On a chilly night that felt like playoff football, we took the field against a hard-nosed Eastview Lightning squad and completed Step 1 with a 28-6 victory at ‘The Grove’.   In a game riddled with penalties that did not allow either team to achieve much of a rhythm, we did persevere giving us the opportunity to play in the round of 16 with a chance to officially make the State tournament the following week.

Offensively, we had more penalties against Eastview than we did in our previous five games combined.  Those are mistakes we need to fix as we move forward in the playoffs because it constantly put us in positions that were not catered for success.  However, we did do enough to get us a victory and we were able to run the ball effectively throughout.   Isaac Collins continued his great season with 129 yards on 13 carries with 2 more touchdowns to add to his already record number.   Ryan Hanscome also did a nice job gaining 99 yards on 14 carries and a score, while newcomer Joe Raymon added 47 yards on 11 carries.    Eddie Lee had 2 catches, one for a score, and loss 65 yards of receptions and 2 touchdowns to penalties that prevented him from having a truly memorable evening.   All in all, this side of the ball needs to keep progressing and limiting their mistakes, because controlling the ball in a huge key for our success.

Our defense stepped up against an offense that has had success throughout the year and completely stifled their efforts.   Our starting defense gave up less than 50 yards of total offense and they caused great field position for the offense all night because of their play.   Junior, Tony Joksimovic had a huge game for us in the defensive line with 9 total tackles, 3 of those being sacks.   Ryan Shea had his 2nd consecutive great game with 10 total tackles and a sack, while Leroy Kwateh, Zion Allen, and Lukas Burrington all had games that totaled a bunch of performance points.   I was proud of the effort of the defense Friday night, and this is the time they need to make a huge difference.  During playoff time, defense is the key to the whole castle, and the tone and attitude of the entire team lies within this group.   It’s where champions are truly made, so a great Step one was fun to see!

Our Special Teams continued to improve and did a nice job all night.  Isaac Collins started us off with a 57-yard kickoff return, and our kickoff coverage was great all game.   Leroy Kwateh blocked a punt leading us to great field position, and Ryan Hanscome did a nice job punting when called upon in the fourth quarter.   This group needs to continue getting stronger and stronger because tight games in the playoffs are often won teams that are great in these areas. 

For Step 2, we play a very talented 7-2 Armstrong football team.   They have had a great season, and are filled with kids that have great backgrounds that know how to make it big when it comes to football.   They manhandled a 6-2 Woodbury team last Friday, so we know they are coming in with great momentum and will provide a huge challenge for us to get through this step.   We need to be a much better ball-club than we were last week, and our work ethic and focus needs to improve as we move forward throughout the playoffs.   This truly is Senior night in my opinion.  I know we celebrated it during the Shakopee week, but this is the last time our Seniors will step foot on our home turf, so we have to make it a special one for those kids and parents that have given so much to this program.   We need the Grove rocking!  We need people there cheering from the get-go, music blaring from the speakers and an environment that suitably pays tribute to those that have given so much throughout their careers.   This game is the equivalent of the section championships of the past and it is the step needed to springboard us into the state tournament.  It should be a fun night against a very good ball club that is dangerous every time they touch the ball.   We need our Crimson family together big time on this night.  Let’s make it a special one, and Let’s get Step 2!   Go Crimson!

Lombo