NEW RICHLAND — The New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva football team had only 160 yards of total offense Friday, but stout defense and an 85-yard kickoff return touchdown propelled them to a 7-6 win over Martin County West.

“Our kids were seriously outmatched in terms of size tonight,” NRHEG head coach Dan Stork said. “But they battled and once again did just enough to win.”

MCW took a 6-0 lead in the second quarter, on a 22-yard run by Luke Reker.

The Panthers (3-0) responded on the ensuing kickoff, though, when Brandon Leblanc returned it 85 yards for a touchdown. The extra point by Evan Ferber put NRHEG up for good, 7-6.

“Obviously, Leblanc was key in the victory with his kickoff return for our only touchdown,” Stork said. “Ferber also came up huge with the PAT kick to give us the 7-6 win.”

Defensively, the Panthers were led by 5-foot 9-inch defensive back, Dustin Esplan with 20 tackles.

“Esplan played outstanding defensively,” Stork said. “He might have been the smallest kid on the field tonight but he also might have been the toughest.”

Sam Lundberg led NRHEG in passing, going 12-of-22 for 132 yards and an interception.

David Lassahn was Lundberg’s favorite target with four receptions for 32 yards receiving. Geoff Ramaker had three receptions for 64 yards and Chad Schlaak had two receptions for 10 yards.

Jared Reyant, Ferber and Brian Billing had one reception each.

Ramaker and Lundberg each had 10 rushing attempts for 17 and 11 yards, respectively.

“So many guys played through pain tonight and truly left it all on the field,” Stork said. “I am very proud of their effort and toughness.”

The Panthers play again at 7 p.m. Friday as they travel to take on Lake Crystal-Wellcome-Memorial.