Grand Rapids seeking back-to-back perfect regular seasons under new QB
[anvplayer video=”5052036″ station=”998130″]
In 2018, the Grand Rapids football put just one game in the win column, finishing the season 1-8. Since them the Thunderhawks have been rising from the ashes, and in 2020 secured a perfect 6-0 regular season. Their only lose was suffered in the Section 8AAAA title game to Rocori.
Watching the program make Randy Moss size strides these past three years, head coach Greg Spahn said, has been great.
"I think a lot of it has to do with the kids that we’ve had in the program. I mean it’s all about them, we never step on the field," Spahn said. "They really buy into the stuff that we talk about in terms of leadership, commitment, and we make a really concerted effort to develop men."
One key to Grand Rapids’ recent success is that they know size doesn’t matter.
"Our line isn’t quite as big as other lines in schools," senior lineman JD Weston explained. "Most of our guys are below roughly 200 pounds, where everyone else, they’re pushing 260, 270. Being fast helps counteract that, going where you need to go faster than they can get there."
The Grand Rapids football team gathers for a meeting at practice.[Lakeland PBS]
Hunting for back-to-back perfect regular seasons, the Thunderhawks are coming in with a new trick in their pocket.
Former linebacker, senior Andy Thomsen, has been great at sacking quarterbacks in the past. Now the North Dakota State University (NDSU) commit is taking over the role of QB for the first time since his freshman year.
"It’s been good, nothings really changed."
Thomsen described the transition the, "same as ninth grade. Still remember everything, it’s pretty simple. I’m just working at it, kind of adapting to it, but it’s going good."
"We work good together, running a couple plays a day," said senior running back and linebacker Jake Smith on Thomsen. "Trust too is a good thing. You’ve got to trust your quarterback, everything, your line to make those things for offense and your D-line. Both sides of the ball have trust."
The Thunderhawks will begin their quest for an undefeated season September 3rd hosting Mora.