By John Molene

In several ways, Park’s second game this season was much like it’s first.

The Wolfpack were able to pass and score through the air. What they couldn’t do much of was move the ball on the ground or stop the opponent’s rushing attack. In this case it was Eagan’s wishbone attack that gave the Wolfpack fits.

The results was a 42-12 loss to the visiting Eagan Wildcats Friday evening which sent the Wolfpack to 0-2 on the young season.

Eagan rolled up 451 yards in offense, all but 22 of it on the ground. The Wildcats ran for 429 yards and six touchdowns. Landon Tonsager rushed for 182 yards on 28 attempts and teammate Carson Schwamb ran 12 times for 106 yards.

“Their front lines, on each side of the ball just completely controlled the line of scrimmage this game and we could not get in a rhythm on either side of the ball,” said Park head coach Rick Fryklund. “Their option attack forces you to be very disciplined in order to defend them successfully, and all credit to them for out-executing us.”

Park, on the other hand, gained 210 total yards, but just 59 rushing yards. Quarterback Miskir Esayas completed 12 of 24 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns, but he was also intercepted twice.

Derrik Brown Jr. rushed for 62 yards on 14 attempts.

The Wolfpack made a game of it in the first half, trailing 14-12 in the second quarter and 21-12 at the half. But Eagan dominated the second half, scoring three touchdowns while holding Park out of the end zone.

Just as the Wolfpack did against Lakeville South in the opener, the Wolfpack got on the scoreboard with a big passing play, a 55yard strike from Esayas to OT Omot that made it a 14-6 game. Omot finished with 3 catches for 72 yards.

Esayas then connected with David Ola-Kazeem on an 18-yard pass for another touchdown to close to within 14-12 and the Wolfpack seemed like they were in business midway through the second quarter. Ola-Kazeem led Park with six receptions for 62 yards.

Alas for Park, that was the last time the Wolfpack would taste paydirt. Eagan tightened up its pass defense and stymied Park the rest of the way.

Park also hurt themselves badly with the two turnovers and especially with penalties, being whistled for 133 yards in six infractions.

On defense, defensive lineman Jalen Kalinowski led Park with six tackles and four assists. Linebacker Owen Rose had six solos and one assist. Defensive back Brett Salmonsen and linebacker Alex Carr each has five solos and five assists. Defensive back Chris Wilson totaled four tackles and four assists. Park at Eastview Thursday Park plays at Eastview in Apple Valley Thursday, in a game kicking off at 7 p.m.

Like Park, Eastview is 0-2 on the season, having lost 42-13 to Lakeville North and 31-13 to Woodbury.

“We have to respond this next week by getting back to playing together as 11 on both sides of the ball against a well-coached Eastview team,” said Fryklund.

Eastview edged Park 3632 last season.

Park defenders Chris Wilson (21) and Taran Blasy (33) fly at Eagan running back George Anderson in the second quarter Friday at Cottage Grove. Photo by John Molene

Park senior linebacker Alex Carr tackles Eagan running back George Anderson in the third quarter Friday. Photo by John Molene

Park fans cheer on the Wolfpack during the second quarter Friday. Photo by John Molene