Students on the Sidelines (Star Tribune)

Last Friday, the Prior Lake Lakers defeated Mounds View to break an 18-year on-the-road losing streak during sections. With the 17-15 win, the Lakers will rally together and move on to the section final.

Pre-season prep was the key to success. All summer long, the Lakers trained as a team to build camaraderie and to perfect their game.

As the season has progressed, practices for the Lakers have gotten shorter, but more challenging. A common phrase the program uses is ‘sharpening their sword.’ The team describes this phrase as a way to perfect the things they already know how to do. This mentality is one of their keys to success in the midst of playoffs.

Senior wide receiver Jaxson Barrett said, “We don’t do anything crazy. We try to get 1% better every day.”

One percent better every day means one step closer to the goal all Minnesota football players have: to play in U.S. Bank Stadium.

The 2023 Lakers football team is a team full of optimism and dedicated players and coaches. The team has no doubt that they have what it takes to make it to state for the first time since 2017.

After a bumpy start to the season, a three-game winning streak continued moving into this week’s game. Wide receivers coach and Prior Lake High School social studies teacher, Peter Hartman, acknowledged that the Lakers have a tough schedule.

The Lakers fell to four teams during the regular season: Shakopee, Eden Prairie, Edina and Minnetonka. These four teams, like the Lakers, are all still competing in their section bracket for the chance at state.

The excitement of moving into the section final and possibly state tournament keeps the Lakers on their toes though.

“We hope to be standing there with them and have another opportunity to beat them,” Hartman said.

Preparing well for the games to come will be the key to success for the Lakers. With 42 graduating seniors, this season means more than ever to them. The chance to make Prior Lake football history and leave a legacy is all the motivation they need.

Senior captain Hunter Mcgillivary said, “Sticking to what we know, and playing our football will be all we need to succeed.”