October 11, 2011 at 10:53 a.m.
Panthers spread points around in win
They got scoring contributions from three different players--four if you add in the extra point specialist. They also got a punishing running game from another running back.
Logan Bollant scored first for the Panthers on a five yard run in the first quarter. He finished with 110 yards on 22 carries.
Quarterback Blake Welu got the second score in the second quarter with a four yard run.
The final Panther score came on a Welu to Brandon Pierick pass hook-up that spanned four yards and iced the win for the Panthers in the fourth quarter.
Derek Peat did not score but he did keep the momentum going, pounding the turf with 150 yards on 24 carries.
Panther coach Gary Allen said those four had good performances and had some help from their friends.
"Those four players did have good games," Allen said. "It was the result of the offensive line playing aggressively at the line of scrimmage. When the offensive line does its job everyone else gets a chance to do theirs."
The Wildcats managed to score once on a Keaton Kephart to Aaron Kaiser 18 yard pass play in the third quarter.
"Coach Johannesen who handles the defense had a good game plan and the kids executed it aggressively," Allen said.
Adding to the scoring punch for the Panthers is kicking specialist Cody Rider. His improvement as the season goes on has been noticed by Allen.
"Cody is becoming more consistent with his kicking and punting duties," Allen said. "He takes pride in those things."
The Panthers ran for 283 yards and passed for 99 more. They held the Wildcats to 20 yards rushing and 111 yards passing.
"We got ahead and stayed ahead," Allen said. "Our success came from good senior leadership last week in practice. That resulted in everyone doing their job aggressively."
The win was especially satisfying as it came against a quality opponent.
"Southwestern is a good team and that was a good win," Allen said. "We need to keep working to improve and become more consistent in how hard we play."
The Panthers need one more win to qualify for the post season and will looking to accomplish that Friday at Fennimore.
"Fennimore has some good players and they are coming off two good wins," Allen said. "We will need to have a good week of practice and be ready to play with a lot of intensity."
