by Bob San

Stillwater's stingy defense dominated the game, leading the seventh-ranked Ponies to a 29-0 win against host Maple Grove Friday, Sept. 10.

The Ponies turned two first-half turnovers into touchdowns as Stillwater raced to a 23-0 halftime lead. The Stillwater defense also came up with a goal line stand that kept the Crimson from scoring when the score was only 17-0.

Stillwater opened scoring in the first quarter when it returned a Maple Grove fumble 45 yards for a touchdown. After a field goal made it 9-0, the Ponies recovered a Maple Grove fumble at the Crimson 43 and cashed in. Running back Jake Frazier broke loose for a 40-yard run on a draw play to put the ball at the 2-yard line and scored on the next play. A two-point conversion run made it 17-0.

The Crimson had a chance to get back into the game. A strong return by senior receiver Adam Hamilton gave Maple Grove good field position on its 43-yard line and the Crimson launched an impressive drive. Senior quarter back Mike Klosterman completed long passes to junior receiver Jacob Johnson and Hamilton, and senior fullback Caleb Marx ran six yards to bring the ball to the Stillwater 18.

Two pass interference penalties — the second one stopping a sure touchdown by Johnson — brought the ball to the Stillwater 6. Runs by Marx, Klosterman and junior running back Josh Throndson brought the ball to the one. On fourth and goal, Klosterman rolled to the right and pitched to Throndson. However, the Ponies were ready for it and stuffed Throndson for no gain, thus ending the Crimson's best scoring chance of the night.

Stillwater then put the game away with a 99-yard scoring drive.

Senior quarterback Andrew Polehna completed a 40-yard pass to senior receiver Joel Jordan and two pass interference penalties against the Crimson put the ball on the six. The Ponies needed three plays before Frazier swept right into the end zone to make it 23-0. That was the end of the game and the Crimson battled hard and played Stillwater evenly in the second half.

The loss was the second straight for the Crimson, who were impressive in their 29-22 home loss to third-ranked White Bear Lake in the sea-son opener Friday, Sept. 3.

Klosterman had a great night, completing 16 of 28 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns. Senior wide out Brent Lawson had six catches for 110 yards and a touch-down. Johnson (one touchdown), Marx and Hamilton all had three receptions and Throndson caught a touchdown pass.

The Crimson next take on Park Center Friday, Sept. 17.