Century Football Triumphs Over Winona, Ending Season with Victory

The Century Panthers celebrated a hard-fought victory over the Winona Winhawks, clinching a 28-20 win on March 15, 2024. This triumph marked a significant turnaround for the Panthers, who had finished the previous season without a win, concluding the regular season with a 2-6 record.

Century’s performance at Paul Giel Field was a display of resilience, especially after enduring a challenging 0-9 season last year. The Panthers faced a tough opponent in Winona, who had previously defeated them in the last three regular-season matchups. The game was a test of endurance, with Century holding off a late comeback attempt by the Winhawks in the fourth quarter.

Head coach Jon Vik expressed immense pride in his team’s perseverance through adversity. “I’m really proud of these kids for the fact that they have stuck it out,” Vik noted. “These are essentially the same crew that went through the hardship last year of not having a win. This year to have beaten Owatonna, which is, of course, a huge win for us, is great. But I think all the players would tell you that it’s not enough.”

The game began with a flurry of activity. Winona took an early lead when Brady Lundgren scored on a 1-yard run following a Century fumble during a punt return. The Winhawks initially led 6-0, but Century quickly responded. Senior Miles Tesch showcased his skills with a 60-yard touchdown run on Century’s first offensive play, tying the score at 6-6.

In the second quarter, the Panthers seized control of the game. Junior Max Elliott scored a 3-yard touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion pass to junior Malakai Tankhamvang, putting Century ahead 14-6. Winona answered back with a 17-yard rushing touchdown from Brady Wardwell, leveling the score at 14-14. Just before halftime, Tesch caught a touchdown pass from backup quarterback Cade Goergen, allowing Century to regain the lead at 21-14.

The second half saw a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to score. Tesch and senior receiver Owin Gerber recorded interceptions for Century, showcasing their defensive prowess. Winona managed to narrow the gap with a touchdown catch from Ethan Pruka, but Century responded with another touchdown from Elliott, extending their lead to 28-20.

As the clock wound down, Winona could not convert on a critical fourth down with just 22 seconds remaining, sealing Century’s victory. The Panthers demonstrated significant improvement from last season, but Coach Vik emphasized that the team is not content with just two wins. “None of these kids are satisfied with just having two wins. That’s on their mind to go out and get more,” he stated.

Looking ahead, Century will face Owatonna in the Section 1, Class 5A quarterfinals next Tuesday, marking a rematch of an earlier victory this season. The game is poised to be a crucial opportunity for the Panthers to continue their upward trajectory after a challenging previous season.

This match showcased Century’s remarkable growth and determination, setting a hopeful tone as they prepare for the postseason.