7 September 2024
Lakeville North had to overcome deficits twice Friday night — including a two-touchdown hole early before the Panthers’ offense even touched the ball.
But on each occasion, senior running back Sam Ripplinger and his teammates proved equal to the task.
Ripplinger rushed for a pair of touchdowns, including one with 9:02 remaining that put the Panthers on top to stay in a 24-21 victory over Rosemount before a big crowd at Lakeville North High School.
The Panthers improved to 2-0, though that seemed in doubt in the first quarter. The Rosemount running game — which came up big in a win over Eastview a week ago — was effective again early Friday.
On the game’s third play from scrimmage, Irish junior Ja’khi Hollie rumbled 74 yards for a touchdown. Then, after Rosemount recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff, senior quarterback Gavin Caswell kept the ball himself on a 10-yard scamper to put the Irish on top 14-0.
Lakeville North did manage to stem the tide with a 28-yard field goal by senior Drew Kolander on its first possession, then the Panther defense found its groove — forcing two-straight Rosemount punts.
It was after the second of those that senior quarterback Riley Grossman led his team 90 yards to score on a 1-yard run by Ripplinger that cut the gap to 14-10 with 1:55 to play before halftime.
The Panthers’ defense then came up big, recovering a fumble at the Rosemount 32-yard line with under a minute to go. From there, Grossman connected with senior Caleb Pedersen on a 9-yard touchdown pass to put Lakeville North on top 17-14 at halftime.
The Irish didn’t roll over, though, retaking the lead at 21-17 on a 3-yard touchdown run by senior Finn Biegel with 2:03 to play in the third quarter.
But on their next possession, a 27-yard pass from Grossman to senior Ayden Forsgren helped set up a touchdown run by Ripplinger from just outside the 1-yard line.
The Panthers then drove all the way to the Rosemount 4 on their final possession to run out the clock.
Related Articles
High School Football: Hill-Murray responds in second half to down St. Agnes
‘Girlhood (It’s complicated)’ opens Saturday at the History Center
High School Football: Week 2 predictions, Friday edition
Faith, family and football powered Highland Park lineman Armando Carroll through cancer scare
High School Football: Week 2 predictions, Thursday edition