An on-field interview with a local cable television and a postgame safe party with teammates kept Centennial running back Michael Diggins from sharing a celebratory moment with his father, Cougars coach Mike Diggins.

Michael, a senior running back, piled up 215 yards and three touchdowns on 28 carries as the Cougars (1-3) won their first game of the season, a 41-13 blowout of Anoka last Friday.

By the time they talked Saturday morning, Mike was in coaching mode, looking at film and pointing out needed improvements. Still, he said, "I was very proud of him. He's doing a great job."

The younger Diggins racked up 184 yards in the season opener against Osseo and hit the century mark against defending big-school champion Eden Prairie in Week 3. Getting big numbers in a victory, his father said, meant more.

"He's only about 5-foot-8 and runs a 4.7 in the 40 but he's got quick feet, he's patient and he reads plays well," Mike Diggins said. "He makes those quick cuts and picks up another five yards."

Big swim meetOne of the largest girls' swimming and diving meets of the season, the Maroon and Gold Invitational, takes place Saturday at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center. Almost 900 swimmers from 34 teams will compete across three divisions -- Bronze, Maroon and Gold. The meet begins at 12:45 p.m.

Wild horsesStep one in what's essentially a two-step process for Mounds View to win an outright Suburban East Conference football title begins with Friday's game at Stillwater.

The fourth-ranked Mustangs repeatedly have gotten the better of No. 9 Stillwater in recent years. Mounds View has won nine of the past 10 meetings and ended Stillwater's past four seasons with playoff victories.

David La Vaque • 612-673-7574