The Lakeville North running game was too much for Burnsville to handle Friday night as the Panthers put out the Blaze 42-13. The Panthers go undefeated on the road in regular season play and improve to 6-1 so far this year.

QB Drew Stewart opened the scoring for the Panthers on a sneak and the Panthers never looked back scoring 42 unanswered points. North running backs Luke Branson and Riley Crawford both had two touchdowns and wide receiver David Linstrand had two touchdown catches including his first of the season.

Senior LB Connor Melz attributes North’s success on the road to “knowing where to go and what to do on every play even before we get to the stadium.”

The Panthers certainly had the whole playbook firing on all cylinders as offensive coordinator Bob Kovich dialed up a halfback pass from Kyle Rhodus to David Lindstrand down the right sideline.

The Panthers defense did not force a turnover for the first time this season, but they were able to hold Burnsville to just 13 points, more than enough Friday night.

Both Running Back Joey Larson and Wide Receiver Connor Flack were injured in the game and their status going forward is uncertain though Larson was seen on crutches after the game. It would be a big blow to the Panthers offense if either were to miss anytime.

The Panthers turn their attention to Eagan next Wednesday at home on a short week, hoping to improve their seed for sections.  

Lakeville North Panthers 42 vs Burnsville Blaze 13