Panthers turn back improved Boscobel team

Boscobel has a couple athletes this season that should help their football team be competitive.

Quarterback Lukas Whiteaker threw for 185 yards on 14 of 27 passing and completed two for touchdowns.

Cameron Loos caught six of his offerings for 101 yards and two touchdowns.

But they were not enough to turn back Iowa-Grant as the Panthers handled the Bulldogs 44-24.

It didn’t take long for the Panthers to serve notice they were going to be moving the football.  They put up a pair of scores in the first six minutes and led 16-6 at the quarter.

Ashton Schmitz scored first on a 23 yard run and Cyle Steffl ran a keeper for a two point conversion.

Next it was Steffl’s turn and he stepped in from the one.  He then passed to Gavin Hinderman for the conversion.

Boscobel scored at the end of the first quarter.

The Panthers got two more scores in the second quarter.  Schmitz ran in from the six and Steffl passed to Bode Brokopp for the conversion.  Fullback Dawson Reid tallied on a three yard run and Hinderman ran in the converson.

A 14 point fourth quarter iced it.  Steffl ran for 29 yards for the first score and then Reid stepped across from the two with Steffl passing to Hinderman for two more.

Panther coach Zach Raimer thought the fast start was a big key for the Panthers.

“Being able to score right away gave us some much needed confidence and momentum that carried us through the game, eventually helping take the victory,” Raimer said. 

The accomplishments of the Panthers is a total team effort according to Raimer. He feels the offense the Panthers run is doing well for Steffl and the rest of the Panthers.

“In the veer our quarterback needs to make a lot of decisions, so having Steffl there for two years helps,” said Raimer. “But it is a team effort, and what allows Steffl to have big games is the line doing their job, the running backs pounding the ball, and the receivers making big plays. “

Reid got into the scoring act which was a plus for the Panthers.

“Reid is our fullback and his job is to pound the ball forward and take on big hits every play, which he is getting better at each week,” said Raimer. “Just like our quarterback though, the stats are not there for our running backs unless our line, quarterback, and receivers do their job.”

Raimer felt the Bulldogs are improved and will be competitive.

“I was very impressed with Boscobel,” he said.  “They played very hard-nosed football and gave us a game until the very end. They have some great talent and I see them winning games this season and competing with everyone they face.”

Hillsboro is on the docket this Thursday.

“Hillsboro is coming off a big victory last week and I expect them to carry that momentum into this week against us,” Raimer said.  “I am expecting a dog fight come Thursday night, with the game coming down to the very end of the game.”