Maple Grove had never been 1-0 in football, until they scored an exciting 30-21 victory at White Bear Lake Friday, Sept. 4.
The Crimson had to come from behind twice to do it and senior quarterback C. J. Woodrow led the way by throwing three touchdowns and two two-point conversions.
"We have never won our opening game before and it's always great to start the season with a win because it helps set a tone for the season," Maple Grove coach Craig Hansen said. "White Bear Lake is a physical team and it was a tough, scrappy game for four quarters. For our players to hang in there for 40 minutes and keep their faith was a huge experience."
The Bears scored on the opening play on a 51-yard touchdown run but Maple Grove came right back to tie it 6-6 on a Woodrow's four-yard TD strike to senior receive Brent Lawson.
Senior linebacker Jeremy Oligmueller helped put Maple Grove on top 8-6 early in the second quarter when he blocked a punt and the rolled out of the end zone for a safety. The Crimson got the ball back and promptly took it in for a 14-6 lead on a three-yard touch-down run by junior fullback Caleb Marx.
The Bears came roaring back in the third quarter and score twice to grab a 21-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Crimson came through as Woodrow threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Jeff Hesse and a two-point conversion to Lawson for a 22-21. The defense then responded with a strong stance and gave the ball back to Woodrow on White Bear Lake’s 36-yard line.
Woodrow calmly led the Crimson into the end zone, this time hooking up with Hesse for another TD and a two-point conversion and put the game out of reach. "I was very pleased with our effort," Hansen said. "The kids took turn making big plays, everybody played well together and played with confidence."
Woodrow was sharp as he completed 12 of 16 passes for 129 yards with three touchdowns and zero turnovers. "C.J. threw the ball well with a great touch and he had great presence," Hansen said.
Lawson had five catches for 35 yards, Hesse four for 37, Justin Derring two for 34 and Marx one for 37. Justin Lehman led the ground game with 77 yards on 18 carries. The Crimson had 137 yards passing and 126 rushing and only one turnover in the game. Oligmueller, Brett Schendel and Chris Dykhoff anchored the defense and punter Mike Behr's kicking gave Maple Grove great field position throughout the game.
The Crimson are on the road again at state power Stillwater Friday, Sept. 11. "Stillwater has a great tradition so this will be a real measuring stick for us," Hansen said. "It will be interesting to see how we compete."