Eden Prairie improves hand with a quarterback shuffle

Marlin Levison, Star Tribune

The Eden Prairie defense threw Bloomington Jefferson running back Derrick Anderson for a loss Thursday.

Once Sam Gotham took over for Taylor Grant, the Eagles took off for their 29th victory in a row.

By DEAN SPIROS, Star Tribune

Last update: August 29, 2008 - 11:33 AM

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With Eden Prairie's Taylor Grant leading one huddle and Bloomington Jefferson's Moses Alipate leading the other, there was every reason to believe a quarterback would be in the headlines following Thursday's season opener at Bloomington Stadium. Who knew it would be Eagles backup Sam Gotham?

The senior threw for three touchdowns, passed for a two-point conversion and scored a touchdown of his own as two-time defending Class 5A champion Eden Prairie stretched its winning streak to 29 games with a 38-14 victory.

Questions might remain whether Eden Prairie is the dominating power it has been in recent years, but this much was clear before its first game of the season was over: The Eagles are at their best with Gotham (6-3, 185) at quarterback and Grant (6-4, 225) at his former position of tight end.

Grant played the role of facilitator at quarterback. As a tight end he is a weapon few, if any, defenses will have an answer for. Meanwhile, Gotham had a flow to his game -- while exhibiting the ability to make the big play.

None of this, of course, is news to Eden Prairie coach Mike Grant (Taylor's dad), and Grant's decision to utilize both players behind center didn't exactly blow up in his face. Chances are Grant, who already has two quarterbacks, can do without one of the Monday morning variety.

"We're a better running team with Taylor at tight end,'' Grant offered. Running the ball, of course, is what the Eagles are all about.

"Taylor is a Division I tight end,'' Grant continued. "He is actually taking one for the team playing quarterback.''

Time will tell how long or how much he plays quarterback. Gotham, who starts at safety, missed a lot of time during camp because of American Legion baseball, which made it easier for Grant to pick his quarterback for Game 1.

Gotham's play made it harder for Grant to decide what to do in Game 2.

"We have a lot to figure out,'' he said.

Eden Prairie trailed the Jaguars 14-13 late in the first half before taking control in the third quarter. Grant, making his first start at quarterback after taking over for his brother, Ryan, had taken all the snaps up to that point. But with the Eagles in the red zone offense early in the second quarter, Grant shifted to tight end, with Gotham taking over at quarterback.

Gotham's 6-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Fisher gave the Eagles a 13-7 lead.

After Jefferson responded with a touchdown to regain the lead, Gotham scooped up a blocked punt and ran for a touchdown late in the first half. He then threw to Grant for a two-point conversion and a 21-14 halftime lead.

Following a Jefferson turnover early in the third quarter, Gotham found Grant on a 6-yard touchdown pass.

Gotham found Grant again on a 5-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter for a 35-14 Eagles lead.

Asked if he'd like to have the offensive reins handed over to him, Gotham smiled and said, "That would be cool.''

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