Sports

Wayzata 31, Minnetonka 28

October 25, 2014 at 5:25AM

Wayzata’s Anthony Clarke is brought down by Minnetonka’s Braden Sikes but picks up a clutch first down in the process enabling Austin Gordon to carry it nearly 50 yards for a touchdown to give Wayzata a 31-28 lead with three minutes left. Wayzata went on to win 31-28 Friday, October 24, 2014 at Minnetonka High School. ] (Matthew Hintz, 102414, Minnetonka) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

WAYZATA 31, MINNETONKA 28

After a 2-6 regular season, Wayzata coach Brad Anderson wasn't going conservative Friday. In a seesaw game that saw six lead changes, the Trojans took the lead for good on a 42-yard sweep by senior Austin Gordon with 3 minutes, 21 seconds left. Then, defying convention, Anderson called for an onside kick.

The ploy worked, stunning the Minnetonka home crowd and sealing a three-point victory in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs.

Minnetonka scored twice in the first quarter, but Wayzata responded each time, taking a 17-14 halftime lead. The teams traded TDs after halftime before Gordon's clinching run. He finished with 32 carries for 197 yards and two scores.

Key of the game: Minnetonka took a successful field goal off the board in the fourth quarter after a Wayzata penalty moved the ball to the Trojans 2-yard line. But the Skippers couldn't score from there; their fourth-down pass was knocked down, setting up Wayzata's 98-yard drive to win the game.

Quote: "I didn't know we were doing an onsides kick. But that's Coach. He's kind of a mad genius." — Wayzata quarterback Jake Marsh on Anderson

One thing to know: Wayzata had a losing regular season for the first time since 1992.

Jim Paulsen

Wayzata’s Nick Pedote joins his teammates in celebration after defeating Minnetonka at home 31-28 Friday, October, 24, 2014. ] (Matthew Hintz, 102414, Minnetonka) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Wayzata’s Christian Thomas leaps onto the back of Ethan Faust who is hoisted by teammate Keeshawn Aleksuk in celebration after defeating Minnetonka 31-28 at home Friday, October 24, 2014. ] (Matthew Hintz, 102414, Minnetonka) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Wayzata’s Austin Gordon, here tackled by Jack Burns, gained 197 yards, including a go-ahead 42-yard touchdown run. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)