Maple Grove holds off Prior Lake

Evan Hull admits he was nervous when he was tasked as the only ball-carrier when Maple Grove tried to hold off Prior Lake at home Friday night.

Hull carried the ball seven times on the game's final drive, which started with 3 minutes, 55 seconds left, including runs on third and fourth down to keep the drive going and complete a 9-6 victory.

"My whole body was shaking," Hull said. "What went through my mind was like, 'This is it, it's all-or-nothing.' "

Hull rushed for 134 yards on 28 carries, including 73 in the first half, and scored Maple Grove's only touchdown.

"I think he's a work in [progress], and I mean that as a compliment," Maple Grove coach Matt Lombardi said. "He's got a lot of ability and is going to be a very good player."

Maple Grove, ranked No. 5 in Class 6A, kept the ninth-ranked Lakers scoreless until the fourth quarter, when Ryan Schipper passed to Tanner Wermerskirchen for a 14-yard touchdown.

In the first quarter, a host of Maple Grove defenders corralled Preston Jelon in the end zone for a safety. The Crimson defense also recovered three fumbles.

"I love my defense," Hull said. "I love them so much. They really get my back when the offense can't do much. They're just a bunch of athletes, and they go out and get it."

MICHAEL HUGHES