Totino-Grace quarterback Kyle Halverson hit halfback Ivan Burlak on a beautifully thrown deep ball down the left sideline for a 41-yard scoring strike near the end of the third quarter, giving the Eagles (3-1) a 14-point lead that grew to 21 in a statement victory at home over No. 2 Osseo. The reception was Burlak's third of four touchdowns — the other three came on the ground — during a game in which the Eagles wore down the Orioles on both sides of the ball.
Key to the game: Trailing 7-0 in the first quarter, Osseo (3-1) turned the ball over on back-to-back trips to the red zone. Totino-Grace increased its lead shortly after that, and the Orioles were forced to play catch-up all night.
Quote: "No, not at all. ... We always hold our heads high." — Burlak, a junior, disagreeing with Totino-Grace, ranked seventh in the metro, being portrayed as an underdog in the game.
One thing to know: Osseo tailback Prince Kruah, who had 328 rushing yards through three games, dressed but did not play for the Orioles because of an ankle injury.
BRYCE EVANS
