bowls, its players are used to stadiums larger than your average high school facility.

The Eagles squared off with Shakopee Friday evening in the season's first Vikings Prep Spotlight game at TCO Stadium in Eagan, home of the Minnesota Vikings.

While the game was an exciting experience for the Eagles and their fans, Eden Prairie coach Mike Grant stated his team plays just as well at any stadium in Minnesota.

"I don't think it really matters to us," Grant said, offering a lighthearted mention of the more than hour drive from Eden Prairie. "When I was stuck in traffic, not moving on the way over here, I was saying how nice it would have been to go to Shakopee."

Early on, it was Shakopee that stole the thunder during Eden Prairie's 14-6 victory in the showcase game.

Photo Gallery: Eden Prairie vs. Shakopee

The Sabers’ Jack Casey, who finished with 110 yards rushing, converted a 1-yard fourth-and-goal run with 10 seconds remaining in the first half to give Shakopee a 6-0 lead at the break. Meanwhile, Eden Prairie (4-0, 2-0) was held to minus-9 yards of offense in the first two quarters.

"I think coming out of the first quarter; we really kind of punched them in the mouth right away," Casey said. "We were able to move the ball. The defense was doing their job."

But Eden Prairie's attack produced just enough in the second half, scoring its only offensive touchdown in the third quarter when David Warren-Mitchell completed a 17-yard TD pass to Mark Masters.

With the Sabers (1-3, 0-3) threatening to regain the lead with less than seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, defensive back Ben Sather made sure the Eagles didn’t give up control. He caught a misfired throw from the Shakopee quarterback and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown.

"I saw that he was going to pitch, and I just stuck out my arm," said Sather, who scored for the first time since his sophomore year, when he had played quarterback. "I happened to knock it, and then I picked it up and started running."

Looking at Eden Prairie's No. 2 ranking in the Class 6A Associated Press statewide poll, some might not have expected such a close game with a Shakopee team that’s struggled to register wins so far this season

But Sabers coach Ray Betton mentioned his team has played close games, including a 14-12 loss to No. 7-6A Prior Lake on Sept. 6.

"I told the kids, ‘man, we've just got to quit beating ourselves,’" Betton said.

Another win for Eden Prairie will help continue yet another season where the Eagles have state title aspirations. But for more than two quarters on Friday, Shakopee was in contention for an upset.

"I think we made a few adjustments, and our kids knew they were in a battle," Grant said. "That game could have gone either way."

Shakopee senior Jack Casey (44) breaks tackles for a first down against Eden Prairie Friday night. Casey had 110 yards rushing and a TD for the Sabers at TCO Stadium in Eagan. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine

First report

It's not always how you start. It's how you finish.

After totaling minus-9 yards of offense in the entire first half, Eden Prairie, ranked No. 2 in the Class 6A Associated Press' statewide poll, found just enough punch in the second half to pull out 14-6 victory over Metro West Subdistrict foe Shakopee Friday under the lights at TCO Stadium in Eagan.

Shakopee (1-3, 0-3) led 6-0 at the half thanks to a 1-yard TD run by Jack Casey with 10 seconds left before halftime. Casey finished with 110 rushing yards.

But the Eagles jumped out to their first lead of the game, 7-6, in the third quarter when David Warren-Mitchell completed a 17-yard touchdown pass to Mark Masters.

With Shakopee threatening to retake the lead in the fourth quarter, Eden Prairie's Ben Sather grabbed a misfired pitch by the Sabers' offense and returned it for a 74-yard TD and a 14-6 lead.

Johnny Hartle led the Eden Prairie (4-0, 2-0) offense with 65 yards rushing on 10 attempts.

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