Hornets Look for Redemption at Eden Prairie

The Edina Hornets (5-4 1-3 Lake Conference) continue their quest for the sectional title, as they travel to Eden Prairie (7-1, 3-1 Lake Conference) to face the No. 1 seeded Eagles.

PLAYMAKERS

—Francisco Hardacker (Edina - Running Back)
The senior running back rushed for a career-best 243 yards and 28 carries. He scored three touchdowns in their first round playoff win.

—Patrick LeCorre (Edina - Kicker)
The freshman picked the perfect time to make his first-ever field goal as he converted from 36 yards to help the Hornets defeated Hopkins 38-35 Tuesday.

—Andrew Larson (Eden Prairie - Running Back)
KARE-11 preseason All-Metro selection has rushed for 1,116 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. Larson has scholarship offers from North Dakota, North Dakota State, South Dakota and South Dakota State.

—Nick Davidson (Eden Prairie - Tackle)
The son of Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Jeff, Nick is considering Stanford, Clemson, Ohio State, Oregon and Colorado. He visited Stanford recently for their game versus Colorado and will visit the other schools after the football season.

HORNETS WIN IF...

They can run the ball and keep the Eagles’ offense on the sideline. The Hornets rushed for 309 yards in their first playoff win and allowed only 91 rushing yards by Hopkins. Eden Prairie has a terrific running game and the Hornets’ defense will be put to the test Saturday. The winner faces the winner of Minnetonka versus Chanhassen next Friday.

EAGLES WIN IF...

They can continue to pound the ball with standout running back Larson behind a big offensive line. Their running game keeps the offensive on the field and wears down opposing teams. The Eagles had a first round bye to allow Larson, who has been nicked by injuries, extra time to get healthy. They figure to be angry after getting shut out by Wayzata last Tuesday for the first time in head coach Mike Grant’s time with the team in the regular season finale.

2-MINUTE DRILL

SITE: Eden Prairie High School - Section 6AAAAA second round playoffs
TIME: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29
WEATHER: Mostly Cloudy, 42 degrees
LAST MEETING: Eden Prairie earlier this season.

EDINA SCHEDULE

Thu, Sept. 1 at Andover W 21-14
Fri, Sept. 9 vs. Minneapolis Southwest W 38-0
Fri, Sept. 16 at Lakeville North L 27-14
Fri, Sept. 23 at Minnetonka L 28-14
Fri, Sept. 30 vs. Hopkins W 14-7
Thu, Oct. 6 vs. Wayzata L 28-7
Fri, Oct. 14 vs. Eden Prairie L 35-7
Wed, Oct. 19 vs. North St. Paul W 46-14
Tue, Oct. 25 Hopkins W 38-35

EDEN PRAIRIE SCHEDULE

Thurs, Sept. 1 Champlin Park W 24-7
Fri, Sept. 9 Bloomington Kennedy W 35-0
Fri, Sept. 16 at Maple Grove W 35-0
Fri, Sept. 23 Hopkins W 56-7
Fri, Sept. 30 Minneapolis South W 62-20
Thu, Oct. 6 Minnetonka W 16-0
Fri, Oct. 14 at Edina W 35-7
Wed, Oct. 19 at Wayzata L 9-0