By JIM LUTGENS
Sports Editor
The 'O' is no more.
At least for NRHEG.
In a meeting of previously winless football teams, the Panthers thoroughly throttled Medford 34-0 Friday, Sept. 29 on the Tigers' field.
"We had a great game," said NRHEG coach Marc Kruger.
That may be an understatement.
The Panthers outgained Medford 409-1034 in total yards, holding the Tigers to just 12 passing yards.
"We won in all phases of the game and did some really great things," saied Kruger. "Our offense was able to move the ball and put up some points this week. Our defense really shut them down. We have been playing great on defense all year, but we have not always put them in the best situation, so it does not always show in the final score. We did some great things tonight, and I am proud of the team."
The first points for the Panthers came in the opening quarter, when Jaylin Raab caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Alden Dobberstein. A successful two-point conversion made it 8-0.
The Panthers produced another big play in the second quarter, with Jackson Chrz hauling in a 63-yard scoring pass from Dobberstein. A two-point conversion try failed and it was 14-0 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Dobberstein broke a 64-yard run for a touchdown.
Fourth-quarter scores came on a 14-yard pass from Dobberstein to Sam Olson, and a 60-yard scoring run by Dobberstein.
Dobberstein, a junior and a second-year starter, finished the night with 134 rushing yards on just six carries. He was 7-for-14 passing for 132 yards, with one interception. Olson caught three passes.
George Roesler's 10 tackles and a sack - including five tackles for losses - paced the Panther defense. Reese Routh had six tackles and one assist. Jackson Chrz registered an interception.
The Panthers, 1-4, have a good chance to make it two in a row when they host WEM for homecoming Friday, Oct. 6.
"We're looking forward to homecoming next week, and it is WEM rivalry week," said Kruger.
NRHEG 34, Medford 0
NRHEG 8 6 6 14 - 34
M 0 0 0 0 - 0
First Quarter
NRHEG - Raab 15 pass from Dobberstein (two-point conversion good)
Second Quarter
NRHEG - Chrz 63 pass from Dobberstein (two-point conversion try failed
Third Quarter
NRHEG - Dobberstein 64 run (two-point conversion try failed
Fourth Quarter
NRHEG - Olson 14 pass from Dobberstein (two-point conversion try failed)
NRHEG - Dobberstein 60 run (two-point conversion good)
NRHEG M
Total plays 45 43
First Downs 15 5
Rushing Yards 277 91
Passing Yards 132 12
Total Yards 409 103
Third Down 2-7 0-10
Fourth Down 1-3 1-2
Turnovers 2 1
Penalties 5-47 2-12
Individual Statistics
Rushing - NRHEG: Dobberstein 6-134; Olson 9-78; Cromwell 6-28; Raab 5-24; Parpart 3-8; Rest of team 2-5; M: 31-91
Passing - NRHEG: Dobberstein 7-14-1, 132; M: 4-9-1, 12
Receiving - NRHEG: Chrz 1-63; Olson 3-36; Knudson 1-23; Raab 1-15; Roesler 1-5; M: 4-13
NRHEG defense: Roesler 10 tackles, 1 sack; Routh 6 tackles, 1 assist; O.Bartlett 4 tackles; Flatland 4 tackles; Olson 2 tackles; Parpart 2 tackles; Knudson 2 tackles; Flatness 2 tackles, 1 assist; Brouwers 2 tackles; Cromwell 1 tackle; Raab 1 tackle; J.Bartlett 1 tackle; Schmidt 1 tackle; Hutchens 1 tackle; Miranda 1 tackle; Larson 1 tackle; Chrz 1 interception