When Matt Lombardi was hired to take over the Maple Grove program, he reached out to a new
co-worker to lead the sophomore team: Crimson baseball coach Darby Carlson.

Just one snag: Carlson also was the defensive
coordinator at nearby St. Michael-Albertville.

“We sat for three hours at a Caribou right when I got the job because I respect so much what he’s done,” Lombardi said.

Lombardi, the former Wayzata defensive coordinator, still wanted to be heavily involved in the Crimson defense, and rightfully so. He helped lead the Trojans to a Class 5A title last year.

Carlson, who lives in St. Michael, has been a stellar defensive coordinator for the Knights for three years. He turned down the offer, and the two coaches squared off in the Class 5A, Section 5 quarterfinal Tuesday night.

“I knew his heart’s in the defense, and I totally understand. I’m the same way,” Lombardi laughed.

Lombardi’s defense won this battle, fueled by senior Roman Collins and four first-half turnovers in a 36-0 shutout over St. Michael-Albertville.

The third-seeded Knights kept knocking on Maple Grove’s door, and the Crimson greedily answered. Linebacker Dylan Steman returned a fumble 75 yards to give Maple Grove an early 7-0 lead.

Collins scored three touchdowns, including runs of 57 and 24 yards. It was the first time Lombardi used him on offense all season.

“He’s a great player and we said if we’re going to go down, we’re going to go down with our best kids,” Lombardi said. “It was neat to see him shine, but he’s quietly been one of the best corners in the state so I was glad he was able to do that.”

Collins also blocked a punt and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown and made a big second-quarter interception at the Crimson 2-yard line.

The Crimson will play second-seeded Osseo on Saturday in the section semifinals.