The No. 1-ranked team in the state showcased their strategic prowess with a series of well-executed plays. Maple Grove, a force to be reckoned with, turned to their star running back Charles Langama. Langama carried the ball eight times during the 12-play drive, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination. His gasp-worthy jump cut at the 2-yard line allowed him to avoid a tackler and score from four yards out, setting the tone for the game.

Defense Shines as Maple Grove Takes Control

With a 14-7 lead, Maple Grove's defense made a significant impact. A 13-yard sack of Francois combined with an intentional grounding penalty put Minnetonka on the back foot. After Minnetonka punted, Maple Grove seized momentum, going 68 yards in six plays. Kaden Harney's pass completions to Bo Draheim for 22 yards and Dylan Vokal for 32 yards, after picking up a fumbled snap, were crucial in extending their lead. Langama then capped the drive with an 18-yard touchdown run off-tackle to the left, his second score of the game, giving Maple Grove a 21-7 lead at halftime.

Coach's Halftime Motivation

“At halftime, I said ‘We started fast. Now we’ve got to finish strong’,” Spurell said. This motivation fueled Maple Grove's performance in the second half. After a third quarter of turnovers, Maple Grove seemed to have the game in hand with a 10-yard touchdown run by Patrick Wright with 5:29 left. However, Minnetonka fought back, cutting the deficit to 28-14 when running back Chase Conrad scored from 2 yards out with just over four minutes to play.

Final Moments and the Battle

The game reached its climax in the final minutes. Maple Grove had to hold on as Minnetonka made a late push. The tension was palpable as both teams fought for every yard. In the end, Maple Grove's defense held strong, securing the victory and maintaining their top-ranked status. Their ability to adapt and perform under pressure was truly remarkable.