Loefelholz’s leg gives Panthers 41-40 OT win

You have to give both teams credit for playing their hearts out and giving the fans some free football at the same time.

Host Iowa=Grant survived the battle with a 41-40 win in overtime over the Dodgeville Dodgers as both teams wrapped up their pre-season schedule.

The Panthers did it with an extra point kick, something they rarely use but there is a time and place for everything.

Just ask Treaton Loeffelholz who split the uprights to end the first overtime. Loeffelholz has been alone at the free throw line many times as a Panther but this is the first time he was at the line in the backfield. And his first time in a varsity football game in that spot. 

“We knew coming into the season that Treaton Loeffelholz had a big leg from years past. He's been exclusively a basketball player but decided this past off-season to give football one last go around. I am so proud of him for sticking with that decision,” said Panther coach Hayden Link.  “We hadn't worked on field goal kicks a ton, but when coach Dan Baker looked at me on the sidelines and said "We gotta kick it here" I knew he was right.”

And the big senior did not disappoint.

Dodgeville coach Matt Staver agreed it was the right decision to kick it.

“Credit to them for executing it,” he said.  

If yoo like to watch grind it out smash-mouth football the Dodgers gave you that.

If you like to see the air raid then you got it from the Pantheas. No matter which is your favorite you got it plus a full game and overtime to enjoy it.

The Dodges got three plunges from senior Aiden Duran, two sneaks from first time starter at QB Jaxson Jabs and one scamper from Nathan Johnson. The Dodgers rolled up 434 yards on the ground on 61 carries. Jabs only threw twice, completing one for 22 yards to Andrew Hessling.

For the Dodgers Duran pounded the grass for 121 yards, Harper Olson added 112, Johnson 90 and Jack Graber 68.

“Credit goes first to our offensive line — they set the tone up front as we rushed for 434 yards,” Staver pointed out. “In our system, all the skill players contribute to each other’s success, and with six different ball carriers involved, that balance shows the strength of our entire ground attack.”

Panther quarterback Brock Hinderman spent the night threading the needle to Landon Friesen and Sam Lundell who did the brunt of the scoring until the final drive when Hinderman scored in the OT to tie the game.  

Hinderman’s performance was one for the ages according to Link.

“Brock Hinderman had himself a game,” Link said.  “I'll tell you what. He didn't play a perfect game, but when it really mattered he stepped up big time, especially during that OT period. He almost threw an interception and then converted a long fourth down with his legs two plays later. Incredible performance.” 

“Landon Friesen and Sam Lundell continue to be standout receivers,” Link added. “Lundell, in particular, carries a huge chip on his shoulder after not getting much love last year from the conference. Both should be playing on Saturdays in the near future.”

Staver was impressed with I-G’s passing.

“Iowa-Grant did a great job keeping their talented quarterback clean and giving him time to get the ball to his playmakers,” said Staver. “I thought we were in position to make some stops, but in the end Lundell and Friesen made the big plays when the Panthers needed them.”

Link was impressed with what he saw from the Dodgers.

“Dodgeville, fair warning to any other team that plays them this year, will be a different team than years' past. They were willing to grind it out with us and full credit to them for playing their game. I honestly felt sick to my stomach when they held on to the ball for what felt like forever in the second half,” said Link..

With this game in the books for the Panthers it is on to Wauzeka-Steuben in the Six Rivers opener.

“Whatever positive thing that this win means for our playoff chances is great, but we are not concerned with that right now.” Link said. “Wauzeka-Steuben looks tough on film just like they were last year. I hope we are gassed up and ready to go on Friday night because they will not let up on the gas pedal.”

Staver felt the line-up adjustment was positive for the Dodgers.

“I thought our kids responded well on offense after a slow start against Mineral Point,” Staver said. “We made a few lineup changes, and credit goes to those players for stepping up when their number was called. As we said last week, our focus will continue to be putting kids in the best position to be successful within our scheme.”

“I thought our effort was strong. We competed and showed progress in a few areas. The key for us is to keep stacking good days of preparation and continue improving each week.”  

The Dodgers head to New Glarus to take on the Glarner Knights in their new stadium.

“They’re a tough, senior led and well-coached football team,” said Staver.  “We expect a physical game, and they’ve got some playmakers who can hurt you if you’re not disciplined. For us, it’s about playing our brand of football and executing our assignments.”