The Lightning Football Teams had a mixed bag of success during the opening week of the season vs Minnetonka.  High points included a hard fought 22-20 victory by the 9th grade on the road at Minnetonka.  The week was then capped off by a thrilling 21-17 varsity victory.  The Lightning trailed by 10 as they entered the fourth quarter but rallied with two touchdowns - the final score happened with 4 seconds remaining on the clock.  The final drive began with about 2 minutes remaining.  It would have never taken place if the Lightning Defense had not stuffed the Minnetonka twice on 3rd and 1 and 4th and a foot.  Linebacker Dylan Fredrickson made the key hit in the Minnetonka backfield to turn the Skippers over on downs.  The offense then marched the final 60 yards with a mixture of run and pass.  Zach Miller - as he did all game - picked up key yardage on the drive to keep the chains moving.  The drive was also highlighted by a 42 yard connection from Max Sherwin to DJ Barber down to the Skipper 2 yard line.  After a two no gains, and an incomplete pass on 3rd down and several timeouts by each team the stage was set for 4th and Goal from the 1.  DJ Barber caught a fade and managed to get both feet inbounds to set the crowd and sideline into a frenzy.  The Lightning then stopped the final kick off return to end the game.

This coming week the Lightning will try to keep up their winning ways as they compete with Burnsville at 9th grade, 10th grade, JV, and Varsity level.  The week also carries the added significance of "Tackle Cancer".  The program hopes to raise over $12000 to donate to the Randy Shaver Cancer and Community Fund.  Tie-die t-shirts will go on sale Wednesday for $15 at EVHS.  The t-shirt is designed as a multi-color to represent all of the different types of cancer we hope to impact.  They Lightning will also host a dodgeball event in cooperation with the Apple Valley Football Program on Thursday, September 5 at 7:00 pm at the EVHS gym.  People must give a donation to enter.  The dodgeball tournament will consist of teams that combine players, coaches, teachers, and administrators from both schools.  The evening will be highlighted by a personal message from Kare 11's Randy Shaver around 7:00 pm.  The week will then culminate in varsity football games at both Apple Valley High School and Eastview High School on Friday night. 

The Friday night game at EVHS is being sponsored by TCO (Twins Cities Orthopedics) as they offer free tailgating prior to the game between Eastview and Burnsville.  Please come out to the various events, have some fun, wear your tie-die, have some good food, support your team, and, most importantly, help "Tackle Cancer" with your generous donation.  All proceeds from the events go to the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund.