West metro notebook: Final Waconia football play is a keeper for 'Con Man'

Waconia's 55-7 football victory over Bloomington Kennedy on Sept. 9 was notable in that the Wildcats improved to 2-0 this season.

But it was one simple, end-of-the-game play that likely will have the most lasting impact on the players involved.

Waconia's Connor Holcomb is listed on the roster as a wide receiver who wears No. 85. Until that final play, Holcomb had never stepped foot on the field during a game.

The reason? The junior has Down syndrome and joined the team out of a love for football. Before the game, the Wildcats coaches worked out an agreement with their opponent to let Connor experience one varsity-level play. He lined up split wide left as Waconia took a knee to run out the clock. When the play was over, Con Man, as he's called by his teammates, was carried off the field by fellow players with his arms raised in victory.

Waconia coach Sam Baker called it "a special moment."

Orono soccer forward Guyvenson Mohs celebrated his birthday week in style. The junior scored eight goals in three games, including hat tricks in wins over Rockford and Benilde-St. Margaret's.

The Spartans (4-0-2 through Tuesday) are ranked No. 1 in Class 1A.