dispatches from the dome
At the tail end of a mass of Wayzata players rushing into the Metrodome on Friday night, captains Mitch Underhill and Chris Wipson were left behind.
The senior running backs couldn't keep up in their tennis shoes and boots as they limped onto the field still recovering from season-ending knee injuries. The pair watched helplessly as the Trojans prepared for the Class 6A state semifinal against Lake Conference rival Eden Prairie, imagining what it would be like if they could trade their jeans and sweats for a full uniform, pads and a helmet.
All they could do, though, is encourage, coach and painfully watch from the sidelines as Eden Prairie ended their season with a 21-7 victory.
Standing on the edge of a postgame prayer, Underhill held the Trojans' semifinalist trophy, his right hand decorated with a 2010 state championship ring. The two trophies didn't mesh well together, and Underhill's tears showed it.
"It's hard 'cause they're like family. Everything that happens to them, happens to you. But I can't impact the game," said Underhill, who also missed last season because of the same right knee injury. "It hurts."
Wipson mourned for his teammates and Underhill, whom he praised as the best running back in the state. With Underhill on the field, Wipson said, there is no way the Eagles would have shut out the Trojans for three-plus quarters.
"I haven't seen many other teams that have lost two captains," Wipson said. "It's kind of a helpless feeling."
Wide awakeA 5:45 a.m. wake-up call sounded throughout the hotel rooms of the Grand Meadow football team Friday morning. The Nine-man, Section 1 champions were scheduled for a 9 a.m. start at the Metrodome, but they were ready for it.