Maple Grove running back Charles Langama missed four-plus games this season because of a high ankle sprain.

The Crimson missed nary a beat during Langama’s absence, continuing their Shermanesque march through Class 6A.

On Friday, in the state semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium, the shifty and quick Langama, electric with the ball in his hands, showed just what the Crimson lacked in his absence. He’s been back for three games now. It’s difficult to call his performance Friday in lifting Maple Grove to a 26-14 victory over Shakopee’s rugged roughnecks his Mona Lisa, because Langama has had a collection of terrific performances over the past two years, but it was definitely a masterpiece.

Langama ran 18 times for 198 yards and four touchdowns, three on runs of more than 20 yards, to dagger a Shakopee team that spent the game matching Maple Grove’s physicality.

“That’s our style, our identity,” Shakopee coach Ray Betton said. “A punching-them-out type of brawl.”

Even with Langama’s absence, Maple Grove has been the dominant force in every game it has played this season. Much of that is because of the Crimson’s athletic defense, which runs to the ball and tackles with alacrity.

That kept the Crimson (12-0) afloat Friday until Langama and the offense could find their legs.

The game started with a bang, with the teams matching touchdowns in the game’s first 25 seconds.