Kari Gibb/MDN A Nedrose widereceiver (5) makes an acrobatic catch in the first quarter of play while Rugby senior defender Taytum Risovi (10) makes the tackle on the spot.

Despite the warm evening, the Rugby Panthers played hotter than the temperature on the thermostat. The visitors capitalized on any mistake made by the hosting Cardinals for the 48-0 win over Nedrose.

In the first quarter, Rugby would work their way down the field for the first score of the season and miss the point after attempt for a 6-0 lead.

Nedrose then mounted a balanced attack with solid run and pass balance highlighted by a stellar catch by a Nedrose receiver in acrobatic fashion. Two plays later and Rugby sophomore Brody Berndt used all 6-foot, 5-inches of his frame to intercept a pass and return it for the score. 12-0 Panthers lead.

Nedrose again would work the field with consistent play, more focused on run than pass. The Rugby defense began to load the defensive line with eight and even nine players at times, trying to force the Cardinals to pass the ball.

A second interception by Rugby senior Taytum Risovi led to a third score with a successful two point conversion and the Panthers led 21-0 at that point.

Frustration led to mistakes in the details of play for the Cardinals from that point forward in the first half. Nedrose left a kickoff uncovered and Rugby took possession of the unintended on-side kick. That led to a score. On fourth down, a punt snap went over the punter’s head and was recovered at the one yard line. That led to another Panther score.

When the first half was over, the visiting team from Rugby had a 48-0 lead going into the break and the game would end with that same score.

Nedrose will travel to Southern McLean at Washburn High School next Friday, August 30, while Rugby will host the Des Lacs-Burlington Lakers the same day.