Thursday night was not our typical game night. First, we needed to start 30 minutes later than normal due to our soccer programs both earning home field advantage. The boys’ soccer team played a game earlier in the evening to make sure that they could get their game in before ours. When some of us arrived at the stadium, it was a tie ball game. Then our boys found a way to score 3 goals in the last fifteen minutes. This was great to see. Then in pre-game, we had the opportunity to recognize our seniors and their parent/guardians. I can not thank the parents enough for all the support for their children and for our program. I can’t express how thankful I am that our program truly does a family type feel. The relationships that have been built through all the years shows in not only the young men, but with their families as well. It was awesome to do because with our players, managers, film crew, cheerleaders and dance team there were over 50 students out there. It is awesome to see!!!!!!!!

When the game finally started, STMA did a great job driving down the field on our defense and scoring on their first possession. They were able to take the ball 80 yards and put 7 points up on the board. I was unbelievably happy with our coaching staff and our boys to make adjustments after that drive though. We didn’t allow 60 more yards the remainder of the game and allowed no more points. We were able to get 4 sacks in the game, 6 more tackles for loss and constantly had STMA on their heels. It was a matter of winning first down and creating long yardage type situations. Our defense was well balanced with production all night and I was proud of their effort throughout the night. Our JV defense even got three drives and succeeded each time.

Offensively, we were absolutely clicking on all cylinders. Our varsity offense scored in all 7 of their possessions and our JV scored in their first possession. The first drive was the most important though to set the tone for the evening. It came after our defense had allowed a score and we had to drive 86 yards. That score allowed the defense to have confidence the next drive out. On offense, we had five different players scored. Patrick Wright and James Engle did a great job as a two back tandem and scored five times. The last drive of the first half was done in less than 25 seconds and covered more than 50 yards of field. The ability to score right before halftime helped put a dagger in the opponent especially knowing that we had the ball coming out of halftime. For our offense to put up 56 points against an opponent like STMA truly does show the capability of our offense. It was an awesome evening for the Crimson.

This week will be interesting as we get to start the week with morning practice due to conferences. I know the players love the morning practice though and we have an opportunity to go make an impact in the elementary schools in the afternoon as a result. This week we get to go travel down to one of the best places to play in Minnesota that isn’t our home stadium. Minnetonka always has a great crowd and great atmosphere. We obviously get the opportunity to go and see a coach who is super familiar with all these guys in Coach Lombardi. It will be a blast having an opportunity to have a top 5 matchup before the playoffs to help prepare for us a state championship run. So make sure you join us on Thursday at 1pm and to tell your friends. I would love to see their stadium covered in Crimson and a standing room only crowd on our sideline.

Coach Spurrell

Leave No Doubt