When quarterbacks such as Andover's Connor Wilkie and Osseo's Matt Miedtke share the field, fans anticipate a game of aerial H-O-R-S-E, featuring tight spirals thrown for big yards.
But earlier this week, Osseo coach Derrin Lamker, a former high school and college quarterback himself, predicted something else. He expected Friday's game at Osseo to be a defensive struggle and challenged his guys to make the difference.
The Orioles responded throughout a 20-7 victory against previously undefeated Andover (4-1). Wilkie finished 20-for-42 passing for 134 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions, despite averaging almost 300 passing yards and three touchdowns per outing.
"Mike Johnson, our defensive coordinator, and Jason Moden did a phenomenal job with the defense," Lamker said. "They kind of stymied Andover with some different pass rushes."
Indeed, Andover could not find the end zone on any of its seven first-half drives. The Huskies' initial first down came in the second quarter on its fifth overall possession.
Andover's defense and special teams created great field position, recovering Osseo fumbles on two consecutive second-quarter possessions. But the Huskies could not capitalize. Late in the first half, Andover pass attempts on third and fourth down fell incomplete in the end zone.
Osseo linebackers Kefa Onyangore and Andrew Lanners recorded sacks of Wilkie. High-energy players such as defensive end Rich Davis kept him off balance and out of rhythm. Andover coach Rich Wilkie credited Osseo's defensive line speed for creating problems for the Huskies' offensive line.
"That's the first time Connor Wilkie's been hit all year," Lamker said. "He was on the turf a lot tonight and that's what you've got to do to him."
