State Tournament Football Preview: Wayzata vs. Moorhead

Gameday

Moorhead (6-5, 6-5 Independent) vs. Wayzata (10-0, 4-0 in the Lake Conference)

Playmakers

Nick Martin, Wayzata (Quarterback): After the Trojan’s sub-par performance against Champlin Park, Martin took it upon himself to make sure the offense played the way they are capable of. He didn’t disappoint. He threw three touchdown passes last week while making smart decisions. He also has the ability to put a team in a hole with his punting game. Look for smart quarterback play from Martin as well as a couple punts over 50 yards.

Chase Morlock, Moorhead (Running Back): The junior running back stole the show last week against the Brainerd Warriors when he went off for 127 yards and three touchdowns. Look for the Spuds to give him the ball often when trying to move the ball on a tough Trojan defense.

The Trojans win if…

They make sure not to look beyond this game and play like they are playing an opponent from the Lake Conference. Overlooking a team like the Spuds could have season ending consequences. If they can establish the running game early on and play solid, mistake-free defense, they will win this game.

The Spuds win if…

They play mistake-free football and can move the ball on the Trojan defense. The longer the Spud offense can keep the Trojan offense on the sideline, the closer the game will be. They will also have to make the big play when they need to. The Trojans may not give many chances to break one loose, but when they do, you must have the ability to make them pay.

Key Injuries

Mitch Underhill, Wayzata: Underhill tweaked his knee in the opening game against Prior Lake. An MRI revealed a torn ACL. He’s out for the remainder of the season.

Erik Roti, Wayzata: Roti hurt his ankle during the victory over Champlin Park. The Trojans hope to get him back soon.

Ryan Poppitz, Wayzata: Poppitz suffered a torn meniscus in his knee against Champlin Park. He will be out for the remainder of the season. Poppitz is one of the Trojan’s stars on defense. Someone will need to step up and fill his position quickly.

Two-Minute Drill

Site: St. Cloud State University

Time: 8 p.m.

Projected Weather: Mostly Cloudy, 43 degrees

Wayzata Schedule

Sept. 1 at Prior Lake (W, 47-20)

Sept. 9 at Eagan (W, 28-7)

Sept. 16 vs. Anoka (W, 44-21)

Sept. 23 vs. Carmel Catholic (University of Dubuque) (W, 33-27)

Sept. 30 vs. Minnetonka (W, 35-7)

Oct. 6 at Edina (W, 28-6)

Oct. 14 at Hopkins (W, 40-20)

Oct. 19 vs. Eden Prairie (W, 9-0)

Oct. 29 vs. Champlin Park (W, 21-14)

Nov. 4 vs. Osseo (W, 30-7)

Nov. 12 vs. Moorhead