BRIDGE TUSLER
Osseo, football
When last we checked in with Tusler, he was throwing his body around the court at Target Center, willing the Orioles to a heart-stopping 49-47 victory over Lakeville North in the Class 4A boys' basketball championship game.
The point guard led the team in rebounds and floor burns in that game, indicative of his physical nature and desire to win.
Both were on display in in Osseo's 37-21 season-opening football victory over Centennial on Thursday. Tusler, a 6-foot, 195-pound running back who is an enviable combination of battering ram and ballet dancer, rushed for 125 yards and four touchdowns, caught a 4-yard pass for another touchdown and intercepted a pass on defense.
Tusler's biggest plays came when the Orioles needed them most. He weaved for a 49-yard touchdown run on their opening drive, setting the tone for the evening.
And when Centennial was mounting a comeback and needed a defensive stand, it was Tusler who denied it, carrying the ball three times for 39 yards and a game-clinching TD on Osseo's final drive.
"I really don't care about the stats and all that," Tusler said. "I just did what I thought we needed . All I care about is getting the 'W.'"
Osseo coach Derrin Lamker gushed about Tusler in the moments following the victory.
"He's a great football player, a great athlete and an even better kid," Lamker said. "My kids are all girls, but if I had a boy, I'd want him to be Bridge Tusler."
SIMONE KOLANDER
Lakeville North, soccer
The reigning Metro Player of the Year started the season the way she finished in 2011, scoring five goals and adding five assists as the Panthers opened their season with victories over Rochester John Marshall, Northfield and Owatonna.
BETHANY KOZAK
White Bear Lake, cross-country
Kozak, a junior, is a perfect 2-for-2 in meets this season. She won the St. Paul Central Open on Aug. 24 and last week took first place at the Marshfield (Wis.) Invitational with a 4K time of 14 minutes, 40 seconds.
JUSTIN OLIVER
North St. Paul, soccer
The junior forward moved into first place on the state scoring list with 10 goals and two assists in three games, including a five-goal effort in a victory over Cretin- Derham Hall and four more as the Polars beat Richfield.
TYCEL PAGE
St. Paul Highland Park, football
The senior receiver/defensive back led the Scots to a 41-10 rout of Jordan. He caught four passes for 84 yards and three touchdowns, rushed eight times for 57 yards and another touchdown and broke up three passes.
JOSH ROUSE
Cambridge-Isanti, soccer
The senior did double duty for the soccer and football teams. He scored five goals and had six assists in a pair of soccer victories and kicked two field goals for the Bluejackets in an 8-0 victory over St. Michael-Albertville.
KELLY YANG
Wayzata, tennis
Yang, a sophomore, has shown that she deserves the No. 1 singles spot in Wayzata's deep lineup. She is 4-0 this season and last week beat Virginia Norder of Rosemount and Haley Lickford of Shakopee in straight sets.
JIM PAULSEN
