It is hard to believe,  but we are heading towards our final regular season game this Wednesday night at 'The Grove', and I have been proud of what the kids have put forth throughout the journey.  Last Friday night in Coon Rapids we were able to jump on some opportunities early and take control of the game during the first quarter.  Coon Rapids is a team we respect a great deal and they had given all of their opponents many problems during the year, including a win against Anoka in the previous week and many close games against some high quality opponents.  On a 3rd and long situation in our first drive, we were fortunate to get a big play by Clark Wieneke and score in the first minute of the game, and then our kickoff team did a great job recovering a free kick at the 30 and giving our offense another opportunity to score where we capitalized.  It was fun to see us take advantage of some momentum and get some quick points in the first quarter.  

Offensively, we ran the ball very well, and senior Evan Pukal did a nice job running the show in the absence of Karl last week.  Clark Wieneke had another big game with over 150 yards on just seven carries with two touchdowns, Tahi Nomane had over 80 yards on eight carries and a touchdown, and Shaun Harrell got an opportunity to get some carries in the 2nd half and had 95 yards on 13 carries.   Also, Evan was able to carry a 17 yard touchdown, Tyler Coyne was able to score one from close range and Isaac Collins reached the endzone for the first time on the offensive side of the ball.  Our offensive line did a great job of opening holes, and I thought our backs did a nice job of getting positive yards every chance they could.  Hopefully in week eight, this group continues to improve and we keep doing a good job of creating holes up front and taking advantage of every opportunity that presents itself.

Defensively, we kept improving and becoming a fast defense that hopefully is tough to play against.  For the fourth game this year, our defense was able to score on Isaac Collins 99 yards interception return, and they were able to force five turnovers and create field position all night for our offense.  Due to pressure and good coverage, we were able to manufacture five interceptions with Isaac, Sam Franta, Adam Brant, Emmanuel Ehrich, and Ben Whiteis all pulling down a pick during the game.  Also, we were able to get four sacks during the game and numerous tackles for loss that put their offense in tough situations.   Our defensive Ends Blake Whitecotton and Theo Frier each had big games with many tackles and tackles for loss, and Peder Olson had a big statistical game with 2 sacks and three tackles for loss.  Hopefully this group is enjoying the fun that is defensive football and they continue controlling the momentum of a game because they truly can be the life of this squad.

Next week, we play a rapidly improving Champlin Park squad that won handily last week, and took a good Blaine team to overtime two weeks ago.   They have a strong rushing attack and always play tough defensively, so we will have to be at our best on a short week to get that eighth win of the regular season.   Also, I know every player would like to thank every parent, superfan, all the fans, youth players, school administration, and everyone at the school who has supported us so much during this regular season run. We look forward to Wednesday night, playing our very best against a good opponent, and then heading into the most fun time of the year!  We look forward to seeing all of you out there Wednesday night at 7 for Senior night and share the excitement that is Crimson football!   GO CRIMSON!