Author: Steve Mulholland

I wish I could give excuses and say this or that. Our hats are off to Edina, they just played outstanding football.Eden Prairie head coach Mike Grant Despite its proximity to the field at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Delta Sky Club – one of the venue’s most coveted luxury lounges – is a distinct departure from what most observers would envision for high school football. A glass wall, lined with purple LED lights, allows spectators inhabiting the posh, field-level space to catch a glimpse of players exiting the playing surface. After No. 1-ranked Eden Prairie’s shocking 28-7 loss to Edina in…

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After Friday’s dominant 21-3 victory over Lakeville North on a neutral site field in Spring Lake Park, Eden Prairie head coach Mike Grant wasn’t thinking about his team’s performance in the state quarterfinal game. Nor was he looking ahead to their state semifinal matchup with Edina this Friday at U.S. Bank Stadium. He was simply happy to extend the season. “The most important thing is that we get to be together for at least another week,” Grant told his team after the game, clearly feeling the emotion of the moment. “I love you guys, you’re really special,“ he added. “I…

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All the towering lights – with the exception of two – had been turned off at Aerie Stadium on Friday night, following the Eden Prairie Eagles’ 42-14 dismantling of Eagan in the section finals of the 6A football playoffs. The site of the Eagles’ resounding win was left with a few spots of illumination, mixed with contrasting shadows on the clear November evening. Head coach Mike Grant had already delivered his post-game talk, telling his players he was “awful proud” of their effort as they had “four more quarters down, with 12 to go” in their quest for a state…

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Eden Prairie senior Zander Hemmesch learned he would be the starting quarterback 24 hours before the Eagles’ opening-round playoff game against Osseo on Friday. Senior David Ivey, the Eagles’ regular starting quarterback, had been nursing injuries after Eden Prairie’s win over Woodbury in the regular season finale, paving the way for Hemmesch to make the first start of his high school career on a cold and blustery night at Aerie Stadium. “David (Ivey) is a little banged up,” Hemmesch said. “So I’ve been practicing more with the starters, but I didn’t know officially until yesterday.” Despite the short notice, Hemmesch…

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