Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper

Stalwart defense propels Red Raiders to homecoming victory

Three turnovers in two minutes took Sidney from a touchdown behind to a homecoming win Friday evening with a 35-28 victory over Hastings. Sidney is 2-2 in its first four games.

With the score deadlocked 14-14 through the third quarter, Hastings marched down the field to close the quarter, scoring a go-ahead, four-yard touchdown on the first play in the fourth quarter.

Sidney was unable to answer offensively, but its defense made the difference as the clock approached the eight minute mark, holding the Tigers at the 30-yard line to force a punt. Linebacker Derek Robb burst through the Hastings line, blocking the punt and teammate Tyler Bergstrom scooped up the ball for a Raider touchdown.

Sidney missed the extra point, trailing 21-20 when it kicked off. The Raider defense held again, and for a second time, Robb blocked the Hastings punt, then captured the ball for another Sidney touchdown and the Raiders' first lead of the game. Sidney attempted and was successful on a two-point conversion, making the score 28-21.

Sidney's defense continued its charge on the ensuing possession when, on Hastings' first play from scrimmage, senior Noah Nelson intercepted. Sidney's first play after the pick off, Alex Linneman ran the ball for 57 yards and a third Raider touchdown.

Hastings scored with 5:11 left in the game, but the Raider defense turned back the Tigers' last charge with a minute-and-a-half left to claim victory.

Sidney Coach Chris Koozer, said the Sidney performance was evidence of the Raiders' continued hard work on key areas, maturing into the challenges they've faced.

"We just work on getting better each game," Koozer said.

Offensively, Sidney realized continued success with its ground game, which stumbled in the past couple of weeks against Aurora and McCook, two top-10 class B opponents.

Sidney gained 309 rushing yards, led by Robb with 175. Linneman added 62, and Cade Lewis another 51.

Sidney's next game is on the road Friday, travelling to meet Holdredge.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 03/17/2024 11:03