Thursday had a ton of build up for it as Minnetonka was definitely a game that was circled on many people’s calendar. Then us and Minnetonka coming in rated #1 vs #2 or #1 vs #3 just added to the anticipation. The only problem was that it had no way of improving both teams seeding. It didn’t change how either team played in the game. It was a game that was filled with talent on the field from both sides of the ball. Our fans did their part as well by being an impactful type of factor at an opposing team’s stadium. I am proud of everything that Maple Grove is and represents. The mantras of Fear the Leaf and We are Crimson are statements that I love.

Now onto the game, it wasn’t the start that we wanted that is for sure. Minnetonka did a great job of pounding the ball right at us and moving the chains. They were able to take the opening drive 80 yards on 16 plays. We needed to adjust our pad level and refocus our eyes. After that drive, we had a couple of plays that we would love to take back, but we also had a ton of plays that showed why our defense has given up the fewest points in 6A this year. We had a ton of production from everybody. A few highlights were four guys being involved in 10+ tackles. They were Beaux Thyen, Jacob Wrbanek, Ryder Skanson and Dylan Vokal. The fourth quarter is where we truly shined. Will Raymond was able to get a strip sack that allowed Bo Draheim to recover for a touchdown. Then on back-to-back drives we were able to get interceptions from Jack Weigel and Beaux Thyen. Absolutely proud of this group for buckling down and getting things figured out throughout the game.

Offensively was a little bit of the same story with a start that we would love to have back. Then the other problem was that we didn’t get our offense on the field again until the second quarter. This is where they came through big. Kaden Harney was able to hook up twice in the corner of the end zone with Dylan Vokal. The second touchdown came at the expense of a recovered pooch kick and therefore scored twice within a three-minute window. This allowed the score to be 14-14 at halftime. After feeling like we weren’t playing well, it was awesome to be tied again going into half. The third quarter again didn’t start well but finished the correct way. The offense had their back up against the wall by starting on our own 11-yard line. From there though, the offense only needed 4 plays to move 89 yards. It was another Harney to Vokal connection that put us up 21-14. I wish the offense could have been on the field more because they were able to be productive, we just couldn't get them on the field quick enough to keep their momentum that they were building.

Henry Sievers had some highs and lows, but the highs were so great to see that I couldn’t be prouder of him. Henry had an awesome pooch kick that was a gamechanger. He also nailed a 45-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to make it a two-score game. This field goal would have been good from 50. We’ve practiced situations like this so often that I knew that he had a great opportunity to make it. Sure enough, he did exactly that. It helped seal the game as I didn’t feel like Minnetonka could throw the ball down the field on us in that little of game left.

It was incredible to finish the regular season as the only undefeated 6A team in the state and we’ve earned our 1 seed. We did get placed in a bracket that has some quality opponents. For our coaches and players though, it is imperative that we focus one week at a time. I love the story that we will be able to write through this journey. Let’s take each step one at a time. LEAVE NO DOUBT!

Coach Spurrell