TOTINO-GRACE 39,
Andover 6
Scores by Totino-Grace on three consecutive possessions in the second half broke open a tight defensive struggle with its Northwest Suburban Conference rival. Junior Lance Benick scored three touchdowns (two rushing and one receiving) and picked up 110 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, the Eagles' defense held Andover star quarterback Connor Wilkie to 162 yards passing and forced three turnovers.
Key of the game: Benick, who quarterbacked the Eagles' lone scoring drive in the first half, carried the ball four times for 53 yards as a halfback on a critical third-quarter scoring drive. He finished off the 64-yard possession with a 3-yard touchdown run to increase the Eagles' lead to 20-6.
Quote: "Wherever the team needs me right now is where I'll line up." — Benick said of his multiple roles in the Eagles offense.
One thing to know: The victory keeps Totino-Grace tied atop the conference standings, setting up a potential championship showdown with Osseo on Oct. 16.
BRYCE EVANS
