CLARA CITY -- After years of pass first, ask questions later, MACCRAY found itself at a crossroads offensively: how to get a lot of athletic, hard-running players the ball.
"I watched some stuff over the years. We have done the shotgun a lot, because it was easier to pass," said head coach Mike Dammann. "I liked the wing-T offense and I liked to spread things out. Our wing is spread out farther that a wing-T."
Dammann's hybrid offense has worked out well this season. The Wolverines, who travel to Hawley today for the state Class AA football quarterfinals, gave all those skill players the opportunity to touch the ball in different ways.
"We usually had kids who could throw and were good wide receivers. But to be successful, you've got to run the football," Dammann added. "This gives us the opportunity to run the ball out of the shotgun and throw short passes. Our lineman like it, because one or two of them are usually pulling."
The offensive explosion starts with quarterback Justin Koenen, a versatile player who has thrown for 1,240 yards and 16 touchdowns, and has run for 904 yards and another 14 TDs.
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"As far as running this offense, you couldn't ask for any better," Dammann said. "He has the uncanny ability to cut on a dime."
Running back Mitch Grussing is the team's leading rusher, with 1,026 yards and 15 scores. Brock Madsen is the Mr. Versatility, with 509 yards rushing and 292 receiving.
"Mitch is the straight ahead guy, finishes his runs and always knows his assignments," said Dammann. "Brock is always in motion and a great competitor. He's fast and he's quick," Dammann noted.
Zach Thissen leads MACCRAY receivers with 25 catches for 702 yards and nine touchdowns.
As many yards as the offense has recorded, the Wolverines' defense has only allowed 20-or-more points only twice this season.
"We just move people around to where we needed them. The coaches have done a good job of scouting so that we knew what we needed to do," said Grussing, who is also the team's middle linebacker. "The guys don't want to quit this year. We're out there having fun and not looking back on what we've done wrong."
The Game
Hawley won't fool you with its offense. It's strictly run all the way. The Nuggets ran 534 plays this season and only 63 were passes, and then only for a total of 291 yards.
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Nick Paur is the Nuggets leading rusher, with 1,492 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Defensively, Hawley holds opponents to 9.3 points per game and just 202 yards of offense.
By the numbers
Neither team will rely on the kickers for field goals today as each team has only one attempt ... The Wolverines have won 10 straight since losing to Minneota 32-15 to open the season Aug. 31.
