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Coaches Corner 2014: Playoffs - Rd 2 - Section Champs!

By Coach Lombardi, 11/02/14, 10:15AM CST

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As the coaches and players stood waiting to take the field for the 2nd half in the section final against White Bear Lake I could hear Ben Shoults say, “Look Around boys, it’s our last time leaving this tunnel” and you knew what this game meant.  It was an opportunity for those seniors to leave the field as Crimson the way they wanted it to be left.  Yes, it was about getting to Step 3 and making it into the state tournament, but it also was about the journey it took during these four years for the seniors to get to this point on their home field.    The greatest part about last Friday night in the near freezing temperatures was that group of Seniors left it proud and knowing they still can accomplish so much more cementing their legacy into the framework of this program. 

Defensively, we were able to achieve our fifth shutout in the past six games and that truly is an amazing accomplishment.  A great deal of credit has to go to Tommy Becker and his staff for getting our kids to believe that it has to be unbelievably tough for somebody to get to the endzone against us.   The preparation necessary to make that happen is huge and hopefully as we enter step 3 we keep working harder as we venture towards our ultimate goal.    Again, we had many players that made a huge impact.  Christian Ujhelyi had 4 tackles for loss, two sacks, and the nearest tackle for a safety anyone ever could have.   Adam Brant, Lukas Burrington, and Grant Hemze each had ten tackles, while Jack Dahl-Maglone, and Isaac Collins added 8 apiece.   Sam Franta added 3 more pass break ups adding to his already school record for his career and season.  Lastly, Kyle Anderson, Chris Fondakowski, Kraig Urquhart, and Zion Allen all had two tackles for loss.

Offensively, we played another game where we totaled over 400 yards of offense.  Again, Brad Davison had an unbelievably efficient game going 8 for 11 passing for 132 yards and 1 touchdown.   Clark Wieneke continued his record-breaking year with 17 carries for 114 yards and 4 receptions for 74 with 3 total touchdowns.  Isaac Collins gained 94 yards on 12 carries and scored two tallies of his own.   The “trio” seemed to hit stride this week as Kyle Anderson added 52 yards on 6 carries from his fullback position and he did a great job blocking from that spot all game.  Our offensive line and receivers did a great job of blocking and controlling the line of scrimmage all game, but we still are seeking that ultimate game up front.  That will be fun to see because of the chemistry that group does have with each other. 

Special teams did everything we needed to do against White Bear Lake.  Tyler Knutson hit all five of his extra points and did a great job pinning them deep on kickoffs all night.   Jebah Doe continued his near 40 yard average punting, and Clark Wieneke and Isaac Collins both did a great job with punt returns getting us field position.  It was great to see all three aspects of the game making an impact and hopefully peaking as we head into the state tournament.

For the second straight year, we are fortunate to have earned our way into the state tournament.  This year it involves truly the best programs in the state as two undefeated teams and six one-loss teams make up the field.  How great is that?!!  Every game is going to be made up of teams going against each other that know how to do things the right way and have huge goals in mind.  That is the fun of the state tournament.    Watching our group of players and coaches prepare to enter into step 3 against a great Prior Lake team at Minnetonka high school Friday night will be a blast.  We have done everything necessary to get us to the point we have wanted to get to, and now it is time to prepare, execute, and enjoy the journey that is in front of us right now.  The Crimson belong on this stage and know they have done what is right to get us to this point of flourishing during these great opportunities ahead.  We need everyone out there Friday night at Tonka supporting us and making their stadium a home away from home for us.   We are Crimson and now it is time to show how truly great we are.   Let the fun begin!  See you Friday night at 7 and GO CRIMSON!....Lomb