Rugby’s football season is over following its loss to Milnor/North Sargent in the first round of the playoffs held in Rugby on October 23.

However, Coach Scott Grochow is very proud of his players.

“Saturday we met up with a very good team,” said Grochow. “Our players played hard and never gave up.”

“We just had penalties at the wrong time,” said Grochow. “Milnor/North Sargent had three big plays that hurt us.”

Milnor/NS scored late in the first half and twice in the third quarter for a 28-14 win over Rugby.

The Panthers had a 7-0 lead in the first quarter when senior Eric Kuntz made a 52 yard run for a touchdown.

M/NS took up the challenge coming back with a touchdown in the second quarter and adding the two point conversion to pull ahead 8-7 at the half.

In the second half M/NS made a couple more big plays to solidify their lead. An 80 yard punt return by Phillip Enderson with a kick that failed added 6 points to the scoreboard. Follow that with an 8 yd pass from Josh Hansana to Cody Colemar who made a touchdown and kick for a total of 21 points by the end of the third quarter.

Rugby rallied in the fourth quarter when Kyle Lovcik recovered a 23 yard fumble and ran for a touchdown. A successful Kuntz kick was made, adding 7 points to the Panther side of the scoreboard.

M/NS followed with Enderson’s 35 yard run touchdown and a successful Grossman kick to end the game.

Twelve Rugby seniors have ended their high school football careers with the completion of this season.

Coach Grochow reflects back on the season.

“We lost a lot of starters from last year’s team,” said Grochow. “I think one of the highlights was seeing the players fill in and grow as the season went on.”

A lot of different athletes were asked to move to different positions throughout the year.

“I think they did a good job,” said Grochow.

“There were several times this year where they came into varsity games and were able to move the ball and score or keep the other team from scoring. That was something that was very satisfying for me as well.”

“I am very proud of this team and happy I had the chance to coach them and get to know them,” said Grochow.

It will be interesting to see what happens next year.

“There are a lot of holes to fill and a lot of opportunities for younger players to play next year,” said Grochow. “They all need to work hard during the off season.”

Sophomores and juniors that are coming back next year are: Jarett Lovcik, Zach Berube, Kyle Volk, Andrew Hershey, Chris Seaver, Zach Leer (injured most of this year), Kyle Lovcik, Kris Leier, Josh Michels, Tyler Mongeon, MacKenzie Koenig, Matt Johnson, and Pat Stadum.