“We were able to throw on them quite effectively,” said Dale Frerichs of Potter-Dix in a bit of classic coach’s understatement.

All Coyotes quarterback Luke Johnson managed to do in Friday night’s 59-32 win over Banner County, was complete 25 of 40 passes for 470 yards and seven touchdowns, much of it during a frantic first half assault.

Three Potter-Dix receivers--Ty Ottoson, Clint Serres and Dustin Brown--racked up 100 yards or more. And Jeff Maddox added another 99.

Less than two minutes into the contest, Johnson hit Serres, who took it in from midfield. Then he found Ottoson for an easy six from inside the red zone.

But this was Banner County’s homecoming and they fought back. With time winding down in the first quarter, Jordan Knaub beat Potter-Dix’s pursuit to the edge, eluded several downfield tackles and skipped across the goal line for a 26 yard touchdown run.

At the end of one, the score stood at 14-6. From there on it was all about the Johnsons.

Jake Johnson plunged across from one yard out. Then in succession, Luke Johnson tossed to Maddox, Serres, Serres again and Brown--all for points and all but a quick toss to Serres with 2:59 remaining in the half from beyond the 25. The only two breaks in this Johnson onslaught were Brown’s touchdown sprint early in the period and an outstanding pick six by the Wildcats Ben Hostetler, who intercepted a Johnson heave then raced 71 yards past a number of white jerseys.

“They were fast,” said Banner County coach Kenny Stauffer. “We couldn’t keep up with their receivers--that’s what it came down to.”

Indeed, the Wildcats held Potter-Dix’s running backs to 54 yards. But quarterback Johnson--as well as Kyle Gorsuch (2-6 10) and Ottoson (1-2 21) pierced the air for 501 yards.

“Our offensive line did a great job providing protection and opening passing lanes,” Frerichs pointed out. “Luke just got them the ball.”

In the second half the Coyotes began substituting in some of their younger players. Banner County--winless over three seasons but not a group wont to quit on a game--pounced. Hostetler scored on a two yard burst to close out the third quarter. Brady line opened the final frame with a scamper from 12 yards out and Knaub added six more to the scoreboard before Johnson stepped back in and hit Ottoson, a now familiar touchdown combination.

The Coyotes improve to 3-2 on the year. They return home to face Creek Valley Friday and hopes now turn toward a post season berth.

“You don’t want to count your eggs before they hatch,” Frerichs warned, “but if we continue to play the way we’ve been playing, things look good for the playoffs.”

Banner County falls to 0-5. They host Hay Springs on Friday.