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There is an old saying that it is not whether you win or lose, it is how you play the game.
In 2020 with the Coronavirus hanging over everyone's head it might be better said it is not whether you win or lose it is IF you get to play the game.
Even though a bigger, faster and deeper River Ridge team beat Iowa-Grant 42-0 in the season opener of Friday Night Lights (fall edition) throughout the state the fact the Panthers got to play a game was most important.
Just ask coach Panther Zach Raimer.
"It was great to get out an play a game this Friday," the coach emphasized. "With everything so uncertain right now, my players were overjoyed to be able to put on the pads and play under the lights with their teammates."
Along with being able to play a game there was the opportunity to see the learning curve a team has in front of them over the seven game season. Raimer sees playing a quality opponent right out of the blocks a plus in some ways.
"Playing against a good team right away allows us to see where we have holes and where we excel," Raimer said. "This game showed us where we need to make improvements going forward as well as what worked best for us. This game will make us better in the long run."
Like with many teams there are bound to be new faces in the line-up and for the Panthers there is one at quarterback. Isaac Hill, who was on the receiving end of the football the past three years, will be throwing it this year. He got his first test Friday and Raimer feels he did a pretty good job.
"Hill had some good throws and ended up with eight completions for us," said Raimer. "We did struggle controlling the line of scrimmage, which makes it difficult for anyone to perform on the offensive side of the ball. However, we saw some good moments from everyone on the offense, so we are looking to build off of those."
The match-up with the Timberwolves was tough for many reasons according to Raimer.
"River Ridge has some good size, athletic players, and a good coaching staff," said Raimer. "Coach Winkers has developed a program over there and it was on display on Friday night."
One plus for the night for the Panthers is they came out of the game with minimal injuries which is key in a year when quarantine can strike at any time.
"Overall, we came out of the game fairly healthy," said Raimer. "We did lose a senior lineman in the third series, which left a big hole for us to fill. But we are optimistic that he will return soon and in the mean time, the next guy up will fill his spot. "
Hill was eight for 21 for 62 yards and was intercepted three times. Lucas Oyen caught three passes for 35 yards, Zach Winkler two for 14, Skyler Achenbach two for eight, Andrew Winders one for six and Colin Merwin one for three.
The Panthers could only accumulate 16 yards on the ground on 23 tries. Reid Lundell carried 11 for nine yards, Winkers picked up 18 on seven tries and the rest had minus yardage.
For the Timberwolves Logan Drone scored on runs of 13 and 32 yards while throwing two touchdowns, one to Branden Crubel and one to Ian Adrian.
Ethan Hunt scored on a three yard plunge and Owen Hamilton stepped in from the two.
Drone was four for 19 for 92 yards and ran 11 times for 103. Hamilton picked up 49 on 13 carries.
The Panthers are looking at another home game this Friday when they host Hillsboro.
" We are looking forward to improving from last week and having a great game against Hillsboro," Raimer said. "It should be a close and competitive contest."