On the final Friday night in October, we marched into Hopkins stadium trying to accomplish Step 3 against a very successful and talented Burnsville team that was 9-1.   After a quick start and a strong performance throughout, we prevailed 32-14 placing us as part of the final four in our state tournament for a 2nd consecutive year.

One of the keys to the night was the play of our defense and their ability to get our offense field position early in the game allowing us to jump out to an early 14-0 lead in the first four minutes of the game.   All night, our defense played fast and shut down a very good offense with players heading to division I Universities to continue their career.  Lukas Burrington had a great game at the Cornerback position with 7 tackles, 4 pass-break-ups, and an interception and Leroy Kwateh led the team with 10 total tackles.  However, it truly was a team effort as every single player made big plays that contributed to our effort throughout the night.   I am very proud of this group as they have gotten better every week this year, and they need to keep doing so because they are the key to our success as we head into our semifinal battle.

Offensively, we did a great job controlling the line of scrimmage all night leading to a evening where we totaled 414 yards rushing on the night.     Our offensive line made up of Max Zwach, Logan Newell, Ben Long-Vehrenkamp, Kayode Awosika, and Sam Bednartz did a great job opening holes for everyone carrying the ball and allowed our offense the ability to control the game through the ground.  Also, Tight Ends Will Reul and Jared Martinson along with Fullback Sam Ross were essential in our ability to keep moving the chains.    Statistically, Isaac Collins continued his staggering season with 223 yards on 25 carries and two more TD’s breaking the Career rushing TD record Maple Grove with his 35th career rushing touchdown.    This week, we added Brad Davison into our run game as he gained 93 yards on 10 rushes with two more touchdowns, and Will Ampe and Ryan Hanscome each made great runs combining for 92 more yards between them.   It was a great playoff performance as we controlled the game on the ground allowing us to dictate the clock as we played with the lead.

Tyler Knutson was a huge asset for us kicking four touchbacks throughout the game and a very important 36-yard field goal that concluded the first quarter.    Our other special teams did a nice job, but each week we need these groups to be difference makers.   We strive to be better again next week against a team that historically has great Special Teams.   There will be a game this makes the difference, so let’s win this aspect every week.

Next Friday night at Eden Prairie high school, we will play a very good East Ridge team in our attempt to win Step 4 giving us the chance to take part in the final step of the tournament.     What a great opportunity lies ahead of us!  Another great week of preparation will be needed, but we are at a point now that every day is just a blast, and the brotherhood formed by our players is evident on a daily basis.   It’s pretty cool to see.   We need Eden Prairie filled on their home end with nothing but Crimson.   It’s an opportunity for our entire community to come together and root on a bunch of kids that are doing everything they can to become great and to make all of you proud.  What the semifinals represents to me is the opportunity for our players to claim their final practice.  Only two teams in each class get the opportunity to do that, and those are the ones playing in TCF on the final weekend of the season.   However, being lucky enough to have been a part of four prep bowls, I can guarantee you that there is nothing like walking off that practice field for the final time on the Thursday practice before the Prep Bowl.   It’s a wonderful feeling for everyone involved.    Therefore, the one and only priority this week is East Ridge.  They are a great team and we have to play our best to move on to the final step.   The Semifinal week is the week where the community will talk more about the week that might be coming ahead instead of the week that sits in front of them.   We as players will not do that.  Our focus is completely on Step four and the joy in preparing for a game.  That’s what makes our sport great!   It’s awesome to be in the final four, but it’s even better to play well on a Friday night and walk off of the field proud of everything you put into it.   That’s what we need to do this week!  Let’s keep it rolling!  Go Crimson!  Get Step 4!  See everybody Friday Night!

Lombo