Maple Grove turns stern, stops East Ridge to reach Class 6A football semifinals

Matt Lombardi wasn't exactly happy about how his team played in its 24-17 victory over East Ridge in the Class 4A quarterfinals Friday at Chanhassen High School, but the Maple Grove coach saw the silver lining.

The undefeated Crimson, ranked No. 1 in Class 6A for most of the season, barged out to a 21-0 first-half lead on a touchdown by Tanner Albeck and two more by Charlie Rausch. It looked like they were headed to another double-digit victory.

East Ridge had other ideas.

The Raptors cut the lead to 21-7 just before halftime.

A field goal by Connor Fournier made the score 24-7 before East Ridge began making a push midway through the third quarter.

Quarterback Tanner Zolnosky found receiver Riley Schwellenbach for a 78-yard completion to the Maple Grove 2. Two plays later, Jaylin Reese's 1-yard scoring run — his second touchdown of the game — and the PAT made the score 24-14.

East Ridge recovered the ensuing onside kick. When Luke Ryerse hit a 25-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, the Raptors found themselves within striking distance.

With the game so tight, Lombardi leaned on quarterback Jacob Kilzer's legs and center Hunter Gerber's ability to pull and lead Kilzer through holes. Together, they chewed up yards and clock, only giving the ball back to East Ridge (7-4) at its own 7 with under two minutes left in the game.

An interception by Henry Stang ended any hope to which East Ridge clung.

"This comes in handy," Lombardi said. "We needed this. We really haven't had a game that comes down to the wire, so I think this was a really good test."

Maple Grove (11-0) joins Rosemount, Eden Prairie and Lakeville South as the final four teams alive in Class 6A. Maple Grove and Lakeville South will play Thursday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Eden Prairie and Rosemount will play Friday.