I-G’s Cole Schauff cuts around end behind a block with Owen Wyatt (10) following the play. Photo by David Friesen.
The milk can headed back to Fennimore Friday but not without a fight.
The Golden Eagles survived a never say die effort from the Panthers for a 26-20 non-conference win. The game featured an I-G 290 yard passing attack that resulted in two receiving touchdowns and one more on the ground.
Brock Hinderman completed 18 of 29 and delivered two touchdowns, one to Landon Friesen and one to Carter Achenbach. Junior Ty Cutts led the Panthers in receiving yards with 105 on eight catches with senior Friesen right behind with four catches for 101 yards. Cutts added a two point conversion.
Hinderman ground out 51 yards on the ground and put in a rushing score.
Cole Schauff, a junior running back, picked up 23 yards on nine carries.
Eagles quarterback Jackson Sheckler threw for 291 yards with 17 of 28 completions. Gianni Filardo grabbed six passes for 109 yards and one touchdown.
Colton Tollefson was a force for the Eagles with nine carries for 73 yards, a touchdown and eight tackles on defense with a TFL and a sack.
Reece Kelley and Logan Koestler also scored for the Eagles.
The Panthers were able to keep up with the Eagles and that was what Link had hoped to see.
“I thought we showed a lot of grit.” Iowa-Grant coach Hayden Link said. “When we went down 14-6, I was clenched up. That was a moment that might indicate what kind of season this was gonna be. But the guys stepped up, tied it up, and here we go. One play at a time.”
Link was impressed with how Hinderman guided the team with his leadership.
“Let’s acknowledge that Brock fumbled at the end of the game,” Link said. “That happened. But if the game is on the line, there is no one else out there that competes as hard as Brock Hinderman. I want him leading our team, along with Landon Friesen and Ty Cutts, 12 out of 10 times.”
Link went on to again praise the Panthers.
“It gives me peace of mind that
if we get down later I don’t have to worry about our team rolling over, that’s for sure,” Link said. Link knows what is the first area the Panthers will be addressing this week.
“Penalties,” he said. “We’ve got to be more disciplined, more focused, because the best teams in the Six Rivers are going to zero in on us when we play them. “
As for this week, Link knows the Panthers will be in for a test this Friday when they travel to take on Dodgeville from the SWC.
