FIGHTING - Junior running back Andrew Phillips fights for extra yards, at home during the Panther’s home victory.
By ELI LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
For the second year in a row, and only the second time since 2015, the opening game for the NRHEG High School football team sent fans home cheering, as the Panthers came away with a 28-14 victory Friday, Sept. 3.
“NRHEG came out on top in a hard fought season opener against the knights,” said NRHEG head coach Marc Kruger.
The Panthers jumped on the Knights early, scoring the first touchdown of the game on a six-yard run by junior running back Andrew Phillps. A two point conversation by Clay Stenzel put the Panthers up 8-0.
The Knights would answer, though, before the end of the half, shrinking the Panther lead to 8-6 at halftime.
From then on, it was all Panthers, mostly. Following in the footsteps of his brother Palmer Peterson, the Panther’s quarterback during his senior season, five years ago, Porter Peterson led the offense on three scoring drives in the second half. Consecutive drives late in the third quarter ended in two-yard touchdown runs by Peterson. The Panther would tack on another touchdown in the fourth quarter on a six-yard connection from Peterson to fellow senior receiver Bo Budach.
“I am proud of our team for hanging tough and pulling out a win,” Coach Kruger said. “Defense played very well and made some huge plays and our offense had a nice night.”
It was a nice night, indeed for the Panthers. The defense forced three turnovers, via interceptions by seniors Stenzel, and Jack Olson, as well as Junior Charlie Nissen. Meanwhile the offense only surrendered one turnover on a lost fumble.
“We are excited for where we are heading,” Coach Kruger said. “Tonight was a solid team win.”
Phillips was the leading rusher for the Panthers, carrying the ball 21 times for 75 total yards. Peterson rushed for 41 yard; Stenzel for 18 yards, Nikolas Petsinger for 5 yards, and Olson for 5 yards.
Seniors Maverick Knutson and Nikolas Petsinger led the defense with six and five tackles, respectively. Including three total tackles for loss. Budach and Alex Dobberstein each had four tackles; with two tackles each were: Phillips, Stenzel, Olson, Nissen, Nash Howe, Braydan Howe, Jace Ihrke, and Makota Misgen. George Roesler, Treyvin Johannsen, and Cortez Garcia each had one tackle.