PANORA — Another week, another win over a previously unbeaten opponent.
Senior Luke South scored on a one-yard run in the first quarter to give Panorama a 7-0 halftime lead Friday, then returned the opening kickoff of the second half 86 yards for a touchdown to help lead Panorama to a 14-6 Homecoming win over Mount Ayr.
The Raiders (5-1, 1-1 in Class 1A District 8) scored on a seven-yard run in the fourth quarter to close to within 14-6 but could not find the end zone a second time as the Panthers (6-0, 2-0) held an opponent to eight or fewer points for the fourth time in six games.
“We knew to was going to be a great challenge, and our guys continue to answer these challenges,” Panther head coach Mike Kauzlarich said. “It wasn’t the prettiest game, but our team made plays when we had to. We were constantly putting ourselves in good situations and getting out of the bad ones when we found ourselves there.”
The tests certainly do not become easier for Panorama, who will host powerhouse Van Meter (6-0, 2-0) Friday. The Panthers have outscored opponents 155-44 this year, but the Bulldogs own a 237-32 advantage.
The teams have yet to play a common opponent. Van Meter owns district wins of 42-8 over AC/GC and of 48-6 over West Central Valley.
South was 4-of-9 for 60 yards and Dominic Walker 3-of-6 for 44 yards in the passing game. Michael Allen caught four passes for 83 yards, Jack Weinkoetz one for 11 and Drew Taylor one for 10, with Jackson Carsten grabbing an aerial for no gain.
South (18-59, 1 TD), Allen (6-17), Kade Kemble (4-9) and Walker (4, minus-9) all had carries for the hosts.
Drew Taylor, Zach Rizzuti and South each had an interception, with Wyatt Appleseth recovering two Raider fumbles and Brice Taylor one.
Drew Taylor (10.5) led the team in total tackles, with Trent Hambleton making eight stops and Evan Taylor six.
Quarterback Payton Weehler was 8-17-3 for 77 yards for Mount Ayr and rushed 17 times for 73 yards and a touchdown. Dawson Swank added 73 yards on 17 carries as well.
“This team has shown a lot of maturity thus far this season,” Kauzlarich concluded. “We stay in the moment and really play unselfishly — all the guys just want to win.”
