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Athletes of the week

By Jim Paulsen, Star Tribune, 11/15/11, 7:07AM CST

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Ford leads Wayzata football

ANTONIO FORD


Antonio Ford

Wayzata, football

Standing on the synthetic turf at St. Cloud State's Husky Stadium on Saturday, the senior running back was saying all of the right things after the Trojans' 49-14 victory over Moorhead.
 
"I was just trying to do my job," Ford said. "We knew Moorhead was a great team. I have to give all of the credit to my offensive line."
 
While Ford's words were humble, the perma-grin on his face gave away that he had just led his No. 1-ranked team to a state-tournament victory.
 
He rushed 18 times for 249 yards, including runs of 90 yards for a touchdown and 70 yards before being caught at the 5-yard line. He also caught a 23-yard touchdown pass.
 
"This is just the greatest feeling I've had," said Ford, who played at Coon Rapids until his parents moved into the Wayzata school district in the offseason. "To come to a team like this and be able to contribute like that is unbelievable."
 
Wayzata coach Brad Anderson said Ford's big game was not only welcome, but a necessity.
 
"With Erik [Roti] out, we needed Antonio to step up and be the main ball carrier," Anderson said. "And he was able to do that. He always gives us a nice physical presence to our offense, but he showed a little speed, too."
 

SARAH WILHITE

Eden Prairie, volleyball
 
The junior outside hitter put the Eagles on her back and carried them to the Class 3A championship. In three matches, the Wisconsin-bound Wilhite had 80 kills, including a team-high 33 in the final match with Lakeville North, and also 37 digs.
 

KELSEY CHAMBERS

Jordan, volleyball
 
Chambers was virtually unstoppable as the Jaguars placed third in the Class 2A tournament. The senior outside hitter pounded 85 kills -- topping 30 in back-to-back matches -- and added 72 digs

ANDREW LARSON

Eden Prairie, football
 
Larson's first carry against Anoka in the Class 5A quarterfinals Friday went for 59 yards and a touchdown. It was called back because of a penalty, but he still rushed for 122 yards and three touchdowns as the Eagles held off a second-half Tornadoes rally to win 35-21.

ZACH HAGER

Cretin-Derham Hall, football
 
The senior kicker made the game- winning field goal -- twice, actually, after a penalty negated the first one -- in a 25-22 victory over Lakeville North in the Class 5A quarterfinals. He also made a touchdown-saving tackle and broke up a pass.

CALEY OQUIST

Monticello, swimming
 
The senior earned the chance to defend her two 2010 Class 1A titles by winning the 200 individual medley and the 100 backstroke at the Class 1A, Section 5 meet. She also swam on two winning relay teams, leading the Magic to the team championship.

KATIE MCLAIN

Anoka, girls' hockey
 
The Tornadoes opened the season by beating No. 1-ranked and defending Class 2A champion Minnetonka 3-1. The senior goalie gave up a goal early in the first period, then blanked the Skippers for the rest of the game, stopping 33 of 34 shots.

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