Unbeaten Vikings post 4th shutout
Maybe Donald Trump should have sent the Minneota football team's defense to the border. They've been as impenetrable as a wall.
The Vikings' stellar defense allowed Russell-Tyler-Ruthton only nine total yards on Friday night in a 31-0 Homecoming shutout at K.P. Kompelien Field that featured pouring rain at times.
While the Minneota offense ran for 420 yards, the Knights finished with minus-four.
"I am very pleased with how our line has been blocking," said running back Conner Sik, who rushed for a team-high 139 yards and two touchdowns in only 10 carries. "Everyone did a great job opening up holes and staying on blocks."
It was the fourth shutout in five games for the Minneota defensive stalwarts. They have given up just six points all season, that coming against the reserves in a win over Yellow Medicine East in the second game of the season.
The Vikings (5-0) have outscored their five opponents 227-6 this year.
"This is a good defense," said coach Chad Johnston. "We were expecting good things this year on the defensive side because we had so much experience within the box. It was pretty impressive to hold RTR to so few yards, but I believe field conditions helped also; it took away their ability to try to throw the ball."
Senior two-way tackle Jackson Esping noted a few weeks ago that they wanted to prove they were the best defense in the state. Well, they are making a good run at it.
The Vikings' offense has been putting up big numbers all season, too. The rain has been the only thing that has slowed them down a little this season.
"The rain really affected me," Sik said. "I had to keep telling myself to lighten up and shorten my steps. I do think it affected both teams, although everyone played great for the conditions we were in."
Against RTR, the Vikings scored twice in the first quarter on a four-yard TD run by Jonah Gruenes and a 14-yard scoring run by Sik.
Penalties plagued the Vikings and put a damper on several drives as much as the rain did. They finished with a season-high 10 penalties for 55 yards.
"There definitely were way too many penalties," said Johnston. "Not certain the reason for that, but we need to clean things up and try to minimize them in the future."
Sik's broke free on a 37-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, getting a key block from center Cole Myhre.
Sik got the bulk of the carries after senior speedster AJ Josephson left the game with a sprained ankle that has been bothering him in recent weeks. He was injured following a 22-yard run in the second quarter, but still finished with 100 yards rushing in 10 carries.
"We are hoping to give him a week off this week to help with the healing process and provide him with some more rest," said Johnston.
Jonah Gruenes had 91 yards rushing in 10 totes. Ryan Meagher added 41 yards in six carries.
Sik also recorded his team-leading fourth sack of the season.
"If it's a pass, I contain my side and use my strength and speed to attack the quarterback, he said when asked how he gets to the quarterback. "I also learn how quick the offensive tackle moves during the game. I try to read his tendencies and his weaknesses."
The Vikings then recorded a safety, giving them a 24-0 lead going into the final quarter.
Zack Fier's 10-yard touchdown run around left tackle capped the scoring.
Peyton Gillund, the strong-legged junior kicker, converted all three of his extra points, averaged 41 yards per punt in the inclement weather, and also had an interception from his safety position.
Minneota will take on MACCRAY Friday night in Maynard.
Minneota 31, RTR 0
RTR...........................................................0 0 0 0 - 0
Minneota.............................................. 14 0 10 7 - 31
Scoring Plays
Min - Jonah Gruenes 4 run (Peyton Gillund kick)
Min - Conner Sik 14 run (Gillund kick)
Min - Sik 37 run (Anthony Rybinski run)
Min - Safety. Zack Fier, Hudson Scholten tackled RTR runner in the end zone
Min - Zack Fier 10 run (Gillund kick)
Team Totals
Total Plays: Minneota 65, RTR 33. Total Yards: Minneota 425, RTR 9. Passing Yards: Minneota 5, RTR 13. Rushing Yards: Minneota 420, RTR (-4). First Downs: Minneota 18, RTR 3. Turnovers: Minneota 1, RTR 2. Penalties: Minneota 10-5, RTR 6-60.
Minneota Statistics
RUSHING (att-yds): Conner Sik 12-139, AJ Josephson 10-100, Jonah Gruenes 10-91, Ryan Meagher 6-41, Zack Fier 3-17, Andrew Lipinski 2-15, Anthony Rybinski 2-9, Destin Fier 1-5, Max Rost 1-3.
PASSING (com-att-yds-td-int): Isaac Pohlen 2-9-5-0-0
RECEIVING (rec-yds): Rost 1-3, Gruenes 1-2.
TACKLES (solo-assists): Tucker Thooft 4-3, Z.Fier 3-0, Rybinski 2-1, Jackson Esping 2-0, Sik 1-0, D.Fier 1-0, Rost 1-0. Jayden Gamrak 1-1, Gruens 0-2, Hudson Scholten 0-1.
SACKS: Sik 1
TACKLES FOR LOSS: Esping 1, Sik 1, Rost 1
FUMBLE RECOVERY: Scholten 1, Esping 1
PUNTING (no-avg.): Gillund 3-41.0