On an absolutely beautiful Friday night, we were able to take the field under the most exciting of circumstances, the playoffs.   Against Coon Rapids, we tried to complete step one on the path of what hopefully is a tremendously rewarding journey throughout October and November.   We prevailed 35-0 in an effort that allowed many to shine on both sides of the ball.

Defensively, we were able to complete our fourth shutout in the last five games while still finding areas we need to improve upon.  Adam Brant had another big game from the safety spot with 11 tackles and Lukas Burrington recorded 10 from his cornerback position.   Grant Hemze had a strong game from linebacker with 9 tackles and a tackle for loss, and Kraig Urquhart was able to record a sack along with his four tackles.   Also,  Sam Franta was able to intercept an important ball in the 2nd quarter allowing our offense to get on the field to put our lead at a comfortable spot.   All those that took the field on Friday night made the impact and hopefully they will prepare to be even better next week as they go after step 2.  

Offensively, we gained over 500 yards in total offense with great balance as we executed both on the ground and the air.   Sophomore Quarterback Brad Davison had a great game going 12 – 14 for 298 yards and 3 TD’s.   He had a memorable play on a 4th and five completing a pass to Kyle Anderson while being pulled down and connecting for a 33 yard touchdown.   Adam Brant had a huge game with over 130 yards receiving and a long 74 yard score.   Clark Wieneke continued his great season with 140 yards rushing on 17 carries with a touchdown, and Isaac Collins was able to rush for another tally.  Eddie Lee closed out the scoring with a great catch over the middle that ended up in the corner of the endzone with a pile-on and a camera man both flying over him while he scored.  It was good to see them score on their first three drives and I thought they did a nice job of setting the tone for the night.

Next Friday night at ‘The Grove’ we will take on White Bear Lake to earn step 2.  The winner of this contest will walk out with a section title and a chance to play the following week in the state tournament.  Even though the final home game of the regular season is listed as “Senior Night”, this game will truly be our “Senior Night” because it will be the last opportunity for those seniors to play a game on our field.   What better way to close that chapter than with a section championship and knowing that they walked off their own field earning the chance to go compete in the state tournament.   It will be a special night for all against an opponent that is coming off of a huge victory against a perennial power.   We need ‘The Grove’ packed and rocking because we have worked hard this season to have the opportunity to have this Senior Night for all involved; players, parents and fans.  Let’s close our playing time this year at ‘the Grove’ the right way and let’s walk off that field in a way that makes us all proud to be Crimson!   It’s an exciting week!  Let’s have some fun!....GO CRIMSON!....Lombo