Grand Rapids 28, Pine City 0
PINE CITY — The Thunderhawks opened their new season with a bang, taking down Pine City on the road 28-0. The game required multiple changes to the start time due to storms, but the Thunderhawks were ready to play whenever the whistle finally blew. Bad weather or not, Coach Spahn said it was going to be a run-heavy offense and they stuck to the game plan as they ran in all four of their touchdowns. After a scoreless first quarter, Bill Kinnunen’s defense forced a turnover in Pine City territory and RB Mason Johnson got the scoring started for Grand Rapids with a six-yard run, followed by a successful two-point conversion to put Rapids up 8-0.
Quarterback Oliver Spahn struck next with a 1-yard keeper, but the conversion was unsuccessful.
Johnson would run in another in the fourth for his second of the night, this one for 13 yards. The conversion failed. Sam Arlt would get the carry for the score with two minutes remaining, and Brayden McKinney converted the two-point attempt to seal the game 28-0 for the Thunderhawks.
Spahn was impressed with his team’s performance all the way around. QB Oliver Spahn controlled the offense as Grand Rapids stayed in charge throughout the game.
“He was good,” said Coach Spahn, who credited his decision-making with the football.
The decision to hand the ball off to Mason Johnson on Thursday though, proved to be among the best.
Johnson led Grand Rapids with two scores while also playing a key role on defense.
“He ran hard,” Spahn said of his sophomore RB. “He grew up last night…he did a really nice job.”
Kinnunen’s defense caused problems for Pine City all night as well, putting a zero on the board for the Thunderhawks on a rainy, muddy night.
“They were dominant - the defense played extremely well, I’m really happy with how the kids played up front.”
The linebackers were especially effective, coach says. Linebackers Sam Dick and Oliver Spahn were prepared for whatever Pine City threw at them, making adjustments and calling plays at the line and in formation.
“The linebackers were solid, we put a lot on those guys.”
Ethan Morgan and Ari Lamppa were also credited by the coach for their performance in game one.
Grand Rapids will put in a little light work on Friday, and then get back to business as usual on Monday, in preparation for their home opener at Noble Hall Field next Friday, against Duluth Denfeld.
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