The game started out quiet, with each team easing into their running game. Maple Grove’s senior quarterback Jacob Kilzer opened the scoring with a 4-yard run. That score was quickly equalized by an outstanding 80-yard burst by Champlin Park running back Arthur Russell just two plays later.  

The Rebels put more early pressure on when they recovered the following kick off. The next Maple Grove series, the Champlin Park defense stood strong once again when Kilzer fumbled the ball while trying to punch in a score from two yards out. But Maple Grove (5-0) was able to turn the tides.  

On the ensuing Champlin Park drive, Maple Grove safety Jackson Powers burst through the Champlin Park offensive line and got Russell in his own endzone. The safety put Maple Grove 9-7 up and it was able to play more of the game the Crimson wanted with senior running back Jordan Olagbaju.  

“Me and Jacob [Kilzer] always try and establish the run game,” Olagbaju said, who ended the night with 102 rushing yards along with three rushing touchdowns. “Once it’s established, getting five, 10 yards, we’ll have the defense coming in and we can try to throw it right by them.” 

After taking a 16-7 lead on Champlin Park (2-3), Maple Grove continued to try and instill the passing game. Yet, Champlin Park came back with energy on defense, including a run of three-straight sacks that led to Maple Grove turning the ball over on downs.  

Maple Grove didn’t lay off the gas after its offense stalled and in forced a fumble on the following Champlin Park drive. After turning the turnover into another touchdown, it was 22-7 and the Maple Grove defense didn’t let up.  

“Our defense did amazing. They gave us great field advantage, so it’s all glory to the defense,” Olagbaju said.  

In the second half, the Crimson defense continued their control and started making highlight plays of their own. In the thick of the third quarter, Champlin Park quarterback Preston Thielke was intercepted by linebacker Jett Uzzell who took it to the opposing 12-yard line.  

Uzzell wasn’t done there either. On the first play of the Rebels’ next drive, Russell had the ball stripped and Uzzell was in perfect position to fall on it, marking a significant day for the Maple Grove defense.  

“I was proud of the kids, and Champlin is a good team. They’ve been playing well,” Lombardi said. “But we found a way to seize control of their defense and we took advantage of it.”  

The running game for Maple Grove pushed them over the top. Combined running from Kilzer and Olagbaju saw them put up 243 combined rushing yards and five combined rushing touchdowns. A late 59-yard flash from Champlin Park running back Richlu Tudee got more points on the board, but it wasn’t enough.