Wolves focus on Friesen but Lundell takes over

When it became apparent the visiting Timberwolves were not going to let Landon Friesen see the light of Friday Night Lights, Panther quarterback Brock Hinderman knew he had his work cut out for him

So he responded and took part in 52 plays. He threw 35 passes, three for touchdowns, and ran the ball 17 times. His passing netted 306 yards with all three touchdown throws settling into the hands of the talented Sam Lundell.

His rushing ended up -14 but that was due mostly to a back pedal that ended up in the end zone for a safety that took valuable minutes off the clock.  He did get in for the fourth touchdown in the 34-30 Panther win.

The fifth score came from Friesen who scored on an intercepted pass.

From the start one of the state’s top receivers, Friesen, had company. He was so bottled up that Hinderman was only able to hit him once for 27 yards.

But the Panthers have receiver depth and other players stepped up.  Lundell caught 10 passes for 137 yards and three touchdowns. Cole Schauff grabbed one for 22 yards, Owen Wyatt six for 55, Johan Wetter one for 10 and Ty Cutts three for 55.

Wolves QB Brandon Davis recorded two rushing scores and Braden Skaife had one. Preston Gage ran back a  kick for the fourth score.

“River Ridge did an incredible job containing Landon Friesen,” said Panther coach Hayden Link. “They had eyes on him all night. I didn't realize Sam had 10 catches until the stats were posted online. Just an incredible effort from him. All our skill guys were incredible filling their roles. Owen Wyatt stepped up and caught six balls. We just did what had to be done.”

Hinderman had a lot of involvement with leading the Panthers and keeping them in a position to earn the win. He had one big decision which had him retreat for a safety but it was a time consumer and played a key role in the win.

“Hinderman had a lot of rushing yards that got erased from the stats book because of how we ended that game (running out the clock in the back of our end zone),” Link said. “That was a gutsy performance. This has been his team all year but I think he just now understands the weight of that responsibility.”

One thing about Friesen the Timberwolves did not take into account was his defensive prowess which showed with the pick six. It came at a crucial point in the game and turned things in I-G’s favor.

“The timing of Friesen's interception was what did it for me,” Link said. “That's what leaders do - they make big plays when they matter most. It's his second pick six on the year.”

Outlasting the talented Timberwolves was the result of several things.

“To be honest, I don't know that it was one key thing we did that won the game for us,” said Link. “River Ridge is a phenomenal program. It took all of us to put them away. There quarterback (Brandon Davis) is a stud on both sides of the ball, and like Brock, he almost willed them to that win. They just ran out of time.”

The win was huge in Iowa-Grant’s quest for the post season and Link is impressed with how the Panthers are working.

“We are so proud of this team,” Link says. “Really impressed by them. They get better every day.”

Next up is winless Boscobel but Link knows the Bulldogs will not go away.

“We expect to see a lot of different formations and things we won't ever see again this season,” Link predicts. “They do a great job of game planning creatively. Well see who comes out on top.”