Panther Lane Foley tries to outrun a tackler. Photo by David Friesen.
There are small steps and then again there are giant steps and Iowa- Grant’s football team enjoyed the latter Friday.
The Panthers sent some shockwaves through the Six Rivers conference by taking down a highly regarded Black Hawk-Warren squad, outdistancing the co-op 56-32. The win was a huge step in the right direction for the Panther football program.
“It’s definitely a step in the right direction,” said Panthers coach Hayden Link who knew the reputation that one of the state’s top program had going in had to be dealt with. “There was a big mental block about Black Hawk that we had to overcome. All credit to Black Hawk, they certainly did not make it easy and we were feeling the game still on Saturday morning. Thank God we are still healthy for the most part.”
The Panthers crossed the goal line eight times and added four two point conversions. Senior quarterback Brock Hinderman had a big hand in the win with three rushing touchdowns and three scoring passes. Hinderman ran for 60 yards on 15 carries while completing 25 of 35 passes and three touchdowns. He laid the ball in the hands of Landon Friesen, Cole Schauff and Owen Wyatt. Friesen caught five passes for 63 yards, Schauff four for 24 and Wyatt four for 75. Ty Cutts grabbed the most passes as he caught 10 for 103.
Completing the scoring were two point conversions from Schauff, who chipped in two, along with one each from Hayden Aultman and Wyatt.
While Hinderman was the general in charge, Link said the overall effort was collective.
“Hinderman was great, but this was truly a team effort,” Link said proudly. “These guys are the closest bunch that I’ve ever coached before. They truly love playing together.”
In total the Panthers had 272 yards passing and 115 on the ground.
Link said the speed of play worked in favor of the Panthers.
“We are a tempo offense, and what we call our “Turbo” calls tended to be the most effective tool our offense has to work with,” said Link. “They keep us in a rhythm.”
Two players deserve special mention for their work on defense accoring to Link.
“John’Rell Rickard, a guy that transferred from Dodgeville late last year, was definitely an X-factor and a spark for us,” Link said. “I’m also here to say Cole Schauff continues to be one of the best linebackers in the state of Wisconsin. He has unreal instincts and lays the wood when he hits people.”
Schauff had nine tackles, six solo and two were for losses. Rickard had five tackles, all solo, with one for loss. Also getting tackles for losses were Ethan Mulderink, Calvin McHone, Bryler Draves and Colton Williams.
“I want to give even more credit to our guys in the trenches,” added Link. “They really answered the call. We basically hit the reset button on this position group. Jack Whitaker and Calvin McHone moved into the room last year, and Ryker Hrubes, Blake Schauff, Isaiah Hines, and Ethan Mulderink are really seeing substantial playing time for the first time on the varsity. The only linemen with experience is Brayden Shemak. Jack and Brayden have been excellent leaders this year and we have developed into this deepest room on this year’s team. That doesn’t even include Ty Cutts playing DE for us. He hardly ever comes off the field. Cole Schauff is our “Cam Skattebo”, our hammer. With our guys up front, he wears down defenses and keep them playing honest.”
On the BH/W side of the ledger it was also a big night for their quarterback, Beau Podnar. The senior signal caller hit Trent Bidlingmaier with a touchdown pass while running for two on a 107 yard night. He also turned in an interception for a pick six. Also, Brody Argall ran for 141 yards and a touchdown. The final two points came on a two point conversion by Dax Paquin.
BH/W ran for 286 yards and passed for 59.
It won’t get any easier this week when the Panthers host Potosi/Cassville for Senior and Parents Night. “We expect them to use the whole toolbox in this one.”
