By Joe Bachman

The Ol’ River Jug returned to Stevens Point this year, as the Panthers edged out the Red Raiders in a soaker.

This marks this third consecutive win for SPASH varsity football. The Panthers previously traveled to Wisconsin Rapids to take on the Lincoln High School Red Raiders after a 35-0 shutout over the D.C. Everest Evergreens on Sept. 29. SPASH’s record now stands at 4-4.

The winner of the annual rivalry matchup takes possession of the Ol’ River Jug in a tradition spanning over 70 years.

The Red Raiders quickly took the lead with two touchdowns by senior running back Isaac Pelot from 13-yards and 28-yards out respectively. Lincoln was up 14-0 headed into the second quarter. The Panthers battled back late in the second with a 19-yard run by senior running back Colton Kizewski to make it 14-7.

A field goal with one second on the clock by senior kicker Nathan Hepp put Lincoln up 17-7 at the half.

SPASH adjusted to Lincoln’s running attack, and with the constant downpour taking away the Lincoln passing game, a 4-yard TD run in the third quarter by senior quarterback Brady Woyak closed Lincoln’s lead to 17-14. Later in the third, it was Kizewski with his second touchdown of the night, taking it in from 17-yards out which put SPASH up 21-17.

With the continued wet and muddy conditions, the Red Raiders failed to put any additional points on the board, as they would drop their first home game of the year 21-17.

SPASH returns to Goerke Field on Oct. 13 where they will take on the Fond du Lac Cardinals (6-1) at 7 PM in their final game of regular season play.