Prep Blog: Highlights To Recap Week 1
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – At least one full week of high school football is in the books for every team in Minnesota. Now it's back to the drawing board to look at film, make adjustments and get ready for the next opponent for coaches and players.
There were really only two surprises in the first full week of action. On its home field, Cretin-Derham Hall was beaten by Suburban East Conference foe Roseville 15-12. In a game south of the metro, Wayzata needed two overtimes to get past Rosemount 24-21.
Now that we're entering Week 2, some names are starting to emerge as the main threats for their teams. All coaches and programs strive for a balanced attack in all phases, but it's always big to have that one player who can be a game-changer when needed in a crucial situation.
There were many players who had big nights last Thursday and Friday. There were four that had gaudy individual numbers in victories for their team.
Gopher Recruit Has Huge Night In Washburn Victory
Ever since Jeff Jones gave the Gophers football program a "soft" verbal commitment, many have been wondering how long it will take for him to change his mind and commit to a more established program. Jones is one of that state's top recruits, and he showed why Friday as Washburn opened up the season with a 56-50 shootout win over Highland Park.
Jones had six total touchdowns for the Millers in the victory. He ran for 152 yards and four touchdowns, and also returned a kick 85 yards for a score. Jones also had 95 yards receiving. He beat the heat and torched the Scots. I would love to see what he can do against bigger schools and tougher defenses, but with the Millers' schedule we won't get that chance unless they reach the state tournament. Washburn hosts Minneapolis Edison, which lost 14-12 to Humboldt, on Friday.
Andover WR Leads Huskies Past Champlin Park
If Andover was wondering who its standout receiver would be entering the season, the Huskies probably got their answer last week. Chris Larson had six catches for 269 yards and three touchdowns as Andover handled Champlin Park 42-14. It's a solid win in the Northwest Suburban Conference season to get the year off to a positive start. Andover will travel to Anoka this week. The Tornadoes beat Park Center in their opener 44-13.
DeLaSalle QB Scores 4 TDs In First Start
Billy Hart has some big shoes to fill this season after standout quarterback Reid Travis decided not to play football his senior season and focus on basketball. Hart got off to a great start as the Islanders beat St. Croix Lutheran 40-8 last Friday in a game that will go a long way to decide the Tri-Metro Conference.
Hart was 10-of-17 passing for nearly 200 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 87 yards and two more scores. DeLaSalle will head to Champlin Park for a non-conference tilt Friday night.
Benilde QB Helps Red Knights Cost To Victory
Keaton Stensrud got his senior season off to the start Benilde-St. Margaret's was looking for last week in a 47-8 win over Albany. The Red Knights' quarterback only tossed nine passes, but completed seven of them for 138 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for another as Benilde scored 21 second quarter points to pull away. His first two touchdown passes went to Nathan Hanks, the first of which went for 70 yards.
Benilde-St. Margaret's opens North Suburban Conference play in Robbinsdale on Friday at Cooper. The Hawks opened their season with a 24-13 home win over Marshall in non-conference action.
Check back with the WCCO Prep Blog later this week as we preview four big games around the Twin Cities.
