FOOTBALL TESTED

The Rugby High School football coaching staff learned a lot about its team during scrimmages at Minot State University on Aug. 22.

The Panthers’ varsity team took on Minot High School’s varsity and JV squads and other regional opponents.

“There were a lot of good things and a lot of bad things, but it was good to get them on film to show the kids,” RHS?coach Scott Grochow said.

He said no one stood out, but the team performed well overall on offense and defense. Rushing plays were split between senior quarterback Brad Heidlebaugh, senior running back Eric Hooker and junior back Victor Gronvold.

On a receiving touchdown for junior tight end Hunter Hager, Grochow was especially pleased to see junior receiver Ryan Michels throw a crucial block up field.

XC RUNNERS EXCEL

RHS?cross country coach Bill Jansen prefers his team stay loose and enjoy its first competition of the season.

The Panthers did just that, running only the junior varsity races at the Jamestown “Orr”iginals Invitational at Pipestem Dam on Aug. 23.

The RHS?boys won the JV meet with five placers in the top 10, including winner Tanner Bernhardt, who finished the 4K in 15 minutes 42 seconds.

“I don’t know if I could be any happier with the boys,” Jansen said. “If we stay healthy, we’re deep. We have four seniors.”

Brady Fossum was third overall in the race at 16:36. Nolan Hovland (17:01) was fifth.

The girls finished third as a team with Allison Foster (13:00) and Tristin Lunde (13:13) finishing second and third, respectively, in the 3K.

Jansen said the meet reminded him of the strong start in 2010, when the girls won state and the boys took second.

SOCCER IS BACK

The Rugby youth soccer program is accepting registrations for kids ages 4 through 12.

“We want to expand on the skills and knowledge base the kids have,” director Kelly Sullivan said.

Teams have a chance to compete in Minot.

Practices start Sept. 4 and run Mondays and?Thursdays at the softball diamonds. Ages 4-6 play from 5-5:45 p.m.; 7-9 from 6-6:45; and 10-12 from 7-7:45.

Volunteers are needed. For more information contact Sullivan at 570-4553.