NRHEG Star Eagle

137 Years Serving the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva Area
Newspaper of Record for NRHEG School District
Newspaper of Record for Waseca County, MN
PO Box 248 • New Richland, MN 56072

507-463-8112
email: steagle@hickorytech.net
Published every Thursday
Yearly Subscription: Waseca, Steele, and Freeborn counties: $52
Minnesota $57 • Out of state $64

NRHEG football team improves to 2-0

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Senior John Cole races down the sideline and gives NRHEG High School football fans something to cheer during the Panthers' home opener Friday night at New Richland. Cole and his teammates had a big game, defeating Lester Prairie-Holy Trinity 34-6 while improving their record to 2-0. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)


By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

The NRHEG High School football team is exactly where it hoped to be after two weeks of the season.

But the real test comes this week.

The Panthers will take a 2-0 record north to face Waterville-Elysian-Morristown on the heels of a 34-6 triumph over Lester Prairie-Holy Trinity in their home opener at New Richland Friday, Aug. 28.

The Panthers were dominant in all phases, netting 357 total yards while holding the Bulldogs to 125, including 18 rushing.

“We came out and played mistake-free football,” said NRHEG coach Dan Stork, whose squad had zero turnovers and only one penalty. 

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SMELLING THE GOAL LINE — John Cole breaks tackles and heads for the end zone on his way to a 25-yard touchdown reception Saturday at Mayer Lutheran. (Star Eagle photo by Nikki Erickson)



By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

Forgive the players if the season football opener looked more like a scrimmage than a game.

The season started a week early.

Because of scheduling conflicts for the state playoffs, the NRHEG Panthers opened the 2015 campaign Saturday and survived a sloppy game against an unfamiliar opponent, winning 14-7 at Mayer Lutheran, which is west of the Twin Cities.

“We played as expected after only two weeks of practice,” said NRHEG head coach Dan Stork.

But the bottom line was the win, and the Panthers were pleased in their first season of district play. The Panthers hope for an easier time this Friday when they host Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity.

Off-and-on rain did not help matters Saturday as the teams combined for seven turnovers, five by the Crusaders.

Panthers win early opener at Mayer Lutheran

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NRHEG High School football captains Trey Hoppe (44), Wyatt Fitterer (71), Zeke Erickson (69) and Palmer Peterson (7) make the walk to midfield for the coin toss of the 2015 season opener at Mayer Lutheran Saturday afternoon. The Panthers prevailed, 14-7. See the Aug. 27 edition of the Star Eagle for the Fall Sports Preview. (Star Eagle photo by Nikki Erickson)