The Brainerd Panthers are finding ways to finish football games, practicing what coach Tyrus Ward has been preaching all offseason.
The Panthers defense found a way to hold on late in Friday night’s game, denying visiting East Ridge a late rally to win 21-18.
“These kids are learning how to find ways to win,” Ward said. “This final score is a testament to their hard work.”
The Pioneers (0-4) struck first on a 20-yard pass from Alonzo Russell to Nico Johnikin to take a 6-0 lead after stingy early defensive play from both teams.
Brainerd (2-2) answered on its next possession. Panthers receiver Trey Ooten reeled in a 42-yard strike from quarterback Xiyeer Lattimore that sailed over the heads of three Pioneers defenders, and the extra-point kick put Brainerd ahead 7-6. However, on the next Panthers drive, Russell at safety picked off Lattimore in the right corner of the end zone.
The Pioneers responded immediately with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Russell to Eli King to go ahead 12-7 into halftime.
Penalties helped keep a Panthers drive alive early in the second half, and they ended the 14-play, 62-yard march with a fourth-and-goal 1-yard keeper by Lattimore. Brainerd extended its lead to 21-12 soon after on a 4-yard run from Cedo Chaney.
Rather than roll over, East Ridge fought back. The Pioneers closed the gap to three points with an 11-play, 70-yard drive as running back Jaylen Boykin bounced off tackle for a 4-yard touchdown.
“I was impressed with our effort,” East Ridge coach Tim James said. “There were a couple of times things didn’t go our way, but they didn’t let it break their spirit. They continued to battle all the way to the end.”
East Ridge carried the ball into the red zone in the closing moments, but a stout Brainerd defense forced a turnover on downs as time expired.
“I’m proud of those guys,” Ward said. “We’ve come a long way since last year, and I told them we were going to surprise some people.”
Contact Justin Dempsey at sports@timesfreepress.com.