Week 1 of US Bank is complete.   I hope that everyone enjoyed their experience last week because it is obvious an exciting time for our Crimson Football team.   I hope that all players, coaches, students, administrators and families will look back on that game and remember a lot of details.  One of the details that I can remember is looking at the clock, seeing it hit the 0:00 mark and looking at Shakopee’s total yards of 103.   This number will sit with me for a while because of how prolific their rushing offense was coming into this game.  They were averaging 349 yards a game rushing going into the semifinals.   Our defense came to play, they played disciplined, physical and fast.  I am unbelievably proud of their preparation through the week and how it came to fruition on game night.  Our defensive line did a great job, our linebackers played well, and our secondary was involved in the run game on every play.  We created a turnover, made a critical stop when our backs were up against the wall and put pressure on their team all night long.  The only time they scored, they started on the 1-yard line.

The game started out with a bang.   There were two scores in the first 25 seconds of the game.   Unfortunately, only one was ours.  We were able to create a fumble on the opening kickoff and our offense punched it into the end zone on one play.   It was hard not to be super excited.  The next kickoff to all the wind out of our sails by them returning it 99 yards.   The game was tied 7 – 7 and basically, we hit reset.  After that sequence our special teams played like I expected, playing sound football. 

Offensively, we struggled a little bit.   Shakopee had great athletes on their defensive side of the ball, and they made us earn every point on the board.  They were able to stimy our passing game with some batted balls, putting pressure on our quarterback and finding a way to get a few turnovers.  We stayed persistent though and knew that we could keep trying to pound the rock.  Again, they had players flying around and making some plays, but we were able to have success running the ball.  We were able to run for our 300 yards and averaged a little more than 9 yards a carry.  November football in Minnesota is all about the run game even though we are now inside.   A team must be able to run for success and stop the run on defense.   That is why I am so proud of our team; they did both those components at a championship type level.

Next week is going to be an amazing week.   We get to take on Minnetonka again in what should be a clash of two of the best teams in the state.  They have great kids running around as well and are well coached.  We are excited about getting this opportunity and on this stage to get to play one more game.   This week, the boys will focus up one more time to put on a great show and finish this thing right.  The objective is to do what we have all year long and to Leave No Doubt.   

I just want to mention how lucky we are as a program and that I know we can’t take things for granted.  We are blessed to have a supportive administration, teachers and staff.  Our families, boosters and sponsors are second to none.    Our student section is amazing, and I can’t wait to see them next week as well continuing to make an impact from the stands.  I want our entire side to be filled with Crimson.  I think of Vikings game filled with purple and would love for us to have that same type of look in Crimson instead.  I want the entire MG football community to be there.  Invite everyone you can!  This is truly a team effort, and I am unbelievably proud of who we are.  1, 2, 3, Crimson, 4, 5, 6, Family, 7, 8, 9, Champions                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Coach Spurrell