Panther JV team finishes strong, downs Beckman

     A big fourth quarter lifted the Monticello junior varsity football team to a 28-12 victory over Dyersville Beckman Friday, Oct. 13 in Dyersville.

     In a game delayed in the first half by a heavy downpour, the teams eventually played to a 12-12 tie through three quarters.

     Early in the final quarter, however, the Panthers took charge. Jeff Carlson completed a pass to Tyler Luensman on a play that covered 40 yards and brought the ball into Beckman territory. Moments later, Carlson hit Justin Recker on a 20-yard touchdown pass, and Bo Kramer ran in a two-point conversion to give Monticello a 20-12 lead with 5:30 left.

     The Panthers put the game away by scoring on their next drive, a one-yard run by Kramer followed by a Carlson two-point pass to Recker with 1:24 to play, accounting for the final 28-12 score.

     Kramer rushed 40 times for 211 yards and scored three touchdowns. Carlson completed six of 11 passes for 101 yards. Tyler Luensman finished with four catches for 90 yards.

     “I thought our offensive line did a tremendous job controlling the line of scrimmage,” said Donnie Kremer, who co-coaches the team with Greg Williams. “They deserve a ton of praise for their hard work in the trenches.”

     Defensively, DaShaun Werling made an interception, and Cole Wilson recovered a Beckman fumble. Ben Oswald led the team in tackles with 8.5. Spencer Avery had five tackles including a sack, while Kain Luensman also had five tackles, and Ethan Tallman had 3.5.

     The Panthers (5-2-1) will finish the season at home against Waterloo Columbus Friday, Oct. 20.