COLUMN: Shocking results leave only 1 West District team alive

Two months ago, I would have envisioned Moorhead, Eden Prairie and Minnetonka all advancing to the final eight of the State Class 6A football playoffs. In fact, in my personal rankings, I had Moorhead No. 1 in the state and Eden Prairie No. 2. Teams from the West District were wiping out the competition in district cross-over games against teams from the South, East and North. Last week brought “Black Friday” to the West District. They almost lost the house, but Minnetonka did survive by rallying from a 21-0 deficit to win 26-21 at Blaine. As the results rolled in that night, fans checked and double-checked before accepting the results. Moorhead was stunned 19-14 by Prior Lake. The result wasn’t a mistake in reporting. Prior to the game, Moorhead lost All-State receiver David Mack to an injury. Two other key offensive players suffered injuries and suddenly the vaunted Spuds’ passing attack was in disarray. What could have been a long bus ride back home for Prior Lake was more like a frat party as the Lakers celebrated the biggest upset of the playoffs so far. Eden Prairie and Centennial are similar teams, but on “Black Friday” in Eden Prairie, it