Friday night was a fantastic home opener in front of an incredible crowd.  The home opener was filled with youth players from our MGYFA association.  It was Dave Malenke Youth night and the energy that these young players brought during the run out and game was awesome.   Dave was one of the most impactful youth coaches and helped build our MGYFA program into the program that it is today.  The players loved the opportunity to run through the tunnel that the youth program created.  They were also excited about the run out video, which was created by one of our students, Kat Bearce.  I want to thank Kat for all her work on this project. 

Now onto the game, this week we started on defense and did a great job.  We were able to get a 3 and out on our first possession which is the objective each drive.   The defense was then thrown a curveball right away and were asked to go make another stop.  After getting some first downs, the defense was able to get the Rebels to punt again.   Thankfully a poor punt allowed our offense to start with the ball around midfield.  Our offense moved the ball down the field and Charles Langama scored on a great run where his vision along with some great blocking allowed him to score untouched.  The best part was that he scored in the end zone where our youth teams were hanging out.   Again the energy near the end zone was awesome!

Champlin Park was then able to drive down the field on us and converted a couple third down conversions.   They were able to make a great catch over the top of our defense.   At that moment, we knew we were in for a full 48 minutes.   Unfortunately, we coughed up the ball on the ensuing kickoff.   Thankfully their offense tried to go up top on the first play.   Our defense was ready and Brayden Dozier was able to pick off the ball in the end zone and get the ball back for our offense.  This is when our offense showed the strength of who they are with great balance and great work as a collective group.   Charles was able to score again on an incredible run where he showed great balance and the toughness of who he is with a 19 yard touchdown run.    The rest of the first half provided another Dozier interception and a third Charles touchdown.   We were able to go into halftime up 21 – 7 and knowing that we were getting the opening kickoff of the second half. 

The second half was dominated by our offense.   In fact, our defense was on the field for very few plays in the third quarter.   However, this quarter both teams were able to score.   Therefore, we into the fourth quarter up 28 -14.  Offensively we were able to overcome some penalties and moved the ball rather well.   We were able to score twice in the fourth quarter and show some depth with some great runs by Patrick Wright, Bo Draheim and James Engle.   Our offense ran for over 300 yards in the game and nearly averaged 9 yards per rush.   Those are awesome numbers against a great opponent.  It is exciting to know our potential with our offense.  

Our defense withstood a great challenge in a quarterback that provided us a tough matchup the previous year.   He was able to extend plays rather well, but our defensive speed was able to maintain for all four quarters.   Our starting defense has only allowed one touchdown in two weeks of ball and are still in the process of getting better.  This is exciting as a coach.  

One phrase that resounded this weekend was to trust your teammates and trust your coaches.   I think with this believe in one another; we have the ability to do many great things.   Again, our phrase this year is to leave no doubt.   This trust can and will go a long ways. 

Next week will be a great challenge as we go into the defending state champs and their home opener.   We're excited to build on the momentum from the last two weeks.   Thanks to everyone who came out and supported us.   Let’s travel well this week and go make an impact at Centennial’s field.  Let's keep this energy going!                                                

- Coach Spurrell