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Davison leads Crimson past Hopkins

By admin, 09/15/16, 7:30AM CDT

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by Matthew Davis

Brad Davison’s big start did not go to waste.

Davison, Maple Grove’s senior quarterback, led the Crimson football team to a 25-0 lead over Hopkins through three quarters. He tossed two touchdown passes of 22 and 21 yards, and he ran one on a 4-yard scamper.

“He did what he needed to do to be a leader and made some really great plays, especially at the end of the [first] half,” Lombardi said.

Also a Wisconsin basketball recruit, Davison threw for 216 yards on 13-21 passing. He also ran for 121 yards on 22 carries.

“The offensive line was a big reason,” Crimson senior linebacker Zion Allen said about the offense’s success. “They gave Brad more then enough time to throw and blocked well enough for Ryan to run.”

Hopkins suddenly woke up after much of Maple Grove’s domination and scored 22 fourth-quarter points, but the Crimson held on for a 32-22 road win on Friday, Sept. 9. Davison’s third TD of the game during the final quarter gave his team some breathing room.

“Fourth quarter, we let up maybe because of the score but we shouldn’t have,” Allen said.

Senior running back Ryan Hanscome caught the 19-yard pass for a 32-8 Crimson lead. Hopkins still scored twice after that but could never catch up. Nonetheless, it spoiled the shutout the Crimson had going for three quarters.

“We weren’t pleased with our fourth quarter,” Lombardi said. “I don’t think we closed it very well. For three quarters, I thought we did a nice job of at least trying to keep them off the board. They were still moving the ball a little bit, but we were still able to make plays when we had to.”

Maple Grove’s defense had plenty of bright spots led by senior lineman Tony Jokismovic with his nine tackles and one sack. Junior linebacker Ben Paschke also tallied nine tackles in the win.

Nick Fondakowski, a senior defensive back, set up the Crimson offense with an interception in addition to his three tackles. Fellow defensive back junior Carter Kitterman also produced a takeaway with a fumble recovery on top of his five tackles.

Gabe Hanson, a senior, also gave the Crimson strong defensive backfield play with eights tackles. Senior linebacker Michael Engelken and junior linebacker Jake Hanson each tallied seven tackles. Allen posted six tackles and a sack.

Maple Grove’s many offensive weapons provided ample support for the defense and made Davison’s job easier under center. Teddy Raasch, a senior wide receiver, led all receivers with 118 yards on five catches in addition to team’s second TD on a 21-yard reception.

“He’s someone as the year goes on, hopefully he’ll become a consistent presence for us,” Lombardi said. “He’s come so far in his four years here.”

Fellow senior receiver Ky Carlson caught the first of the game on a 22-yard pass, and he had one other catch of 20 yards. Hanscome put up 40 yards on three receptions in addition to his 67 yards rushing on 15 carries.

Maple Grove junior kicker Andy Peterson hit a 27-yard field during the 25-0 run. He also connected on all of his extra points.

Up next the Crimson (2-0), they will host Edina (1-1) on Friday at 7 p.m. The Crimson downed the Hornets in West Metro District South Division plays last season, 34-16.

“They’re a team that’s going to be ready to play us,” Lombardi said. “Very physical. The head coach [Reed Boltmann] is a great defensive coach.”

Similar to the Crimson, the Hornets have a third-year starter under center. Brock Boltmann, a Division I North Dakota recruit, has 266 yards passing this season in 21 completions.

“He’s got a lot of talent and [is the] coach’s son,” Lombardi said.

Maple Grove will also see another familiar face on the opposite sideline, former Osseo coach Derrin Lamker who now assists on Edina’s staff as the offensive coordinator.


Tight end Teddy Raasch of the Maple Grove High football team does a head stand in the end zone after scoring a touchdown during the Crimson’s 32-22 West District win Sept. 9 at Hopkins. (Sun staff photo by John Sherman)


Maple Grove quarterback Brad Davison fades back to pass as teammate Ryan Hanscome (24) blocks Hopkins defensive back Elvie Johnson. (Sun staff photo by John Sherman)