Want to know how far Mound Westonka football has come from its not-so-distant dismal past? The White Hawks rolled up nearly 400 yards of total offense, routed St. Anthony 37-21 … and were far from pleased.

"We understand we're a good team, but we also know we want to get to that great-type level," coach Nick David said. "To take the next step, we have to do all the little things, things you need to do to be a great team."

The White Hawks were 8-0 in the regular season last year, and David expects them to be even stronger this year. For one half, they were. Running backs Isaiah Cherrier and Conner Clark were scooting along the Haddorf Field turf at will. Quarterback Brennen Burroughs looked much improved as a passer, throwing for two touchdowns as Mound ran up a 24-7 halftime lead.

When Cherrier exploded through the St. Anthony defense on a 78-yard punt return in the third quarter, Mound Westonka led 37-7 and the game appeared over.

But nobody told St. Anthony. The Huskies defense toughened and the offense moved the ball through the air. With just under six minutes left, Mound Westonka had cut the lead to 37-21 and had the ball in its possession.

The Huskies held firm from there, however, and walked off the field with a victory that they were marginally pleased with.

"We've set some high standards here," Cherrier said. "We let down a little bit, and we can't do that. It's nice to get a win, but we know we can get a lot better."

Jim Paulsen