(Stanton) Stanton/Essex takes a 4-3 record into their 2nd round playoff matchup at undefeated CAM on Friday. It’s a rematch of a Week 7 game.
Stanton/Essex managed to play CAM closer than any other team had all season. Coach Jeff Grebin was encouraged by a lot of the things he saw in their 34-20 regular season loss to the Cougars. He says the team tackled well among other things in their first meeting. “They seemed to bring a lot of emotion to that game and found a way to tackle and keep Lane Spieker contained. Going into it that was one thing we were working on trying to stop and it worked pretty well. It’s not any science to it, we just had the emotional and focus part on task.”
Stanton/Essex ousted Murray 61-22 on the road last Friday night. “A lot emotion and spirit. The kids are playing well together and I think they are just having fun. That’s all we can ask. Going into that game we didn’t know what Murray would bring being from a different district. We just focused on Viking football. The kids played well.”
Grebin notes the team benefited from playing really quality opponents like Coon Rapids-Bayard and CAM down the stretch. They do have some adjustments in mind for their second meeting with the Cougars. “We did learn a lot watching film against them the first time. Both teams will have learned something and take it to the next game. Both of us have been in the playoffs before, it’s nothing new.
Stanton ran for 295 yards and six touchdowns last week. Tucker Hadden led the charge with 14 carries for 148 yards and 3 TD’s. Logan Roberts carried 4 times for 93 yards and 1 TD. Carter Johnson had 2 touchdown on his 4 carries for 64 yards.
