The Dakota Valley Panthers stole a win away from West Central on the Trojans homecoming game on Friday, September 25th. The Panthers won the game by a score of 15-14.
The Trojan defense held the Panthers to just 205 rushing yards and 16 passing yards, but Dakota Valley scored on the first and last drives of the game. West Central’s offense had 326 yards, but turned the ball over six times in the game.
Justin Zirpel had 25 carries for 199 yards and a touchdown. Ryan Healy added 19 carries for 108 yards and a touchdown.
“We played a great game with the exception of the first and last drive on defense and six plays on offense when we turned the football over. We cannot expect to win big football games making the amount of mistakes that we made Friday night. Our kids and coaches took the loss hard; we are not satisfied with playing close. We expect to win and did not do that. There are positives to build off of, and we need to make corrections to accomplish what we set out to accomplish this season. Our kids work hard, and as a coach that is what continues to drive our optimism for this season. This group is capable of being very good team, but that means nothing if we do not prove it on Friday nights. Excited for an opportunity this Friday night at Vermillion,” said head coach Vincent Benedetto.
West Central (2-3) will be on the road at Vermillion on Friday, October 2nd.