It’s been so far, so good for the Minnetonka Skippers football team this year. At the time of this article they won their first three games including a dramatic seven point homecoming victory over number two in the state ranked Maple Grove. They now about to play their second consecutive road game as they go on the road to Lakeville South. After those they’ll have just two weeks until facing the number one ranked and winners of four of the last six state championships, Eden Prairie.

Head coach Dave Nelson acknowledged the tough schedule, while stressing the importance of responding appropriately to any adversity they’ll inevitably face against these difficult opponents, saying “The season is still young – we need to keep improving.  We have had four turnovers so far – we have to do better in this area.” Coach Nelson said this on September 14, one day before the team committed four more turnovers against Maple Grove. However, while discussing things he was satisfied with this season, Nelson said, “Our staff is excited about our work ethic and commitment so far this year.” Those are two things that allowed them to both maintain their composure during the game and will help them deal with the aforementioned hard schedule.”

Minnetonka doesn’t have an easy road to their first state championship since 2004, but with the resiliency and work ethic shown by this year’s group, it is as much of a possibility as it’s been in years.