In a matchup pegged as a duel between two of the metro’s best running backs, Mahtomedi quarterback Colin Baumgard stole the show.

Baumgard threw for two touchdowns, ran in a two-point conversion, threw for another conversion and, for good measure, sealed the Zephyrs’ 22-15 win at Spring Lake Park on Thursday with a 64-yard punt that trapped the Panthers inside their own 4-yard line with a little more than two minutes remaining.

Mahtomedi’s spread offense kept Spring Lake Park on its heels much of the game, as the Zephyrs used a steady mix of runs and passes to move the ball.

Senior running back Jackson Hull finished with 24 carries for 108 yards for Mahtomedi, while Panther senior Ejodamen Ejiya picked up 84 yards rushing on 15 carries. Senior quarterback Austin Swenson ran in both scores for Spring Lake Park. He also found tight end Ryan Amundson in the back of the end zone after a wild scramble on a two-point conversion. 

Game key: The Zephyrs offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage all night, making big holes for senior Jackson Hull (108 yards on 24 ­carries), and giving Baumgard plenty of time to set up.

Quote of the night: “We knew teams were going to key on Jackson … but our wideouts are playing really good. We’re going to be a much different team [than opponents think].” — Colin Baumgard, Mahtomedi senior quarterback

One thing to know: For a team pegged to run the ball, Mahtomedi showed a balanced attack. The Zephyrs threw the ball 18 times, and their read-option plays out of the spread kept the Panthers on their heels.

BRYCE EVANS