Football Friday: Eastview vs. Burnsville

Eastview (2-3, 2-3 South Suburban Conference) vs. Burnsville (1-4, 1-4 South Suburban Conference)

PLAYMAKERS

-- Zack Johnson (Eastview - lineman)

Zack 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, Zach forced a fumble that Eastview recovered inside its own 1-yard line.

-- LeAndre Kennedy (Eastview – running back)

LeAndre ran for 92 yards, including a 15-yard score, in last week’s win. LeAndre and Eric Krupke have developed into a nice 1-2 running punch for the Lightning.

-- Michael Callanan (Burnsville – safety/running back)

Michael had an interception last week’s 17-14 loss at undefeated Lakeville North 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.

LIGHTNING WIN IF...

Its defense has another strong week. One week after allowing Kennedy’s Lexis Jones to run for 273 yards, Eastview held struggling Apple Valley 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. They’ll need to do the same to keep an improving Blaze offense on the sideline.

BLAZE WIN IF...

Krebs said this game will come down to execution. 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