SPRING LAKE PARK, Minn. (WCCO) – Spring Lake Park’s undefeated at 5-0.

They’re doing it with tradition, yet again … and with a couple of explosive two-way players.

“We have a returning All-State kid in Daulton Olinger — he plays offensive and defensive line,” coach Jeff Schlieff said. “And Ejiya, it’s hard to take him off the field. He’s a great running back and linebacker. He’s a playmaker for us.”

That’s Ejodamen Ejiya, a junior. He’s one of the most talented to come through the program and carries a passion. It shows on Friday nights.

“When I put on my helmet, I feel like a totally different person,” he said. “There’s two different sides to me. There’s a school Ejiya, and a football Ejiya. It’s a tradition, and a little ritual that gets inside of me. A flame just bursts up.”

That makes for a very happy coach.

“When you have weather like this, and a stadium like this, and kids like this; I couldn’t ask for a better job,” Schlieff said.