The Century High School football team concluded its regular season with a hard-fought 28-20 victory over Winona High School on March 15, 2024. This marked a significant turnaround for Century, which had finished last season with a record of 0-9. The win not only breaks a three-year losing streak against Winona but also sets a positive tone heading into the upcoming playoffs.
Century’s success was fueled by a collective effort, especially in the absence of junior quarterback Nate Long, who was sidelined due to a concussion. Other players rose to the occasion, particularly senior Miles Tesch, who rushed for 67 yards and scored one touchdown on five carries. Tesch’s touchdown came on a remarkable 60-yard run during Century’s first offensive play of the game, demonstrating the team’s aggressive approach.
Winona struck first after Century fumbled a punt return, setting up the Winhawks at the Panthers’ 19-yard line. Brady Lundgren capitalized on this opportunity, scoring a rushing touchdown to give Winona an early 6-0 lead. The Winhawks attempted a two-point conversion but were unsuccessful.
Century responded with a 3-yard touchdown run from junior Max Elliott, who also executed a successful two-point conversion pass to junior Malakai Tankhamvang, pushing Century ahead 14-6 with just over eight minutes left in the second quarter. Winona answered back with a 17-yard rushing touchdown by Brady Wardwell, evening the score at 14-14 before Century regained the lead with a touchdown pass from backup quarterback Cade Goergen to Tesch just before halftime.
Despite a scoreless third quarter, the fourth quarter ignited excitement as Winona’s Ethan Pruka caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kyle Keller, narrowing Century’s lead to 21-20 after a blocked extra point. Century secured its final touchdown with Elliott’s second rushing touchdown of the night, extending the lead to 28-20.
The game concluded with Winona struggling to convert a fourth-down attempt, allowing Century to celebrate their victory.
Century head coach Jon Vik expressed pride in his team’s resilience, emphasizing that while the two wins this season were significant, his players are motivated to achieve even more. “None of these kids are satisfied with just having two wins,” Vik stated. “They have shown great character and dedication throughout the season.”
With this victory, Century finishes the regular season with a record of 2-6 and prepares to face Owatonna in the Section 1, Class 5A quarterfinals. This matchup will be a rematch of their earlier encounter in Week 3, where Century secured its first win since the previous fall.
As the Panthers look ahead, their focus remains on building on this momentum and striving for further success in the playoffs.
