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Minnetonka runs through Prior Lake, remains perfect

By Trevor Squire, SportsEngine, 09/22/17, 10:30AM CDT

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The Skippers' Adam Livingston ran for three touchdowns to help Stan Nelson celebrate his 97th birthday in style.

Skippers senior running back Adam Livingston (22) penetrates the red zone for a first down late in the 1st half against Prior Lake as the Skippers win 27-8. Photo by Travis Ellison, SportsEngine

Skippers senior running back Adam Livingston (22) penetrates the red zone for a first down late in the first half against Prior Lake as the Skippers win 27-8. Photo by Travis Ellison, SportsEngine

Minnetonka’s postgame huddle didn’t have its typical hoorah following a 27-8 victory Friday night at Dan Patch Stadium in Prior Lake.

Stan Nelson, the father of Skippers coach Dave Nelson, celebrated his 97th birthday with Minnetonka (4-0, 1-0), which broke into song following its fourth straight victory to wish the Minnesota Football Coaches Association Hall of Famer a happy birthday.

Stan was head coach at Anoka for 26 years, leading the Tornadoes to six conference championships and winning a state title in 1964.

Stan is also a former Navy service member who manned an observation ship at Normandy, France, in World War II. Dave’s drawn from his father’s character to motivate himself and his team.

“He uses [Stan] as an example as how we should be as men and him [Dave] as a coach,” running back Adam Livingston said. “That’s his life mentor.”

Minnetonka, ranked second in the Class 6A Associated Press poll, embodied Stan's dominance on the field, recovering three fumbles and smothering the offense of the No. 12-6A Lakers (1-3, 1-0).

“We caused some turnovers and flew around,” Dave said. “We have to get better at capitalizing on some things, but if you would have said yesterday to me, ‘You beat them 27-8.’ I’d say, ‘I’ll take it.' ”

After a Jordan Johnson fumble on the second play from scrimmage, the Skippers marched 10 plays and 61 yards, capped by a 1-yard touchdown plunge from Livingston. He finished the game with 141 rushing yards and three TDs.

Prior Lake went three-and-out on the following drive after Nehemiah Montague wrapped up Joey Casey and stopped him from converting on third-and-4. Minnetonka quarterback Aaron Syverson orchestrated a 12-play drive ending again with Livingston barreling his way through the line, this time for a 3-yard TD.

The Skippers changed the pace in the second half by breaking off big gains, including a 43-yard run by Livingston that landed Minnetonka on the Lakers' 8-yard line. Syverson found the edge and scored on fourth-and-2 to put the Skippers ahead by three TDs.

Keaton Schroeder gave Prior Lake life after he exploded through a mob of players on the ensuing kickoff and scurried 85 yards for TD.

“Prior Lake’s a really good team, I don’t think 1-3 describes what their record should be,” Livingston said. 

But the Skippers recovered fumbles on the Lakers’ next two possessions, and ultimately took the wind out Prior Lake’s sails after Livingston’s third touchdown in the fourth quarter.

“He’s a workhorse and worked for this opportunity. I’m really proud of him,” Dave said.

Anoka will honor Stan next Friday, which is officially “Stan Nelson Day,” with a pregame ceremony and a plaque to honor the legendary coach. Minnetonka visits Lakeville South on Thursday, allowing Stan to watch his son’s team and attend the celebration.

The Skippers look to give Stan another honor next week.

“We can’t get in our own heads (that) we’re 4-0 now, but we need to erase everything and move onto next week and do the same thing,” Livingston said.

Minnetonka inside linebacker Ty Barron (44) interrupts a pass intended for Lakers wide receiver Tanner Wermerskirchen (80) as Minnetonka comes out on top 27-8. Photo by Travis Ellison, SportsEngine

Minnetonka inside linebacker Ty Barron (44) interrupts a pass intended for Lakers wide receiver Tanner Wermerskirchen (80) as Minnetonka comes out on top 27-8. Photo by Travis Ellison, SportsEngine

First Report

Adam Livingston’s three rushing touchdowns spurred Minnetonka to a 27-8 win over the Lakers Friday night at Prior Lake High School.

Ranked second in the Class 6A Associated Press poll, the Skippers (4-0, 2-0) remain undefeated after recovering three fumbles and a muffed punt return to deflate the No. 12-6A Lakers’ offense.

Livingston gained 141 yards on the ground while quarterback Aaron Syverson completed 11 of 19 pass attempts for 118 yards. He also ran for a touchdown.

Keaton Schroeder returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter for the Lakers’ (1-3, 1-0) lone score. Jordan Johnson was Prior Lake’s lead rusher with 59 yards.

Lakers senior Jadon Dorn (23) intercepts a pass thrown by Minnetonka quarterback Aaron Syverson (6) as the Lakers attempted to spark a comeback but come up short 27-8 at Dan Patch Stadium. Photo by Travis Ellison, SportsEngine

Lakers senior Jadon Dorn (23) intercepts a pass thrown by Minnetonka quarterback Aaron Syverson (6) as the Lakers attempted to spark a comeback but come up short 27-8 at Dan Patch Stadium. Photo by Travis Ellison, SportsEngine

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