Prince Kruah’s 157 yards helps Osseo outmuscle Crimson

Prince released “Purple Rain” in 1984.

Prince Kruah helped the orange-clad Osseo Orioles continue a reign of their own Saturday, Aug. 22, in a 22-15 win over arch rival Maple Grove. Kruah ran for 157 yards and a touchdown as the Orioles capped Osseo Football Day with their eighth victory in the last nine meetings between the two District 279 rivals.

The day declared by the city started with a pancake breakfast and parade in downtown Osseo and concluded with another Orioles win over the Crimson. While it marks a big win for the Orioles, coach Derrin Lamker quickly reminded his team in their postgame meeting that beating Maple Grove is not the goal. The Orioles indeed want more than a week one win, no matter how big.

“Our goal is to get all the way to the Prep Bowl, beat whoever we meet there [and] move from there,” Orioles junior lineman Nash Jensen said.

Jensen, a considerable college prospect, and his linemates did their part in making the offense click for the first game of the season on two weeks of practices. They opened solid holes for running backs Kruah and Teshawn Kelly to find their way through.

“To come out after two weeks of [practice] and play like that, that’s some big time guts and organization by our kids,” Lamker said.

Orioles looked organized on defense as they held the Crimson’s potent attack at key moments. Last chance efforts in the second half by Crimson quarterback Brad Davison came up short in part because of the pressure up front by the Orioles.

Osseo senior defensive back Damario Armstrong came up with a late interception, and Quincy Williams grabbed the fumbled ball by Davison. Special teams likewise had a solid day in converting on one two-point conversion and hitting extra points on a blustery afternoon.

“Coach put me in the right position,” Armstrong said about the interception. “I lined up and just let the play come to me.”

With a strong schedule in the West Metro North Division ahead, the Orioles know well they will not breeze through the next seven weeks. Andover on Friday, Aug. 28, alone provides a challenge with an improved team.

Osseo visits Andover at 7 p.m. on Aug. 28.