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Two big-play touchdowns help propel Waconia past Chanhassen

By DAVID LA VAQUE, Star Tribune, 10/17/18, 9:15PM CDT

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The Wildcats' 20-8 victory included a 67-yard catch and run by Will Koppi and a 35-yard interception return from Eric Groeneveld.


Waconia receiver Will Koppi (10) scored a touchdown on a 67-yard catch and run in the first half against Chanhassen. Photo: Richard Tsong-Taatarii•Richard.Tsong-Taatarii@startribune.com

Waconia controlled host Chanhassen throughout a 20-8 victory Wednesday, proving the effects of a late loss last week didn’t carry over.

With the victory, Waconia (7-1) won the Carver County collision, claiming the Suburban White subdistrict title outright and making a strong case to be the No. 1 seed in Class 5A, Section 2.

The section is electronically ranked, but the math favors the sixth-ranked Wildcats after dispatching No. 5 Chanhassen (6-2).

“I’m really excited for the playoffs,” said Mitchell Garnatz, Waconia’s senior running back and defensive back. “I think we’re ready to get to [U.S. Bank Stadium].”

Reaching the state tournament semifinal round will require more of what the Wildcats showed on both sides of the ball. The offense and defense each supplied scoring plays. The first touchdown, a 67-yard catch and run by Will Koppi on the Wildcats’ opening play, fulfilled a vision.

“We talked in practice [Tuesday] about how we thought Koppi would score on that play,” Garnatz said.

First report

No. 6 Waconia enjoyed a 20-8 road victory Wednesday at No. 5 Chanhassen in a battle of Class 5A teams.

The Wildcats’ touchdowns both came on big plays, a 67-yard catch and run by Will Koppi and a 35-yard interception return from Eric Groeneveld. Kicker Tim Stapleton booted two field goals.

With the victory, Waconia (7-1) wins the Suburban White subdistrict title outright and makes a strong case to be the No. 1 seed in Class 5A, Section 2.

Jacob Miller, Chanhassen (6-2) starting quarterback through the first seven games, missed Wednesday’s game with an injury suffered last week against Bloomington Kennedy.

Check back later for more on the game.

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