Eden Prairie running back Elijah Rumph, who rushed for 155 yards on 23 carries, scored a touchdown in the second quarter during the Eagles’ 40-13 victory over Prior Lake on Thursday.
The Eden Prairie Eagles were eager to hit the field a day earlier than usual, looking to rebound from their recent loss to Edina. The No. 7-ranked Eagles were ready to erase the memory of that defeat, and they did just that with an impressive performance in their home opener at Aerie Stadium.
Following the game, Eden Prairie head coach Mike Grant acknowledged the quick turnaround. “A three-day week is not ideal, because you’re still teaching, trying to learn, and getting better,” Grant stated. He expressed relief that the team would have a normal week of preparation ahead.
Senior linebacker James Anderson reflected the team’s readiness, stating, “We were ready to play probably three days ago.” This eagerness translated into a commanding victory, with the Eagles showcasing strong defense and a powerful running game.
Junior quarterback Jackson Bakkum highlighted the week’s focus on refining their tactics and learning from past mistakes. The Eagles executed their game plan effectively, amassing 306 rushing yards while controlling the ball throughout the game.
The offensive line played a crucial role, dominating the line of scrimmage and paving the way for both Rumph and fellow running back Jeremy Fredericks, who contributed 83 yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles held onto possession for nearly 34 minutes compared to Prior Lake’s 14 minutes.
Despite their dominance, Eden Prairie only led 7-0 after the first quarter due to Fredericks’ rushing touchdown. The Eagles extended their lead with a unique play that saw nose guard Gavin Walden score a touchdown from 3 yards out.
Prior Lake managed to score twice in the first half, leading to a 20-13 halftime lead for the Eagles. Anderson noted that adjustments made during halftime helped the team regain control in the second half.
The Eagles quickly regained momentum in the third quarter when senior safety Max Kukla intercepted a pass early in the half. This set up Fredericks’ second touchdown, providing a significant lift to the team.
Eden Prairie’s defense held Prior Lake scoreless in the second half, effectively shutting down their offense and resisting their attempts to score. The Eagles also excelled in third-down situations, limiting Prior Lake to just one successful conversion.
Bakkum connected with junior receiver Cooper Fahning for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, extending the Eagles’ lead. Senior running back Santosh Bommareddy capped the scoring with an 18-yard touchdown run late in the game.
The Eagles now look ahead to a longer week of preparation as they prepare to face Shakopee, who currently stands at 3-0. Coach Grant emphasized the importance of staying focused, as the competition in Class 6A remains fierce.
Eden Prairie’s victory over Prior Lake marked a successful rebound, allowing the team to move forward with confidence.