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Back lifts No. 4 Wayzata over No. 3 St. Michael-Albertville

By NATE GOTLIEB, Special to the Star Tribune, 09/18/21, 12:15AM CDT

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Julian Alfaro-Diedrich scores five touchdowns, surpasses 200 yards


Wayzata’s Julian Alfaro Diedrich dominated as a running back. EARL J. EBENSTEINER, SportsEngine

Julian Alfaro Diedrich played wide receiver in 2019 and 2020 for Wayzata, rushing the ball sparingly while the Trojans relied primarily on senior running backs.

He proved his value at the position Friday, rushing for over 200 yards and five touchdowns in a 34-14 Trojans victory over St. Michael-Albertville at Wayzata High School.

Alfaro Diedrich, a senior who has committed to St. Thomas, rushed for 158 first-half yards and three touchdowns. That included a 25-yarder on which he broke tackles with two spin moves before sprinting to the end zone.

Julian Alfaro Diedrich played wide receiver in 2019 and 2020 for Wayzata, rushing the ball sparingly while the Trojans relied primarily on senior running backs.

He proved his value at the position Friday, rushing for over 200 yards and five touchdowns in a 34-14 Trojans victory over St. Michael-Albertville at Wayzata High School.

Alfaro Diedrich, a senior who has committed to St. Thomas, rushed for 158 first-half yards and three touchdowns. That included a 25-yarder on which he broke tackles with two spin moves before sprinting to the end zone.

Early in the game, especially, he found success bouncing runs outside the tackle box.

"The offensive line was getting push, and I felt the linebackers coming in the middle, so I had a few opportunities to bounce it out," he said. "The holes were everywhere. Our O-line played outstanding. I couldn't do anything without them."

Wayzata (3-0, No. 4 in the Metro Top 10) scored touchdowns on its first three drives, taking an early 14-0 lead and a 21-7 lead into halftime. The Trojans had the ball inside the Knights' 5-yard line early in the third quarter after a botched punt attempt, but a fumble ended the drive.

St. Michael-Albertville (2-1, No. 3 in the Metro Top 10) subsequently went on an 80-yard touchdown drive, capped by a 3-yard rushing score by Conner Luongvan, to cut the lead to seven points. But Wayzata responded with a 71-yard touchdown drive to regain a 14-point lead and limited the Knights to three first downs on their final three possessions to seal the victory.

Wayzata coach Lambert Brown credited his defense for making key plays, especially after several defensive penalties had allowed St. Michael-Albertville to sustain its third-quarter touchdown drive.

He said his offensive line answered the call issued by Wayzata's coaching staff to improve this week and added that Alfaro Diedrich is improving as a running back each week.

"You can see his comfort level growing," he said.

Jarrett Bennett also scored for the Knights, who were stymied in part by two turnovers, in addition to the broken punt play.

"There's a lot of things we can do better, but credit to them," St. Michael-Albertville coach Jared Essler said. "They're a good team with some good athletes."

 

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