October 26, 2012 at 9:12 a.m.
Panthers run over Pec-Argyle
The Panthers struck early and often with six first quarter points, 14 in the second and 20 more in the third. They crushed out 295 yards on the ground and only passed five times, completing one, for 15. That was a Cody Rider to Kyle Trevorrow pass that came off a fake punt play.
The Panthers shut down the Vikings running attack, allowing only 76 yards. The airway was the only place Pec-Argyle had success as Jon Hendrickson completed half his 26 passes for 146 yards.
Quarterback Derek Peat scored the first touchdown with a one yard plunge in the first quarter.
Tucker Sarbacker, who ran for 146 yards on 19 carries, scored twice in the second quarter. His scoring runs of seven and four yards were followed by a pair of extra point kicks by Rider.
Peat got his second touchdown of the night to open the third quarter when he sprinted 45 yards to the end zone. Rider followed with a five yard run and Ross Caygill got one for the defense on a 90 yard pass interception.
Rider kicked two extra points in the 20 point third quarter.
Panther coach Gary Allen felt the approach the team took was a key to the good start and eventual win.
"We were very focused on doing ours jobs. We played physical and smart," he said.
That included keeping the pressure on Hendrickson who threw three interceptions.
"Coach Johannesen put together a good game plan and the kids executed it very well," Allen said about the shut out. "We knew going into the game that Pec was very dangerous. They have an excellent quarterback and a lot of speed so we knew we had to play very good team defense. Everyone was locked in on their jobs. Our defensive line put good pressure on the quarterback and our linebackers and defensive backs had good coverage. They tackled well after the catch."
The Panthers hung their helmets on the success of the running game.
"We like to run the ball," Allen said. "When our line blocks and our backs take care of the ball we feel we can be effective."
The dynamic duo of Peat and Sarbacker made things happen all night.
"Peat ran our offense very well," Allen said. "He is getting more comfortable with each game. Tucker ran the ball very hard and aggressively."
"We played one of our better games," Allen added. "Pec-Argyle has an excellent program. Coach Larry Green and his staff do an excellent job."
Green accepted the outcome, playing with a line-up that has been patched together due to injuries down the stretch.
He was not surprised by the Panthers' punishing and consistent running game
"Our kids did fairly well in the first quarter in stopping their run - and on offense, we had seen some things on film and had some opportunities, but made the wrong reads - or just didn't execute. Plus, Jon was under a lot of pressure from their defensive line."
"Considering how banged up we have been these past weeks, the kids did some things pretty well," Green added. "I told them afterward that sure, it's hard to end it this way - but to take some pride and satisfaction in what they've accomplished, with our 6-2 conference record, with the amount of points and offense we were able to produce at times over the course of the season and by that we finished higher than expected in league play. I told our seniors they have been a fun group to be around and associated with and that it's clearly a tribute to them - the success we had and what they brought to the table, in turning things around for us. They have much to be proud of."
Iowa-Grant's season continues Saturday at 7 p.m. at Kickapoo-LaFarge.
"KLF is a big physical team," Allen said. "They are well coached and play very hard. We will need to play very well."
