Prep spotlight gameday

No. 2 Wayzata at Rosemount, 7 p.m.

Rosemount update: After a poor start last season, the Irish made a run to the Class 6A state semifinals. Expectations remain high this year. A change at quarterback and fewer turnovers led to last year’s turnaround and much of the transformed offense is back. The Irish will best tested early this season. Three of Rosemount’s first four opponents qualified for last year’s Class 6A state tournament. The Irish will have to rely on ball security and defense to stay competitive with Wayzata’s size, numbers and speed. Playing at home should help.

Wayzata update: The Trojans’ size will be easily recognized. The four captains average about 214 pounds and stretch as high as 6-5. The pregame handshake that will include 6-5, 240-pound senior tight end captain Brandon Lingen should remind Rosemount it will have a large task ahead. However, coach Brad Anderson said the Trojans are smaller this year and speed and skill will be more prevalent. The last time these two teams met was in the 2010 Prep Bowl. The Trojans wore down the Irish after two quarters and pulled away in the second half to victory. They will try to do the same on Thursday.

JASON GONZALEZ