Preston Knutson is no stranger to the opening day for high school football.
This time around he is in charge of Pecatonica/Argyle, a program that has not experienced winning seasons the past several years. So when the team opens the season with a 44-0 shutout over Deerfield this might be their year.
Starting with the quarterback. Knutson has handed the football to senior Martin Anderson and he put it in the right place three times, serving up touchdowns to junior Braydon Slater, senior Bo Stateler and senior Luke Leonard. Leonard was the leading receiver with 89 yards on five catches. Anderson went on to complete nine of 11 for 140 yards and no interceptions.
Anderson was also a force running the football. He accounted for two touchdowns, rushing seven times for 75 yards.
Senior Brock Anderson was the leading rusher for P/A with a touchdown. He had 19 attempts for 138 yards.
The co-op rolled up 243 yards on 30 rushes.
Knutson said that great offensive line play was a key to the win.
“The O line is what makes it all go round,” Knutson said. “They did a great job at the line of scrimmage and kept our QB upright all night. They will be what makes us move forward (literally and figuratively).”
Shutting out the Demons was also impressive. Knutson listed some of the standout performances.
-Junior linebacker Dane Nysted was involved in 11 tackles.
-Sophomore DB Charlie Krebs had three interceptions.
-Senior defensive lineman Jonah Hanson dominant DL play.
“The defensive line was relentless and just kept pressure on all night,” Knutson pointed out. “With the pressures, our defensive backs were able to make plays on rushed throws. The defense as a whole brought great energy and physicality. Have to shoutout our defensive coordinator Dawson Jacobus for having a great plan and preparation.”
Knutson knows the road ahead for a good season will not be easy.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Knutson said. “Never settle and never satisfied. It was a great team win but now we have to refocus on Waterloo and prepare to be better than we were yesterday, stacking days mentality.”
Knutson added a comment to sum up the successful start.
“Shoutout to the coaching staff and athletes for putting in so much energy and work. Truly a team effort this week,” Knutson said.