This past week the varsity football team took on the Viroqua Blackhawks, and won claiming the team a spot in the playoffs.
The team traveled to Viroqua for a game that they knew would be a good opportunity for the younger players to get a chance to play in. “Oh it’s really awesome,” says senior offensive lineman Sam Stenberg. “I mean, I remember back to my sophomore year when I got a chance to play there and it was really cool and just a great experience, and especially tonight against a varsity team.”
Stenberg gave additional advice to the underclassmen: “take every opportunity you get this season because hopefully it’s a special ending to the season so they can enjoy it and play every now and then.”
Early in the game the boys were able to get on the board, with a touchdown by junior Trevor Arentz, who got a handoff from junior quarterback Luke Baginski. Even being up the team didn’t give the Blackhawks the chance to respond, pushing them all the way back into their end zone. Trying to punt the ball, the Panthers defense were able to block the ball and get a safety, adding two points to the score.
Later on in the third quarter, still on offense, Baginski looked long, connecting with receiver Cole Everson, who got past the defender to score another touchdown. “I was just looking back at Luke, and I was able to get past the defender.” says Everson, “He threw a perfect ball, and I received it and took it into the endzone.”
In the fourth quarter some of the younger players were able to get some playing time. Sophomore Mason Chambers was able to score for his first varsity touchdown, off of a pass from freshmen Drew McConkey. Baginski gives his praise to McConkey saying, “He played great. It’s always good for the underclassmen to get reps especially against a good defense like viroqua, they gave them a good look and that’s always good for underclassmen.”
The Panthers were able to win the game 37-8, claiming a spot in the playoffs.
The team is going to keep using their momentum this Friday, October 6th, at Black River Falls.