Maple Grove’s Clark Wieneke articulates through his actions.

“He’s much more comfortable in getting as many yards as he can,” Maple Grove head coach Matt Lombardi said. “That’s how he talks.”

Wieneke had a lot to say in Maple Grove’s 43-14 victory over Champlin Park on Friday. The senior running back scored three touchdowns and had 104 rushing yards on 18 carries, helping the Crimson, No. 3 in the Associated Press Class 6A rankings, remain undefeated this season.

Wieneke has been speaking volumes for Maple Grove, amassing 500 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns this year.

Wieneke fired up his conversation skills early against the Rebels (2-2, 2-1).

His 8-yard touchdown run in the first quarter helped erase Champlin Park’s 7-0 lead and his 10-yard touchdown run gave the Crimson a 21-7 lead heading into halftime.

Wieneke closed out Maple Grove’s scoring in the third quarter with a 3-yard touchdown run, giving the Crimson a 28-14 lead.

The senior credited his offensive line for his performance.

“The big (Crimson) is the best offensive line in the state,” Wieneke said. “I love to follow them.”

Wieneke wasn’t the only running back to have success running behind Maple Grove’s line.

Junior running back Isaac Collins finished with 141 rushing yards on the ground and senior fullback Kyle Anderson had two touchdowns for the Crimson.

Maple Grove’s defense forced three turnovers, including two interceptions by junior defensive back Lukas Burrington, who returned his second 52 yards for the final Crimson touchdown.

Burrington said he overcame a slow start to make the plays.

“I was struggling a little at the beginning of the game,” Burrington said. “But I just stuck to my keys, read the receivers and it worked out.”

Wieneke is working out for Maple Grove, leading the Crimson with actions.

“He plays a huge role on this team,” Burrington said. “He is for sure a leader for us both on and off the field.”

Senior running back Clark Wieneke ran for 104 yards and three touchdowns as Maple Grove cruised past Champlin Park 43-14 on Friday night in a matchup of Northwest Suburban Conference North and South division teams at Maple Grove High School.

Crimson senior fullback Kyle Anderson ran for two touchdowns, and junior defensive back Lukas Burrington returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown.

Maple Grove (4-0, 1-0), No. 3 in the Associated Press’ Class 6A rankings, took advantage of three Rebels’ turnovers to pull away after Champlin Park (2-2, 2-1) scored the first touchdown of the game.

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