Eden Prairie defeats Lakeville North in Class 6A football quarterfinal
SPRING LAKE PARK, MINNESOTA — The No. 1 Eden Prairie Eagles (11-0) defeated the No. 4 Lakeville North Panthers (9-2) 21-3 in the Class 6A quarterfinal on Friday night at Spring Lake Park High School.
The Eagles dominated on the ground. They kept the ball away from Lakeville North with long drives, including one for ten minutes in the second half.
"We have played 11 good games, but to do it on this night, against this team, that’s really good," Eden Prairie head coach Mike Grant said.
Eagles win time of possession
The Eagles led 15-3 at halftime, and Eden Prairie with a lead is the most dangerous team in Minnesota high school football.
The Eagles dominant rushing attack, combined with a 40 second play clock, allowed them to slowly bleed clock and hold off any Lakeville North comeback attempt in the second half.
"I love these 40-second clocks," Grant said. "You can run someone right out of the game. We also picked up third downs."
The Eagles offensive line and barrage of talented running backs kept a top Panther defensive line moving backwards all night.
"I think it was absolute domination," Eden Prairie quarterback David Ivey said. "A couple drives down in the red zone we didn’t finish, but yards wise and time of possession wise we had the game by far."
Dominic Heim was the beneficiary of the long drives. He scored two touchdowns and converted a 2-point conversion. Jeremy Fredericks capped off the Eagles' 10-minute drive with a touchdown of his own.
Eden Prairie defense just as dominant
While Eden Prairie drives didn't end, Lakeville North drives didn't last long.
The Panthers took a 3-0 lead in the second quarter after a drive, but the Eagles defense didn't bend after. The Panthers longest pass play went for 18 yards, but their longest run of the night only went for 11 yards.
"[Lakeville North] is physical," Grant said. "They play hard, and their backs run hard. I’ll go back and watch film tonight, and we must’ve played pretty well."
It was just too much for the Panthers to overcome.
"This one hurts a lot, but I’m proud of every single guy on our team," Lakeville North senior Quinn Powers said. "I’m proud. Can’t ask for much more as a captain."
Rematch with Edina
The Eagles will play Edina in the Class 6A semifinal at U.S. Bank Stadium on Friday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Eden Prairie defeated Edina 36-14 earlier this season and ran for 318 total yards on 5.7 yards per carry.
"It looks like their sophomore quarterback (Mason West) is playing a lot better and they like to throw the ball," Grant said. "We knew how good they were going into week two, but that feels like a lifetime ago."
