Coon Rapids' tough football defense and power running at-tack carried the Cardinals to a 23-6 victory at Maple Grove High School Friday.

"Coon Rapids is the most physical team we've played," Maple Grove coach Craig Hansen said. "They have some tough players and really good athletes. They have a complete team."

The Crimson got off to a great start in front of a large homecoming crowd.

Maple Grove kicked off and recovered a fumble on the Coon Rapids 25-yard line. The Crimson cashed in and scored on a 1-yard touch-down run by senior back Ryan Iskierka.

The Crimson controlled the rest of the first half as they compiled 127 yards in rushing and had some big runs. However, they could not sustain the drives because of untimely penalties and broken plays.

"To gain 127 yards against that defense was pretty good," Hansen said. "But we could not sustain or finish the drives. We needed to finish well but we didn't. We always fizzled at some point. That's something we will have to iron out."

Coon Rapids got the ball back late in the half and put together a late drive. The Cardinals marched down the field and half to grab a 7-6 lead.

The late score shifted the momentum and the Cardinals scored two touchdowns and a field goal in the second half while their defense completely bottled up the Crimson attack. Maple Grove gained only 44 yards rushing and was intercepted three times in the second half. The Cardinals turned the final interception into a late touchdown.

“Our problem was turnovers,” Hansen Said. “We had three fumbles and three interceptions. We gave up field position and gave them breaks. To their credit they capitalized on them. Against good teams you can’t do that.”

The Crimson managed 171 yards rushing but the Cardinals held Crimson quarterback Mitch Brecke to three of 19 passing for 32 yards and three interceptions.

“We just didn’t hit on it,” Hansen said of the passing game. “We had pretty good pass protection but their coverage was very good. They have excellent defensive backs and linebackers and it’s tough to get open.”

Defensively, the Crimson were on the field constantly in the second half and gave up the most points since the season opener. Linebacker Luke Greder had 15 tackles, one sack and two hurries. Defensive back Ryan Schulz had six tackles and one interception and linebacker Brandon Barth had seven tackles.

The Crimson next host Anoka Friday, Oct. 12, for their final regular season game.

MUELLENBERG OUT FOR SEASON

It is official. The Crimson have lost their MVP and biggest offensive threat, Ross Muellenberg, for the season. Muellenberg, a running back, suffered a fracture of the tibia and ligament strain in the Osseo game. He learned last week that the injuries will not require surgery but will take several weeks to heal, thus wiping out and chances of his return this year.

“It’s a heartbreaker,” Hansen said. “He’s so competitive and put so much into it. But unfortunately, these are the twists and turns in life. He will heal fine, he is a terrific student and he will have a great future ahead of himself.”

A player of Muellenberg’s caliber will be impossible to replace but Hansen said his players are pulling together.

“Ross has great speed and is a very explosive player and breaks things open for us,” Hansen said. “It’s a big loss but I think the kids are pulling together and supporting of Ross and each other.”