Sue Sitter/PCT Jacob Ripplinger runs the ball into the end zone for a Panthers touchdown in Rugby’s season opener against Harvey-Wells County, Aug. 19.

Rugby Panthers fans gathered for the first game of the 2022 football season on Aug. 19, ready to make some noise at Rugby High School’s Johnsen Field.

The home opener included a tailgate party sponsored by North Dakota Telephone Company.

The Panthers gave their hometown plenty of reason to get loud when they took on the Harvey-Wells County Hornets that night. Unfortunately, the game would end with a stinging 34-14 defeat when the Hornets took control of the game in the fourth quarter.

Rugby was ready for the aggressive Hornets in the opening half. Hornets quarterback Tallen Thorson, a 6 ft. 2 in. sophomore, made steady progress down the field on their first possession, but the Panthers defense held them back, forcing a turnover on downs at the Rugby three-yard line.

After a nine-yard carry by Panthers running back Macen Heisler, Rugby lost ground, resulting in a punt to midfield.

In the next Hornets play, Kayl Sieg carried the ball to the two-yard line.

This time, there was no stopping the Hornets. Thorson rushed into the end zone for a touchdown.

After the Hornets failed to execute a two-point conversion, Panthers quarterback Brody Schneibel completed two passes at midfield before connecting with wide receiver Jacob Ripplinger, who ran the ball more than 30 yards for a touchdown.

The score was tied 6-6 after a missed two-point conversion attempt.

Rugby linebacker Dylan Bartsch recovered an HWC fumble.

Schneibel moved the ball downfield again before turning the ball over on downs near the end zone.

After Rugby’s defense held the Hornets back again, Schneibel rushed for 12 yards before connecting with Bryceton Deplazes less than five yards from the goal.

Heisler moved the ball into the end zone on the next play for another Panthers touchdown before Schneibel connected with running back Tatum Risovi for a two-point conversion.

For three minutes in the second quarter, Rugby held a 14-6 lead over the Hornets.

Then, Thorson scored a rushing touchdown about four minutes from halftime after moving the ball steadily downfield. Thorson connected with Sieg for two more points.

Both teams held each other at bay until the first half ended with a 14-14 tie.

The Hornets swarmed onto the field in the third quarter with renewed energy. Thorson and the offense continued to gain ground, while the defense gained strength, shutting down the Panthers offense at every turn.

The Hornets wore away the Panthers defense. With four minutes to go, Thorson rushed for another touchdown in the third quarter.

The Panthers seemed ready to pounce into the end zone on their next possession moving the ball to the Hornets’ nine yard line before HWC’s aggressive defense forced a fumble, putting Rugby back 20 yards on a fourth down.

Thorson again connected with Sieg for another TD before handing off the ball to Gabe Almaras for two more.

With a 28-20 lead at mid-quarter, the Hornets shut down Rugby’s offense.

The Hornets stayed close to the ball and took their time to execute plays.

The Panthers evaded the swarm at times. Wingback Logan Harner caught a Schneibel pass and ran the ball to just 15 yards from the goal, but a Hornets sack and missed pass attempts neutralized the Rugby threat.

With less than three minutes on the clock, Thorson scored another HWC TD for a 34-14 lead.

The Hornets took possession again a short time later when Jayden Vollmer picked off a Schneibel pass.

The last minute of the game ticked away, and the Hornets had a 34-14 win.

After the game, Panthers Head Coach Travis Risovi said, “We got off to a slow start and then we fought back well. We got up to 14-6, then we didn’t execute as well as we needed to. That was really the difference in the game.”

He added, “We had our opportunities, and we didn’t make plays. That was our Achilles’ heel last year, and hopefully, we can get that cleaned up before too long here.”

Looking ahead, he said, “I think we’re going to have a really nice football team. We’ve got a bunch of really great athletes. We just have to execute and finish. That’s what it’s all about.”

He added, “We’ll go back to work Monday and watch film, then Tuesday, we’ll be back on the practice field and we’ll do all right. It’s early.”