Maple Grove withstands Shakopee’s challenge in Class 6A football semifinal

Maple Grove running back Charles Langama missed four-plus games this season because of a high ankle sprain.

The Crimson missed nary a beat during Langama’s absence, continuing their Shermanesque march through Class 6A.

On Friday, in the state semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium, the shifty and quick Langama, electric with the ball in his hands, showed just what the Crimson lacked in his absence. He’s been back for three games now. It’s difficult to call his performance Friday in lifting Maple Grove to a 26-14 victory over Shakopee’s rugged roughnecks his Mona Lisa, because Langama has had a collection of terrific performances over the past two years, but it was definitely a masterpiece.

Langama ran 18 times for 198 yards and four touchdowns, three on runs of more than 20 yards, to dagger a Shakopee team that spent the game matching Maple Grove’s physicality.

“That’s our style, our identity,” Shakopee coach Ray Betton said. “A punching-them-out type of brawl.”

Even with Langama’s absence, Maple Grove has been the dominant force in every game it has played this season. Much of that is because of the Crimson’s athletic defense, which runs to the ball and tackles with alacrity.

That kept the Crimson (12-0) afloat Friday until Langama and the offense could find their legs.

The game started with a bang, with the teams matching touchdowns in the game’s first 25 seconds.

Maple Grove recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff and scored one play later, when Langama went 22 yards around right end for a 7-0 lead.

Shakopee (10-2) immediately. Emmanuel Taye, who had fumbled the opening kickoff, atoned by pinballing 99 yards and scoring on the kickoff return.

“It seemed like that reset things,” Maple Grove coach Adam Spurrell said.

Maple Grove led 13-7 at halftime, but Shakopee’s defense gave the Sabers the lead midway through the third quarter.

Brody Miller intercepted a wayward pass by Maple Grove’s Kaden Harney and set the Sabers up on the Crimson 1-yard line.

T.J. Clark scored and suddenly Shakopee led 14-13. It was the first time Maple Grove trailed in the second half all season.

Enter Langama. He closed out a 71-yard drive with a 40-yard scoring run, regaining the lead for Maple Grove.

The Crimson defense forced a Shakopee punt, and Langama went back to work, this time weaving for a 43-yard score.

Suddenly, Maple Grove led 26-14. The Crimson defense closed out the game from there.

“It’s nice to have number 21 back. I won’t deny that at any point,” Spurrell said of Langama. “He’s a special back.”