In his third year starting for Maple Grove, quarterback Brad Davison is as groomed of a play caller as the turf he’s playing on.

His fellow seniors haven’t had nearly the same exposure on the varsity field with just two returning starters on defense and just two players other than Davison who saw significant time on offense.

“It’s kind of been a journey through these first few weeks, but I think we’ve started to catch our groove a bit,” Maple Grove coach Matt Lombardi said.

The Crimson seemed to be in full swing Friday night as Davison had a hand in four first-half touchdowns that catapulted them to 45-14 victory over the Skippers on Friday night at Minnetonka High School.

“I have four really good receivers -- outside and in the slot -- and Minnetonka played man the whole game so we tried to take advantage of that,” Davison said.

Davison wasted little time attacking the Skippers' secondary, connecting with Jack Dugan on an inside slant on the second play from scrimmage that Dugan took 67 yards to the end zone after shedding a tackle.

A scrappy slot receiver, Dugan played with Davison in eighth grade when the team went undefeated. 

But after Dugan suffered his third concussion in the first game of the season freshman year, Dugan decided to take a break from football as a safety precaution and just play lacrosse.

Dugan barely missed a step and has transitioned back with ease.

“With (Davison) it's easy -- he throws you the ball and it’s right there every time, you just have to catch it,” Dugan said.

Maple Grove (4-2, 3-2), ranked No. 13 in the Associated Press Class 6A state football poll, totaled 264 yards of total offense on 21 plays in its explosive first half.

Davison’s athleticism is exceptional. He's a Wisconsin basketball commit and the West Metro South Division's leading rusher and passer. What’s less visible, but potentially equal in impact, is his presence as a leader.

“(Davison’s) a competitor and a great leader," Lombardi said. "It’s been nice having someone else who’s kind of a coach’s voice out there.”

The Crimson’s defense forced a three-and-out on the No. 8-6A Skippers' first possession.

Six-foot-5 Teddy Raasch dropped an interception on the series but was lifted by Davison quickly, encouraging his basketball teammate to find the end zone.

Raasch did on a 42-yard connection from Davison who later greeted him with raised arms and a shrug, saying, “I told you, just like I said.”

Davison credited the offensive line for giving him time to stay in the pocket and allow his receivers to create space for themselves.

After losing two straight games -- to Edina and No. 3-6A Eden Prairie -- the Crimson have since rolled past Wayzata and Minnetonka (4-2, 3-2).

Lombardi thinks it’s a culmination of his players' development into their new roles, as the program has produced top-tier athletes perennially.

“It’s been fun watching them grow starting in the summer and through the season because they started from scratch, and they’re coming a long way,” Lombardi said.

Maple Grove has four receivers with over 200 yards this season. The Crimson's weapons on offense should continue to develop in their final two regular season games. 

Dugan acknowledged a change in mindset at practice in the past few weeks, given that for many of the players it’ll be their final year.

“We’re focused, and there’s a sense of urgency because there's two more games guaranteed, and then it’s go time,” Davison said.

Brad Davison’s four first half touchdowns powered Maple Grove to a 45-14 victory over the Minnetonka Friday night at Minnetonka High School.

Davison connected with Jack Dugan for scores of 67 and 55 yards to open and close the first half scoring for Maple Grove (4-2, 3-2), ranked No. 13 in the Associated Press Class 6A state football poll. Davison also ran 25 yards for a touchdown and connected with Teddy Raasch for 45 yards for yet another first-half scoring play.

Shadon Hopkins scored from 10 yards out in the first quarter for the No. 8-6A Skippers (4-2, 3-2), and Garrett Olson found the end zone on a 2-yard dive in the fourth.