Panther Ty Cutts brings down a Wauzeka/Stueben/Seneca ball carrier with Grant Schauff (21) and Hayden Aultman (6) also pursuing. Photo by David Friesen.
Since losing to River Ridge in a Six Rivers Conference game in late September, the Iowa-Grant Panthers have outscored their past three opponents 135-7. They closed the regular season Friday with a 44-0 rout of WSS and now turn their attention to the WIAA playoffs.
“We set out to dominate these last three games and show the state of Wisconsin that Iowa- Grant would not back down. I think we accomplished that. I’m pleased with the progress of our running game, and our defense has played lights out all season,” head coach Hayden Link said after the game.
Senior quarterback Brock Hinderman completed 9 of 11 passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns, both to Ty Cutts. He also rushed for 38 yards and three scores. “It was encouraging to see Brock play the way he did, and I’m not just talking about the touchdown passes. After throwing an interception, he immediately came over and explained what he had done wrong. That’s my quarterback-the player I’ve believed all season is the best quarterback in the state. He has rebounded from two rough outings and is mentally tougher because of them. Watch him take off in the playoffs,” Link said.
Junior Cole Schauff led the Panthers’ strong running attack with 12 carries for 102 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown. Senior receiver Landon Friesen led the team with four catches for 57 yards. A 36-0 halftime lead also gave younger players and coaches opportunities in the second half while the starters began preparing for the postseason.
“I’d like to recognize coach Jacob Amenda, who called plays during the final three quarters against WSS. Developing talent is essential not only on the field but also among our coaching staff. Coach Amenda has done an excellent job as his responsibilities have gradually increased.”
Iowa-Grant finished the regular season 7-2 overall and tied River
Ridge and Potosi/Cassville atop the Six Rivers Conference standings at 6-1. Six of the conference’s eight teams qualified for the WIAA playoffs. In Friday’s opening round, the Panthers will host Riverdale, which they defeated 43-7 two weeks ago, but Link said his team will not overlook the rematch.
“We won’t approach Riverdale as a team we beat two weeks ago. We’ll treat them as a nameless, faceless opponent, just as we do every team and will continue to do throughout the playoffs. It’s ‘Us vs. Us,’ full stop,” he said.
The Panthers average just over 38 points per game, while their defense allows 15 per game and
has recorded two shutouts this season. Colton Williams led Iowa-Grant with eight tackles against WSS. Colton Schauff, Ty Cutts and Trapper Hoffman each added five.
“We’re thrilled to welcome teams to Crull’s Den and put on a show for our fans. I don’t know how many people attended our homecoming game against Boscobel, but the stands and grassy hills looked full. I can’t wait to see that again. When I took this job, I was told Iowa-Grant was a sleeping giant. We’re awake!”
Friday’s WIAA tournament game is Friday at Iowa-Grant with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m.
