After a great offseason, summer, and fall camp, the time had finally come to take the field against a very good Edina team on their home field.   The first game is always one with great anticipation, nerves, and unanswered questions and I was very proud of the effort everyone gave on a muggy night in Edina.  We were able to prevail against a well-coached Lake Conference opponent 27-8 to get our record to 1-0 and kickoff the season right.

In a game riddled with penalties, our offense did a great job controlling the ball, nearly having it in our hands for three-quarters of the game.  In a very methodical game, we were able to run for over 250 yards and throw for nearly 150 yards as well.  Clark Wieneke carried the ball 29 times for over 150 yards and 3 touchdowns and Isaac Collins had 14 carries for 75 yards combined with 5 receptions netting over 50 yards.   Also, we lost many long runs due to penalties, so both backs did a great job controlling the ball.  Sophomore Brad Davison saw his first varsity football experience and did a great job controlling the huddle and moving the sticks going 12-21 for 145 yards and 1 touchdown to Will Reul.  Also, in an offensive role, Adam Brant had over 70 yards receiving on 4 receptions.   Most importantly though, our offensive line, tight ends and fullback had a good first game moving the line of scrimmage against a big opponent and allowed us to control the ball throughout. 

Defensively, we did a great job setting the tone early, flying around and getting to the ball.  With many players facing their first Varsity start, they showed great composure and did a great job clicking off their responsibilities.  Chris Fondakowski had a huge game with 10 total tackles, 2 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, and a pass break-up.  Adam Brant secured 5 tackles with a tackle for loss, and Sam Franta brought in his first interception to seal the game.   Also, Senior linebacker Christian Ujhelyi forced a fumble that was recovered by Ben Shoults keeping the ball down in Edina’s end.  Also, punter Jebah Doe had a great game punting and bailing us out on a fumbled snap getting us a first down on a broken play on 4th down.

We cannot wait for next Friday night!  Our first home game of the year against Armstrong, and with school starting, the first opportunity for the community to truly come out in force and have a ball on a Friday night.  It is our MGYFA night, so nothing displays our family better than when over 500 kids wearing the Crimson and Gold are lining our field watching our Varsity run through them taking the field.  It’s awesome to see everybody coming together for that night!  We have to get much better going into week two and we hope to keep getting better on a weekly basis.  It’s exciting to have the football season starting again, and here’s to a great 2014!  Enjoy every second because the season will fly by!  GO CRIMSON!