HIGHLIGHTS - Junior Andrew Phillips carries the ball.
Star Eagle photos by Chris Schlaak
By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
The Panthers lost the turnover and time of possession battles Friday night, ultimately leading to a 14-13 loss at the hands of St. Clair Loyola.
Traveling to play the Spartans, the Panthers came within a point after attempt at winning, but failed to convert a fourth quarter two-point try.
“Turnovers were the name of the game,” NRHEG Head coach Marc Kruger said. “We moved the ball very well on offense, but had two fumbles, three interceptions, and a blocked punt. We just couldn't overcome that.”
After a scoreless first quarter the Panthers got on the board first midway through the second quarter on an 18-yard pass from Senior Porter Peterson to fellow senior Jack Olson.
The Spartans answered with a little over a minute left in the first half, punching it in on the ground from three yards out. With a successful two point conversion, the halftime score was 8-7 in favor of the Spartans.
Late in the third quarter, the Spartans tacked on an additional six points on a one-yard run. Early in the fourth quarter, the Panthers responded. Peterson connected with senior receiver Sawyer Prigge from 8-yards out. A failed two point try left the Panthers just short. The Panthers did not score again.
“It seemed that whenever we had a drive going we ended up with a turnover,” Coach Kruger said. “We outgained the Spartans on offense, but the turnovers were too much to overcome.”
The defense for the Panthers continues to be tough, holding the Spartans to just 3.5 yards per play. In the turnover battle, however, the only turnover forced by the defense came on an Olson interception. It wasn’t enough to make up for the six offensive turnovers.
The Panthers outgained the Spartans 270 yards to 208, had more first downs, and passed for nearly twice as many yards. On the ground, and on paper, rushing yards was the one offensive category the Spartans outdid the Panthers. They ran the ball 49 times for 130 yards and in doing so ran 16 more plays than the Panthers and controlled the ball for twice as long.
“Our defense played a great game,” Coach Kruger went on. “They really kept the Spartans in check.”
Defensively the Panthers were led in tackles by Clay Stenzel with 10.5, followed by Charlie Nissen and Andrew Phillips, each with 6. Also registering tackles were: Maverick Knutson, 5; Nikolas Petsinger, 4; Walker Thompson, 4; Ralph Roesler, 3; Makota Misgen 3; Bo Budah 1.5; Olson 1.5; Ben Schoenrock, 1; Wyatt Groskreutz, 1; Alex Dobberstein, 1; Cole Hutchens .5; Priggie .5.
Up next for the Panthers is their homecoming game against GFW, Saturday, Oct. 2 at 5:30 p.m.