Totino-Grace coach has high standards

About six weeks ago, Totino-Grace football coach Jeff Ferguson gathered his players after practice and dressed them down for minor offenses like arriving tardy to class or leaving their uniform shirt hanging out.

But the message was clear: Ferguson holds his players to a high standard off the field. Similar on-field expectations prevent the coach from buying into talk that the 2009 Eagles might be his most talented team ever. But the chance for this group to soar with state championship teams from 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007 draws near.

Totino-Grace, the No. 2-ranked team in Class 4A, opens state tournament quarterfinal play against No. 6 Rogers (9-1) at 7 p.m. Friday at Maple Grove High School. A potential semifinal matchup with No. 1 Mankato West awaits.

"The journey has been fun," Ferguson said. "What these guys have proven to me is that we're a resilient group that plays hard."

The Eagles' 42-28 victory against Benilde-St. Margaret's in the Section 6 finals marked just the second time this season the starters played into the fourth quarter, begging the question: How does a relatively unchallenged team show resiliency?

"We gauge it on games like the Benilde game and the periods of practice we call competitive edge," Ferguson said. "The offense and defense really get after it for short, sweet moments every week."

Quarterback J.D. Pride, running back John Crockett and defensive lineman Muhammad Kromah rank as the Eagles' most visible players, but such less heralded contributors as defenders Colin Hustad and Joe Zrust have emerged.

In addition, offensive linemen Matt Tomlinson, Lucas Palkert, Jack Savage, Mike Droddy and Alex Jarosz along with tight ends Steve Filek and Ben Hickman have jelled into a cohesive unit.

Of the Eagles' 837 yards gained in two games against Benilde-St. Maraget's this season, 757 have come on the ground.

"This team loves to play and has a blast doing it," Ferguson said.

David La Vaque • 612-673-7574