Q&A with Mike Scanlan, Cretin-Derham Hall football coach

Q  Everyone knew the history: Cretin was 1-5 in Prep Bowls, Eden Prairie was 6-0. Eden Prairie had beaten Cretin twice in the big game. What made Friday night different?

A  I think the ability of our defense to play with their offense. That, to me, was the key. Two years ago, they just physically dominated us. Last night, I thought we matched up pretty well.

Q  I honestly can't find the last time Eden Prairie was held without a touchdown. Did you think your defense had that kind of game in it?

A  To be honest, no, I didn't think so. I thought we'd have to score about 28 points to win that game. The longer it went with us being so sporadic on offense, the more worried I got. But every time they had us on the ropes, the defense made a big stop and got us the ball back.

Q  Because of the tradition at Cretin-Derham Hall -- both of football excellence but also of not quite being able to finish the job -- how much pressure did you feel going into Friday night's game?

A  That's a tough one. Many years, perspective dictates that there are only two people left playing in 5A. For you to make it there as much as we have is an accomplishment. ... I don't know if it's fair to say we're football's version of Phil Mickelson, where Tiger Woods is Eden Prairie. But it takes a lot just to be Phil Mickelson. So I don't know if there was more pressure than any other year. For all your fans, even the fair-weather fans, they have their own expectations. But the ones that matter are the expectations in the locker room.

Q  I love the feeling of waking up the morning after something great happened and reliving it. I'm wondering: How much replaying have you been doing just in the 12 hours or so since the game ended?

A  It's a blur, still. I don't forget anymore, but my brain is full. I'm going to have to watch film to get the play-by-play remembrance. But you have that afterglow going. In the big scheme of things in life, it's not that important. But this is Minnesota, this is my profession, this is a commitment everyone made. To be the last one standing on the day after Thanksgiving, that puts you in elite company. It might not be the cure for heart disease, but at the same time it's what we've chosen to prioritize and we were the last group standing. We have to savor that.

Q  Eden Prairie and Cretin couldn't be much more different, right down to the coaches. How would you describe your relationship with Eagles coach Mike Grant, and what was shared postgame between the two of you?

A  I hold their program in the highest esteem. I think it's remarkable the track record he's had. They're the dominant program over time. I found him and his staff, considering the circumstances, very sincere and very congratulatory after the game. I've been there, where you just had your heart stomped on, to have that dream brought to an end. I don't want to say they were happy for us, but they were genuine. I've had a few insincere Bill Belichick handshakes, and to have someone not do that, I think it's the mark of a strong individual and it speaks well of their program. It was classy.

Q  Seantrel Henderson, a top national recruit, made big plays on both sides of the ball Friday. Locally, the million-dollar question is whether the Gophers have a shot at him. What do you think?

A  Yes. I truly do. He's not brought me up to speed in terms of thoughts on a frontrunner, but I think they have as good a chance as anybody right now.