Wayzata Trojans, Vasser Run Away With State Championship

 In the 6A State Football Championship Friday night, the Wayzata Trojans used a recipe that worked all season long – hand the ball to running back Christian Vasser.

Christian Vasser dives into the end zone as the offensive line clears the way. © WayzataPhotography.com

 The Trojans trailed Champlin Park 17-14 at the half.

But Vasser and the Trojans proved to be too much down the stretch.

The Trojans outscored the Rebels 21-3 in the second half despite throwing an interception on the half's opening drive.

Vasser tied a Prep Bowl record with five touchdowns and rushed 49 times for 285 yards.

“It’s something we worked for,” said Vasser. “Ever since he (Coach Lambert Brown) said he had a structure to go out and do this. Every one of us believes.”

"He (Vasser) gets better every day," said head coach Lambert Brown. "He treats people really well. He's a great person. I'm really lucky I get to coach him."

Wayzata defeated the Rebels 35-20 to clinch the school's fourth state championship and finish the season undefeated at 13-0.

Wayzata Football celebrates winning the Class 6A Champsionship. Photo courtesy MSHSL.

GAME RECAP

1^st Quarter

The first quarter was pretty quiet as the defenses were tough. The only score was a field goal by Champlin Park.

The Rebels led 3-0 at the end of the first quarter.

2^nd Quarter

Wayzata’s offense got going in the second quarter with running back Christian Vasser leading the charge.

The Trojans completed an 86-yard drive capped with a Vasser running touchdown with 11:03 left in the quarter to make it 7-3 Wayzata.

The Rebels bounced right back on the following drive.

Running back Shawn Shipman scored a rushing touchdown to make it 10-7 Champlin Park with 7:13 left in the second quarter.

On the ensuing kickoff, a terrific 80-yard return by Wayzata’s Sam Robertson set up Vasser’s second touchdown to make it 14-10 Wayzata with 4:02 remaining in the second quarter.

Champlin Park answered back.

With 15 seconds left in the second quarter, Shipman ran in another touchdown to make it 17-14 at the half.

3^rd Quarter

The Trojans squandered the opening drive of the second half when Thomas Schmidt threw an uncharacteristic interception.

That's when Wayzata's defense stepped up and forced the Rebels to punt after three plays.

The Blue & Gold took a 21-17 lead on Vasser’s third touchdown of the night with 8:07 left in the quarter.

And with 2:07 left in the third quarter, Vasser scored his fourth touchdown to give Wayzata a 28-17 lead.

4^th Quarter

With 8:33 remaining in the fourth quarter, Champlin Park kicked a field goal to make it 28-20 Wayzata.

Wayzata countered by running nearly six minutes off the clock capping a drive with Vasser’s fifth touchdown of the night to make it 35-20.

Vasser's 5-touchdown effort comes two weeks after he ran for 269 yards against Lakeville South to advance to the championship game.

STATISTICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Wayzata

• C. Vasser - 49 rushes, 285 yds, 5 TDs
• S. Robertson - 80-yard kickoff return
• M. Schmidt, C. Brown, L. Deselich each had six tackles

Champlin Park

• J. Miller - 8 completions for 80 yds, 13 rushes for 94 yds
• S. Shipman - two rushing touchdowns

Courtesy MSHSL