PRIOR LAKE 10, LAKEVILLE NORTH 7

Prior Lake scored 10 points on its first two possessions of the game and, nearly four hours later, that wound up being all the Lakers needed to grind out a lightning-delayed victory over their South Suburban rival.

Junior running back Andrew Owodunni scored from 10 yards out on the Lakers' opening drive, Tyler Hanson kicked a field goal on their second, and the Prior Lake defense did the rest.

The Lakers (3-1) forced five Lakeville North turnovers and, aside from one scoring drive in the second quarter, never allowed the Panthers to sustain much offense. Defensive back Payton Anderson had two interceptions and a fumble recovery for Prior Lake.

Key of the game: Lakeville North (3-1) recorded only 145 yards of total offense, but the Panthers had the ball at the Lakers 10-yard line with seven minutes left in the game. And they never gained a yard. Prior Lake sacked Panthers quarterback Drew Stewart twice, and recovered a fumble on third down. Overall, the Lakers sacked Stewart six times.

Quote: "It was a great game, but really hard to keep [our momentum] going. But it ended up great." — Prior Lake's Anderson on dealing with the two-hour lightning delay at halftime.

One thing to know: Prior Lake's dominant defensive performance came without linebacker Alex Hart on the field. The senior captain suited up, but never entered the game because of a lower body injury.

BRYCE EVANS