After a tough loss to Mayer Lutheran last week, the NRHEG Panthers football team rebounded in a big way against Lester Prairie-Holy Trinity Friday night.

The Panthers got their offense rolling early and often, and wound up winning in a shootout, 39-31.

“We played much better this time out,” said Panthers coach Dan Stork.

Jack Schultz had a big game on defense, forcing a strip-sack that led to the Panthers first touchdown. He would add another sack later on and finished with seven tackles.

The Panthers held a 20-0 lead at halftime, thanks to two touchdown passes from Sam Prigge, but allowed some big plays in the second half that allowed the Bulldogs to get back into the game.

Prigge would throw another touchdown in the second half, as the Panthers fended off a Bulldogs comeback.

The Bulldogs scored a touchdown with 1:07 left in the game, but it was too little too late.

Prigge was dynamite at quarterback, completing 10-16 for 187 yards and three touchdowns. Perry Peterson was a workhorse. He finished with 37 carries and 146 yards. He also added two touchdowns.

Lucas Bailey rushed for 52 yards, but 49 of those yards came on one play in the fourth quarter when he took it in for a touchdown.

“After being up 20-0, we gave up some big plays,” Stork said. “But (Prigge) made some great throws and his decision-making was awesome. We got big plays from several guys.”

NRHEG will host Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Friday.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.