On a rainy Thursday night, we were able to take the field in our much awaited opener versus our district rival Osseo on the road. From the get-go we seized the momentum of the game as all three elements; offense, defense, and special teams all made a huge impact leading us to a 42-0 halftime lead.
Offensively, we were led by Derrick Jameson, picking up where he left off during last season, with 3 TD runs and 125 yards on only 8 carries in the first half. Also, Micha Vayee was able to spring a 50 yard touchdown run on his first carry of the year and Sam Peters was able to pull in a 47 yard touchdown reception to close our scoring. Junior Jacob Kilzer did a nice job running the offense efficiently throwing for 155 yards and a touchdown on 6 for 9 passing, rushed for a touchdown, and did a nice job dictating the game. Our offensive line and tight end were all experiencing their first Varsity start and did a great job opening up holes and protecting the quarterback and I look forward to only seeing them get better during the year! They are the key!
Defensively, we set the tone early with three "3 and outs" on their first three possessions while giving the offense great field position throughout. Our two Senior inside linebackers, Aiden McMahon and Sawyer Skanson had huge games leading the way. McMahon led the team with 15 total tackles and Skanson had 11 total tackles, 1 Sack, two tackles for loss and an interception. Also, junior Jackson Powers recorded his first Varsity interception during the evening. We will look to this group to lead throughout the year and hopefully they become more dominant week in and week out.
Not to be outdone, our Special teams made a huge impact in the game as well as Derrick Jameson add to his 3 TD's with a punt return touchdown in the 2nd quarter. Also, junior placekicker Conner Fournier was 7 for 7 on extra points, junior Ben Jameson did a great job with kickoffs placing a perfect kick that led to a turnover that sealed the momentum of the game. Also, Sam Peters did a great job punting the ball with a 38 yard average on his two 2nd half kicks, and our kickoff coverage kept them pinned all night. Special Teams is a major asset to this team and will make huge impacts throughout this season.
Next Friday night we get to have a home game with unlimited fans for the first time in 686 days against Totino-Grace. To say our players are excited about this is an understatement and we truly can't wait to come out of that tunnel on our new turf with the new scoreboard in front of Crimson, young and old, screaming from play one. It will be a blast! Let's fill the Grove and show why it is the top place in the state to see a football game! Go Crimson! Get Step 2!
Lombo