Crimson hope to bounce back from tight loss at Eden Prairie

Maple Grove football coach Matt Lombardi doesn’t believe in moral victories against Eden Prairie anymore.

Not that he ever did.

For the second time in less than a year Maple Grove came a touchdown shy of upsetting the state’s reigning Class 6A football program. The Crimson lost 28-20 on Friday, Sept. 11, at the Eagles’ home field in a game where the Crimson controlled the ball.

Maple Grove had lost 13-7 before that in 2014 during the state tournament. At least the more recent time still avails four regular season games and the playoffs for the Crimson.

Moving onto a week four, the Crimson could use a repeat of history on Friday. They beat Wayzata in Plymouth 34-7 last year in convincing fashion, but this year’s Trojans have looked anything but resembled the 2014 team that stumbled to 3-6.

Wayzata has a 4-0 start, which includes a comeback win over Prior Lake, a team the Crimson edged in the state tournament last year. The Trojans have a talented quarterback in Jake Marsh, and he has talented skill players to give the ball to in running back Foster Conzet and wide receiver Grant Slavik.

Maple Grove’s defense, which has allowed under 20 points once this season, will have their hands full at Wayzata. With that said, the Crimson defense did hold a powerful Eagles offense under 30 points, something no one had done this season.

The Crimson and Trojans kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday in Plymouth.