Aided by Eden Prairie center Logan Tyler (59), running back Nic Krueger (7) scored the Eagles' first touchdown against Blaine in the first half Thursday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Photo: Aaron Lavinsky ¥ aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com
Eden Prairie, Minnesota high school football’s anaconda, found its latest victim in Blaine.
The defending state champion Eagles ousted previously undefeated Blaine 34-14 in the Class 6A semifinal Thursday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Nic Krueger ran for two touchdowns, including a 43-yard dash that resulted in a 14-0 lead in the third quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff the Eagles recovered a squib kick at Blaine’s 28-yard line and the offense made the gift count. Collin Penn capped a five-play drive by going wide right on fourth-and-eight and beating a Blaine defender around the end.
“He can throw it, too,” Eden Prairie coach Mike Grant said. “He had the option to pass. But Collin is fast enough that he just legged it.”
Ahead 20-0, Eden Prairie began coiling around its prey.
Defending state champion Eden Prairie ousted previously undefeated Blaine 34-14 on Thursday in a Class 6A semifinal at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Eden Prairie (10-1) heads to its 14th Prep Bowl and seeks its 12th title. The Eagles face the winner of Friday’s semifinal game featuring top-ranked Lakeville North and surprising Lakeville South.
Nic Krueger ran for two touchdowns, including a 43-yard touchdown dash that resulted in a 14-0 lead in the third quarter.