Panther football wins fourth consecutive contest
By Julie Schooley
STEVENS POINT – The SPASH Panthers hosted Wisconsin Valley Conference (WVC) rival Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln on Sept. 17 and earned their fourth consecutive win after defeating Wisconsin Rapids, 24-6.
The first quarter was a battle of defenses as both teams shut their opponent’s offense down. The second quarter started off the same until quarterback, Riley Warzynski was able to find Danny Zdroik for a 2-yard pass and the Panther’s first touchdown in the game. The Panther kicker added an extra point and then made a 31-yard field goal to end the first half, with SPASH leading 10-0.
In the third quarter, Warzynksi connected with Quinton Martin, who scored on a 36-yard gain followed with a Saeger extra point. Wisconsin Rapids answered later in the quarter with a touchdown pass from their quarterback, Teal Lucas, to receiver Austin Junemann. Their two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
The fourth quarter was uneventful for both teams until SPASH’s Ty Madlena ran an interception back, scoring on a 56-yard pick for a touchdown, resulting in the final game score of 24-6.
Warzynski went 13 for 24 in pass attempts for 139 yards. Jaybreal Palbrach led the rushing with 50 yards. Zdroik topped the receiving list with 64 yards and Martin contributed 36 of his own.
Wisconsin Rapids’ Lucas had one completed pass which resulted in their only touchdown. Leo Brostowicz led his team in yardage after rushing 148 yards.
SPASH is now 3-0 in the WVC and Wisconsin Rapids falls to 2-1.
Wisconsin Rapids hosts Hortonville on Sept. 24.
SPASH’s homecoming game will be against D.C. Everest at Goerke Field on Sept. 24.