After a great week of preparation, bonfires, dress-up days, homecoming proposals, pep fests, and all-around excitement, a battle of unbeaten teams took the field to square off in a big match-up.  Totino-Grace, a program that is on the Mount Rushmore of Minnesota football in my opinion, came into our stadium and provided a huge challenge for us.   I cannot be prouder of the effort our kids gave as they jumped on a great team early and battled to a 28-0 victory on a beautiful Friday night.

Defensively, facing a team that averaged well over 30 points per game and a running back that averaged over 200 yards a game, a well-prepared unit flew around the field and shut-out a very tough opponent.  Coach Tommy Becker and his staff did a great job preparing the kids, and the confidence they showed on the field Friday night was awesome.  Chris Fondakowski had a great game again with 11 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.   Adam Brant had a number of big hits and 9 tackles, Grant Hemze had 8 tackles, and everyone did what they were asked and played very fast.  As I always say, this group is a work in progress, but they are developing week by week and constantly getting better.  I look forward to seeing what they bring against a good Blaine team because its fun to see the growth every week.

Offensively, we did a great job controlling the ball through both the air and on the ground. Our first drive, which covered over 90 yards, set the tone for the game immediately, and we did a great job maintaining the pressure throughout.   Brad Davison had a great game moving the ball through the air and leading the squad.  He went 14-16 passing for 167 yards and one touchdown, and he also snuck one in during the 4th quarter to seal the game.   Adam Brant had 7 catches for 93 yards, Sam Franta snagged 4 for 46 yards, and Kyle Anderson had a touchdown receiving and rushing.   Isaac Collins and Clark Wieneke combined for  over 190 yards rushing with Isaac going for 121 yards on 22 carries, and Clark gaining 72 on 14 carries.   The offensive line did a great job paving the way for us and we look forward to seeing the improvement going into each and every week.

However, I personally believe people came in to see a marquee football match-up and they walked out seeing a great high school.  The star of the night was Maple Grove.  The stands were absolutely filled, Coach Wurm and Coach Vorlicek did a phenomenal job with the music throughout the night, the kids were lighting up the sky literally and figuratively with their enthusiasm singing and dancing and having a great time throughout.   Alumni were lining up the sidelines wearing nothing but Crimson attire, the band was playing throughout,  our choir did an awesome anthem, halftime showed nothing but talent, and the community was on their feet constantly.  It was a great night for all involved, and it showed what truly a great atmosphere can be on a Friday night for a community.  As the entire student body filled the field after the game and huddled together, it showed truly what a family this school is and how each and every kid on that field wants to see all around them succeed not for their own benefit, but for one another. 

Next week, we take on another team that is on a four game winning streak and it one of the more reputable teams in the state.  Blaine is another opponent that has made it to state championship games and knows how to do it right.  It is another great opportunity for our kids to keep getting better as we progress through the tail end of the regular season.   I look forward to seeing again how we prepare for next week and look forward to seeing the community makes it way out to Blaine and support us during an early game at 5 PM next Friday.    Hopefully the enthusiasm on display on homecoming night can maintain throughout the rest of this journey because it truly was a blast and it made all those involved truly proud.  GO CRIMSON!...Lombo