The Coon Rapids-Bayard (CR-B) Crusaders football team advanced to the 2026 8-player football state playoffs following their win against the English Valleys Bears with a final game score of 74-32 on Friday, Oct. 23 at the CR-B football field in Coon Rapids.

Nathan Lindsay is the head football coach for the CR-B Crusaders and shared his excitement for the team’s advancement in the football playoffs.

Lindsay went on to describe the excitement from the Friday, Oct. 23 game against the Bears.

“I think the most exciting part was when we took control in the 2nd quarter of the game,” Lindsay said. “We had handled all the adversity that had been thrown our way, we settled into what we do best on both sides of the ball, and we played like a top team in the state to finish the game. The other exciting part of the game was seeing all the guys celebrate the big win with the banner. They earned that win and earned the celebration.”

The Crusaders will advance to play against the Bedford Bulldogs on Friday, Oct. 30 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Bedford football field. Lindsay described what he was looking forward to with the match against the Bulldogs.

“I am looking forward to going up against another top team in the state,” Lindsay said. “It is going to be an exciting challenge for us as a team, but we are ready for the challenge and are looking forward to going out and competing.”

Lindsay described how it felt to see the football team grow throughout the season.

“It feels good,” Lindsay said. “I am just really proud of the team. They continue to show up every day and work hard, rise to the occasion and also take on the challenges the coaching staff presents to them week in and week out. It is a very talented group that doesn’t ever quit, and I am excited to see how much further they can go.”