Clark Wieneke

Running back Clark Wieneke ran for four touchdowns as Maple Grove rolled to a 31-7 victory on Friday at Blaine.

The Crimson showed a quick-strike ability on two of its touchdown drives. A three-play 81-yard drive ended with a six-yard score from Wieneke just before halftime.

His third touchdown concluded a two-play, 42-yard drive in the third quarter. Wieneke’s older brother, Jake, was a Star Tribune All-Metro first team selection at receiver last season.

Recap: Junior running back Clark Wieneke's 181 yards and four touchdowns helped Maple Grove roll to victory. Wieneke’s older brother, Jake, a Star Tribune All-Metro first team selection at receiver last season and currently a redshirt freshman at South Dakota State, attended his brother’s big game. “It’s great for him to be here because he’s always supported me and I love him,” Clark said.

Key of the game: Two quick strikes helped establish Maple Grove’s dominance. A three-play, 81-yard drive ended with a six-yard score from Wieneke just before halftime and built a 19-0 advantage. His third touchdown concluded a two-play, 42-yard drive in the third quarter and put the Crimson ahead 25-0.

Quote: “Your brother said he had four touchdowns against Centennial so you didn’t set a family record.” -- a Maple Grove assistant coach to the younger Wieneke

One thing to know: Maple Grove’s defense scored a touchdown and flirted with a shutout against Blaine’s no-huddle offense. Defensive end Theo Frier returned an interception 43 yards for a first quarter score. Blaine was blanked until late in the third quarter.

DAVID LA VAQUE