After two consecutive losing seasons, Wayzata showed Thursday at Rosemount that it could be a tougher team to beat this year. The Trojans’ defense controlled much of the game, limiting a talented Rosemount offense in a 21-12 victory.

“I think our [defense] played phenomenal,” Wayzata coach Lambert Brown said.

Wayzata’s defense made plays from start to finish. When Rosemount’s offense, led by Gophers recruit Jonathan Mann, strung together a long drive, defensive lineman Joe Demro tackled the ball carrier in the backfield to force a turnover. 

“We knew coming into it that Jonathan Mann was going to be a big asset to their team,” Demro said. “We tried to contain that quarterback so he couldn’t make throws [to Mann].”

Rosemount’s defense also was sound for much of the contest. But the Irish (0-1) weren’t ready for Keaton Heide’s deep pass to Connor Hale for a 55-yard touchdown that gave Wayzata (1-0) a fourth-quarter lead.

Minutes later Demro intercepted a Max Carter pass and returned it 44 yards for a touchdown, helping to clinch a promising start to the Trojans’ year.

“We started the year on a high note last year too,” said Brown, referring to a Wayzata victory against the Irish to begin the 2017 season. “I want to go into this, watch film, and find a way to get better for next week.”

JACK SATZINGER

After enduring two consecutive losing seasons, Wayzata showed Thursday at Rosemount that it could be a tougher team to beat this year. The Trojans defense controlled much of the game, limiting a talented Rosemount offense in a 21-12 victory.

Wayzata’s defense made plays from start to finish. On the first drive of the game, defender Keegan Nickel ran step for step with a streaking receiver and deflected a deep pass to force fourth down. 

When Rosemount’s offense, led by Gophers recruit Jonathan Mann, later strung together a long drive, defensive lineman Joe Demro tackled running back Garrison Green in the backfield to force a turnover on downs. 

Rosemount’s defense was also sound for much of the contest. But the Irish weren’t ready for Trojans quarterback Keaton Heide’s deep pass to Connor Hale for a 55-yard touchdown to give Wayzata the lead early in the fourth quarter.

Minutes later, Demro intercepted a Max Carter pass and returned it for a touchdown. Then Jacob Beeninga intercepted another Carter pass. 

Check back later for more on the game.