The Crimson threw two pass interceptions in the first half. The first one resulted in a 66-yard return and a 6-0 lead for Roseville. The other set up Roseville's other touchdown that gave the Raiders a 12-6 lead. But the Crimson buckled up, scored a touchdown late in the first half to tie the game and dominated the second half.
"As frustrating as the first half was, we worked through that and in the second half we controlled the game," Hansen said. "Our defense and special team played well all game and in the second half our offense cleaned up our game and gained consistency." Maple Grove's comeback started late in the second quarter. The Crimson drove down field and scored when wide receiver Joe Boone fell on the football in the end zone after quarterback Aaron Getchell fumbled the ball one caused fumble; end Travis near the goal line. Boone's alert recovery tied the game and gave the Crimson momentum heading into the second half.
"That was big," Hansen said. "Roseville was sky-high. We made some glaring mistakes and they took advantage of them to score. That touchdown took the wind out of their sails."
Maple Grove's defense completely stymied the Raiders, allowing only 17 yards rushing and 21 yards passing. The offense finally got going and put played a potent ground game that together a 79-yard drive capped by a 12-yard touchdown run by Ross Muellenberg, who also scored Maple Grove’s first TD in the first quarter on a 5-yard run.
"That was a great drive," Hansen said. "Muellenberg and Jon Hicks just ran extremely hard and we had five first downs in the drive."
The Crimson defense got into the scoring act late in the fourth quarter when linebacker Luke Greder picked up a fumble and ran it back four yards for the final touchdown.
Greder's touchdown capped an impressive performance. For the night, he had nine tackles, one sack, one caused fumble; end Travis Iskierka picked up five tackles and two hurries and linebacker Tom Muphy had three tackles and two sacks. For the game, Maple Grove’s defense allowed only 38 yards on 28 rushes and 89 yards via the air.
“Our defense was outstanding,” Hansen said. “I like our pursuit, speed and hitting. In the second half conditioning really showed and we dominated the best Roseville team I’ve seen.”
Offensively, the Crimson displayed a potent ground game that featured a potent ground game that featured Muellenberg (16 rushes for 155 yards) and Hicks (13 carries 113 yards). Marcus Simmons was the top receiver with three catches for 38 yards.
Passing is one area the Crimson can improve on. Quarterbacks Getchell and Ryan Iskierka were a combined four for 12 with three interceptions.
“Roseville’s defense is quick and came at them from various angles,” said Hansen, who added he plans to platoon Getchell and Iskierka until one emerges as the clear No. 1 quarterback.
“I think they will both improve,” he said. “That will come with experience.”
The Crimson next visit Blaine Friday, Sept. 7.