In a match-up of two teams focused on their ground game, Eden Prairie faced off against Shakopee on Friday night, resulting in a 28-7 victory for the Sabers. Eden Prairie, ranked sixth in the Star Tribune’s Metro poll, came into the game with a strong rushing total of 770 yards over their first three contests, while Shakopee, ranked fifth, remained undefeated.
Despite Eden Prairie’s defense limiting opponents to just 277 rushing yards in their previous games, Shakopee broke that record by accumulating 313 yards on the ground during the game. Leading the charge for the Sabers was running back TJ Clark, who rushed for 126 yards on 19 attempts.
Eden Prairie’s Jeremy Fredericks contributed 49 yards on ten carries and scored the Eagles’ only touchdown. The Eagles managed to tie the score 7-7 late in the first quarter after a strong series of plays that culminated in Fredericks diving into the end zone, following a personal foul on Shakopee that moved the Eagles closer.
Shakopee drew first blood with an 11-play, 80-yard drive capped off by Zach Docteur’s 22-yard run. Eden Prairie responded well, but the offense struggled thereafter, including a missed opportunity following an interception by linebacker Isaiah Hazecamp.
Eden Prairie’s offense began to falter in the second half, as Shakopee quickly regained control and scored two additional touchdowns. Clark scored again with a 1-yard run, and Emmanuel Taye added the final blow with a 79-yard touchdown run that sealed the game.
Eden Prairie quarterback Jackson Bakkum went 7-of-12 for just 25 yards, while the team was unable to find a rhythm offensively, resulting in a disappointing loss and dropping their season record to 2-2. Eden Prairie coach Mike Grant emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “We just have to play better.”
Next, the Eagles will be looking to bounce back as they host Wayzata at Aerie Stadium on Friday at 7 p.m.