TOUGH - Ethan Thompson blocking for Nash Howe.
Star Eagle photos by Chris Schlaak
By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
After back to back heartbreaking losses, the NRHEG football team straightened things out this week, in dominant fashion, defeating Medford 39-6.
“This game was critical to get back on track,” NRHEG head coach Marc Kruger said. “Medford is a tough team and I am very happy with the way we played.”
The Panthers struck first on an Andrew Phillips 16-yard run. Coming off a career day last week, Phillips again provided valuable carries, averaging more than 11-yards per run.
“I think our first drive on offense in general was huge,” Coach Kruger explained. “It set the tone of the game. Andrew Phillips' 60 plus yard run was huge.”
With a little more than one minute left in the first quarter Phillips struck again, this time from nine-yards out. The point after kick by Ben Schoenrock put the Panthers ahead 13-0.
Midway through the second quarter, the Panthers padded their lead on a 50-yard pass play. Coming off his first varsity start at quarterback, junior Charlie Nissen connected with senior Bo Budach for his first career touchdown pass. With the score the Panthers went into halftime with a 19-0 lead.
“It was great to see Charlie get his first varsity passing touchdown after stepping into the quarterback spot,” coach Kruger said. “We did a great job establishing the run and that opened up our passing game.”
The Panthers continued to dominate during the second half in every aspect. Phillips broke away for a 63-yard score. Nissen completed passes with Budach for two more touchdowns, including the Panthers' longest passing score of the season on a 76-yard connection.
The Panther defense was great again, holding the Tigers to only one late-game touchdown.
“Our defense was fantastic,” Coach Kruger said. “They did really well, limiting anything their offense could do.”
The Panthers were led defensively by Clay Stenzel who registered 12 tackles. Budach showed he doesn’t only catch passes on offense, but also on defense, registering one interception.
This game was big for the Panthers morale. “Looking at our record, we are a few plays away from sitting at 5-1 and talking about potentially being the one seed in section playoffs,” coach Kruger said. “I think we can better move on from those losses now.”
Looking forward, the Panthers have a tough matchup against last year’s class 2A State Champions and undefeated Blooming Prairie Blossoms.
Coach Kruger said next week will be an incredibly tough game, but one he feels the Panthers can win. “We have an extremely talented team, and can play with anyone in the state. We need a great week of practice and to execute come Friday.”