PRAIRIE CITY – The Pine Eagle football team found open field against Prairie City last week.

The Spartans controlled the ground in a 64-42 win over Prairie City Sept. 5. Pine Eagle rushed for 476 yards and averaged more than nine yards a carry during the game.

Kyle Dennis led the Spartans with 222 yards rushing on the day. He also ran for two touchdowns. It was Dennis’ first full game of the season. He spent most of the game on the sideline during Pine Eagle’s 74-22 win against Nixyaawii Aug. 29.

“I feel we’re doing pretty good this season,” Pine Eagle coach Blake Dennis said. “This was almost our first real game. Kyle was out for most of the game last week. We had like 45 (points) in the first quarter.”

Although Pine Eagle put up big numbers running the ball, Prairie City played strong defense throughout the game, but gave up big plays. The Spartans went a minimum of 10 yards on each of their touchdowns and six of nine came on plays of more than 20 yards.

Prairie City coach Scott Hoberg said the defense didn’t stay focused during the game.

“It was just a total breakdown of responsibility,” Hoberg said. “On defense everyone stopped doing what they were supposed to. We need to get back to basics next week.”

The word for this week is responsibility. The question we’ll be asking the kids this week is what is your responsibility.”

The Panthers may have had troubles on defense, but they continued to put up good numbers on the other side of the ball. Brandon Crisler led the team with 121 yards and Colton Schulze added 105.

Pine Eagle struck first with a 33-yard touchdown run by Dennis, but Prairie City answered with an 80-yard kickoff return by Crisler and took the lead 8-6. However, it was the last lead the Panthers would hold. The Spartans reached the end zone four more times in the first half and led 34-22 at halftime.

The Panthers started the second half on a high note with an onside kick recovery by Brady Doty. However, the momentum slowed when Prairie City tried to pass the ball. The Spartans’ Jake Traw picked off a pass on Pine Eagle’s 37 yard line, Dylan Hendrikson was sacked for a loss and another sack resulted in a Spartan fumble recovery for a touchdown in the third quarter.

“I think our offense is pretty good to go,” Hoberg said. “I’m glad we got to see our passing game, but I wish we could get the passing attack going better. I think we can get there.”

Prairie City will now open league play at Mitchell/Spray at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12.