Between two early turnovers and strong play from opposing quarterback Bennett Otto, conventional wisdom suggested that St. Michael-Albertville faced a big challenge Friday at undefeated Champlin Park. But running back Desean Phillips was so impressive that the turnovers and Otto’s pinpoint throws didn’t matter.

Phillips rushed for 275 yards and three touchdowns as St. Michael-Albertville topped the Rebels 35-20 to bounce back from an 0-2 start to the season while Champlin Park fell to 2-1.

“This game we kind of all put it together,” Phillips said. “We started off a little rough, but I think we picked it up as the game went on.”

Between two early turnovers and strong play from opposing quarterback Bennett Otto, conventional wisdom suggested that St. Michael-Albertville faced a big challenge Friday at undefeated Champlin Park. But running back Desean Phillips was so impressive that the turnovers and Otto’s pinpoint throws didn’t matter. 

Phillips rushed for 275 yards and three touchdowns as St. Michael-Albertville (1-2) topped the Rebels (2-1) 35-20 to bounce back from a disappointing start to the season.

Two minutes after Otto floated a perfect pass to receiver Kato Seely for an 81-yard touchdown, Phillips responded with a big play of his own. The running back powered through several defenders en route to a 59-yard touchdown.

Later in the first half, Otto converted a fourth-down touchdown pass to trim the lead to one point. Phillips responded with another series of powerful runs and short receptions early in the third quarter. He capped off the drive with a three-yard touchdown rush. 

In the fourth quarter, Phillips paced the Knights on a long drive that ended with his final touchdown — refusing to let his team start the year 0-3, even in the face of turnovers and an elite quarterback.

Check back later for more on the game.