There’s a certain level of trust visible in the Minnetonka football team’s defensive huddle—something that’s visible from the sidelines and, presumably, from the offensive side of the ball.

During the Skippers’ 24-0 win over Robbinsdale Armstrong on Friday at Armstrong High School, the team’s second consecutive shutout to start the season, Minnetonka seemed to get stronger. And there’s no end in sight.

“No one is going to score on us, and we plan to keep that up,” senior defensive tackle Allen Lynn said. “I just think we can get better. More film. Keep working hard. There is always a chance to improve.”

Look out, Lake Conference.

Not only did Minnetonka surprise host Totino-Grace last week by handing the Eagles a 28-0 defeat and their first home loss in six years. Now, the Skippers are finding ways to critique themselves defensively.

Their brick-wall defensive line that demoralized Armstrong throughout the contest? Their brash, hard-hitting linebackers and speedy secondary? All parties are looking to keep improving, because they know the schedule only gets more taxing.

Still, the Skippers (2-0) looked sharp in holding the Falcons and their dynamic quarterback Earl Young in check from start to finish.

Even with Armstrong (1-1) driving inside the 10-yardline in the third quarter, Minnetonka didn’t waiver. A fourth-and-2 stop at their own 6-yardline energized the road crowd and all but sunk Armstrong’s hopes with a quarter left to play.

Senior linebacker Beau Bates said that relentless pursuit stems from the early days of summer camp.

“In practice all the time we have to run to the ball,” he said. “Chop our feet. In games it’s easy for us. It’s just natural.”

With the defensive holding strong, Minnetonka’s offense showed off its passing game in the second half.

Leading 10-0 with 6:45 remaining in the third, senior Matthew Boyce caught a 15-yard touchdown pass to extend the Skippers lead to 17-0. 

In the fourth, senior Gabe Boyce caught a 19-yard fade in the end zone for a 24-0 lead, more than enough points for victory.

Minnetonka has one more non-conference game before diving into the Lake Conference schedule—a home matchup with Bloomington Jefferson next Friday.

Still looking to improve, Lynn said his defensive unit is constantly learning and finding ways to improve as the season goes along.

“We learned how to face adversity,” he said. “When something goes wrong, just come back harder and make sure it doesn’t go wrong again.”