For the second week in a row, the Maple Grove football team played a highly talented, highly ranked opponent. For the second week in a row, the Crimson improved as the game progressed, but came up short in the end.
On Friday, Sept. 14, the Crimson played fifth-ranked (5A) Champlin Park and lost 12-21. Even though eight points separated the two teams in the final score, the Crimson kept the game within reach to the end.
In the first quarter, the Maple Grove defense played well right from the start, holding a high-powered Champlin offense to a three-and-out on its first possession. Unfortunately for the Crimson, the ensuing punt was fumbled on its own 15-yard-line. Champlin scored on its next possession to take an early seven-point lead.
The game turned into a back and forth defensive battle for the rest of the half. Neither team was able to effectively move the ball.
Defensively, the Crimson played well, led by senior outside linebacker Tom Murphy, who flew around the field en route to a seven-tackle night. Inside, on the line, Justin Kokales and Jordan Nuro backed up the Champlin running game while defensive end Travis Iskierka led the team with nine tackles.
Offensively, the Crimson had good field position but could not put any long sustained drives together. Neither could Champlin, so the teams headed for the lockeroom at halftime with just seven points on the scoreboard.
"I was pleased with how well the kids played in the first half," said Maple Grove coach Craig Hansen. "We had that one mistake and that was the difference in the game at halftime."
The second half was once again a defensive struggle, except this time Champlin was able to break off two long plays that made the difference.
Early in the third, Champlin found a seam in the Crimson defense and completed a 68-yard pass that moved the ball to the Crimson's 11-yard line. A few plays later, a Champlin back found the end zone, making the score 14-0.
The teams went back to holding each other in check for the rest of the quarter. In the fourth, the Crimson made its run, or actually, its pass.
Sophomore quarterback Ryan Iskierka, who was seven of 11 for 102 yards, connected with WR Marcus Simmons on a 22-yard scoring play to cut Champlin's lead to 6-14.
Champlin, being the talented, experienced team it is, came right back with an explosive 59-yard touchdown run by its quarterback, to once again gain control of the game and a 6-21 lead.
Not to be outdone, the Crimson rolled back with its passing game as Ryan Iskierka connected with Nick Brenkman for 19 yards and Simmons, again, for a 22-yard touch-down pass. When the smoke from the fast-paced fourth quarter had cleared, Champlin had a win and the Crimson had a coach who saw improvement.
"We were playing a very talented and explosive team," said Hansen. "And we didn't give up any long, sustained drives. That tells me we're doing some things right. I think we're getting better every week. Our timing, execution and, of course, our experience are all gaining as the games go along. When you go against veteran crews like Blaine or Champlin, it's difficult, but we're improving."
Next week, the Crimson gets a break from the highly rated teams, but still face a very talented opponent, according to Hansen.
"It's always fun to play Osseo," he said. "They always play hard, aggressive, and they're up for the game. They play 110% so it will be a great game."