Maple Grove runs past Wayzata 34-7

Former Wayzata defensive coordinator and current Maple Grove football coach Matt Lombardi hoped to greet former comrades before Friday's game at Wayzata High School, his first return since leaving in 2011.

But construction on Peony Lane forced the Maple Grove team buses to detour. Several red lights later, a frazzled Lombardi walked onto the turf about 45 minutes before kickoff and got right into his coaching duties.

His team didn't need much time to feel comfortable. Isaac Collins returned the opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. The Crimson's fast start and physical advantage on the line of scrimmage produced a 34-7 victory.

"We circled this one on our schedule," said Collins, who scored again and built a 14-0 Maple Grove lead in the first quarter. "We came out ready to play, and that opening kickoff was a big statement."

No. 5 Maple Grove (3-0) won its 20th consecutive regular-season game. Unranked Wayzata (1-2) lost its second consecutive game for the first time since 2006. Back then the Trojans were coming off their first-ever state title. They won two more in 2008 and 2010, aided by Lombardi's fast, physical defenses.

Times and names change, but Lombardi's defenses remain stout. Former standout Wayzata linebacker Tommy Becker, now the Maple Grove defensive coordinator, directed his unit to a shutout of Wayzata's offense. The Trojans gained only their third first down of the game with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

Wayzata's lone score came via its special teams. Sean Keup blocked a punt, recovered the ball at the 1 and fell into the end zone for a touchdown. The play cut Maple Grove's lead to 14-7 at halftime.

Taking control of the game in the second half, Maple Grove rolled to touchdown drives of 56 and 64 yards. Each possession saw Collins cutbacks, Clark Wieneke dashes and fullback Kyle Anderson up the middle. The trio finished the game with a combined 271 yards rushing.

Sophomore quarterback Brad Davison, who started as a freshman point guard for the Crimson basketball team, made plays beyond his years. His 1-yard dive in the fourth quarter made the score 27-7. Adam Brant took a fumble to the house to seal the outcome.

Lombardi and Wayzata coach Brad Anderson, his former mentor, met for a moment after the game.