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Crimson Win a Wild One at Tonka

By Coach Lombardi, 09/17/22, 9:30PM CDT

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20 Point 3rd quarter Leads to a 41 - 27 Victory

On a great night with fly-overs honoring our military in a packed stadium in Minnetonka, the Crimson came out on top in a hard fought battle, 41-27, against the 5th rated Skippers.  In a game with many highs and lows, mid-game injuries, and high intensity, the Crimson secured the victory with a touchdown with a minute and a half left.  

Defensively, it was a game full of some really good things and some things we have to improve upon.   Junior Henry Stang made his debut at safety replacing our injured captain, Michael Ross, and did a remarkable job with 11 total tackles on the night.   Tanner Albeck had a huge game in all three phases as he had 10 total tackles, a blocked kick, and defensive score.   For the third consecutive game, our defense found the endzone and gave us a boost, but there were many things we learned in the fourth quarter as we became fatigued and lost the little things that make us successful on this side of the ball.   This team has faced a great deal of adversity but has never wavered, so I look forward to seeing what they become during the back half of this regular season.    It should be great!

Offensively, we did a great job capitalizing on the big moments of the game.    Our Offensive Line of Andrew Dotzenrod, Max Draheim, Hunter Gerber, Zeth Petrie, Gus Gruening, and sophomore Tight End, Nathan Hromodka did a great job protecting the passer all night and leading us to close to 300 yards rushing on the night.     Jordan Olagbaju did a great job all night getting yards after contact and finished with 112 yards on 13 very important carries and Tanner Albeck caught a huge touchdown pass at the end of the half.   Senior quarterback Jacob Kilzer had a game to remember as he ran for 4 TDs and threw for one, while rushing for over 130 yards on a night where he battled injury and found a way to lead us to a victory.   It was fun to see us get touchdowns both early in and finishing up each half, and the way we closed the game with a five minute drive represented what winners do in tough situations.    I was proud of this group also because they have had numerous injuries as well and they keep finding a way.

Our Special Teams stayed consistent as Connor Fournier hit all five of his extra points, and Ben Jameson kept kicking the ball deep on kick-offs.   Dylan Vokal is becoming a good threat as a punt returner, and we were able to block a punt and find the endzone.   Our punt team found its stride late in the game after struggling early, so they will keep getting better as well.   

This team has faced as much adversity as any team I have been a part of and they keep finding a way.   I was proud of how they persevered against Minnetonka and we now have a big challenge coming to the Grove next week for Homecoming in Centennial.   They are a hard-nosed, well-coached team that is fun to play against because they enjoy being physical.   It will be a good challenge for us, but one I know we will cherish as we play our best next Friday night.    I have been proud of the coaches and players at all levels so far as our Freshman, Sophomores, JV, and Varsity are all 3-0 going into next week.   That's pretty awesome and a testament to the family that is Crimson football!   I can't wait for Friday night as I know it will be packed against a good opponent!  It will be a blast and a great night to go out there and play 48 minutes to get Win #4.   Let's Go!!!  GO CRIMSON!  

Lombo