BREAKING TACKLES - Alden Dobberstein makes a move.
By ELI LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Porter Peterson did his best to lead the Panther football team against Mayer Lutheran, ultimately in a losing effort. Much like his brother Palmer Peterson did six years ago, the last time the Panthers defeated the Crusaders, Porter Peterson played an “amazing game,” passing for more than 100 yards in the 33-12 loss.
Things got out of hand quickly as the Crusaders jumped on the Panthers early and often in the first half, scoring on short run plays twice in the first quarter. The Crusaders scored two more touchdowns before the half was over. One on a short run, midway through the second quarter, and another on a pass play just before time expired in the half, bringing the score to 26-0.
It wasn’t until midway through the third quarter when the Panther offense would come alive. Following another touchdown by the Crusaders, Peterson connected with senior receiver Jack Olson for an eight-yard touchdown. The extra point attempt was no good. More than halfway through the fourth quarter, Peterson completed a long touchdown pass to fellow senior receiver Bo Budach for 33-yards.
“We were not able to get much going in the first half, but our passing game came alive in the second half,” NRHEG Head coach Marc Kruger said. “Porter Peterson played an amazing game.”
Peterson was the bulk of the Panther offense, totaling 127 yards of the team’s 170 total. “Taking out some sacks he would have had over 100 yards rushing, and he did have more than 100 passing yards in the 2nd half alone,” Coach Kruger said. “I am proud of the boys competing and finishing tough.”
Junior Charlie Nissen led the Panthers defensively with eight tackles. Fellow junior, Sawyer Prigge was second with seven. The rest of Panthers totaled: Clay Stenzel, 6.5; Andrew Phillips, 5.5; Makota Misgen, 5; Maverick Knutson, 4.5; Budach, 3, Nash Howe, 3; Ralph Roesler, 2.5; Jack Olson 2; Carter Martens 1; Cole Hutchens 1; Nikolas Petsinger 1; Walker Thompson 1; Ben Schoenrock 1; Ethan Thompson 1; Sam Olson 1; Alex Dobberstein 1.
This game was not necessarily an easy matchup for the Panthers. The last time these two teams played each other was in 2016. Mayer Lutheran won a lopsided game 36-13. “I expect this Mayer Lutheran team to heavily compete for the State A title,” NRHEG Head Coach Marc Kruger said. “We are already focused on next week’s preparation for JWP, where we’ll be competing for the Golden Brick.”
A renewed rivalry awaits the Panthers. With the return of JWP to the Panther’s district, the once famed “Golden Brick” will once again be fought over next week, as the Panthers host the Bulldogs Friday night.