NFL ties that bind

Three of the top players on the field during Friday's showdown featuring No. 1 Eden Prairie and No. 2 Lakeville North have NFL fathers.

Lakeville North

Bryce Benhart, junior, offensive tackle • 6-8, 290 pounds

Wrestling background makes him a pretty difficult lineman to get around. Can latch on and drive an opponent to the ground or sideline. Five major college offers. Father Gene was a Colts quarterback.

Pete Bercich Jr., senior, defensive end • 6-2, 225 pounds

Three-year starter. Captain. Grinder. One of the Panthers' hardest-working players. Father Pete was a Vikings linebacker.

Eden Prairie

Benny Sapp III, senior, defensive back • 6-0, 185 pounds

Knee injuries wiped out his past two seasons. Blazing speed remains intact. Committed to the Gophers. Had a long reception called back on a penalty last week and dropped a potential pick-six interception. Father Benny Sapp II was a Vikings defensive back.