Sports
Football Friday: Eastview vs. Burnsville
The Lightning defense looks for its second-straight strong performance in a tough road test.
GAME
(2-3, 2-3 South Suburban Conference) vs. Burnsville (1-4, 1-4 South Suburban Conference)
PLAYMAKERS
—Zack Johnson (Eastview, lineman)
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Johnson, who has verbally committed to play football at North Dakota State University, is already a stud on the Lightning offensive line, but the 6-foot-5, 305-pounder also played some defense in last week’s win over Apple Valley. With Apple Valley about to score, Johnson forced a fumble that Eastview recovered inside its own 1-yard line.
—LeAndre Kennedy (Eastview, running back)
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Kennedy ran for 92 yards, including a 15-yard score, in last week’s win. Kennedy and Eric Krupke have developed into a nice 1-2 running punch for the Lightning.
—Michael Callanan (Burnsville, safety/running back)
Callanan had an interception last week’s 17-14 loss at undefeated and also scored a rushing touchdown. “He’s been a rock at free safety,” said coach Tyler Krebs. “He’s really helped solidify the defense.” Krebs said Callanan is the second-fastest player on the team behind quarterback Dan Motl.
—Mike Becker (Burnsville, defensive back)
Coming on the blitz, Mike had two of the team’s six sacks last week. “He’s really come on the last couple of weeks,” Krebs said, adding that the senior has made big tackles all year.
EASTVIEW WINS IF...
...its defense has another strong week. One week after allowing Kennedy’s Lexis Jones to run for 273 yards, Eastview held struggling to just 140 yards of offense, including just 31 rushing. The Lightning did a much better job last week of running the ball (243 yards), getting good gains on first down and taking time off the clock. The team will need to do the same to keep an improving Blaze offense on the sideline.
BURNSVILLE WINS IF...
...it executes, Krebs said. Burnsville showed things are continuing on an upward track when, after falling behind 10-0 last week against a top-10 foe, the Blaze responded and took a 14-10 lead. However, Burnsville must finish every time it gets a golden opportunity to put points on the board. Four times, Burnsville got a turnover on the Lakeville North side of midfield but only scored twice. “Good teams bury teams when they get a chance,” Krebs said.
2-MINUTE DRILL
SITE: Burnsville High School
TIME: 7 p.m. Friday
WEATHER: Clear and windy, 71 degrees
LAST MEETING: Eastview won 29-21 last year
EASTVIEW SCHEDULE
Thur. Sept. 1 @ Lakeville North
Fri. Sept. 9 vs. Lakeville South
Fri. Sept. 16 @ Eagan
Fri. Sept. 23 vs. Bloomington Kennedy
Fri. Sept. 30 vs. Apple Valley
Fri. Oct. 7 @ Burnsville
Fri. Oct. 14 vs. Rosemount
Wed. Oct. 19 @ Bloomington Jefferson
BURNSVILLE SCHEDULE
Thur. Sept. 1 vs. Bloomington Jefferson L 20-18
Fri. Sept. 9 @ Rosemount
Fri. Sept. 16 @ Bloomington Kennedy W 20-7
Fri. Sept. 23 vs. Prior Lake
Fri. Sept. 30 @ Lakeville North L 17-14
Fri. Oct. 7 vs. Eastview
Fri. Oct. 14 @ Eagan
Wed. Oct. 19 vs. Lakeville South