The NCHS football team had an opportunity to secure a playoff berth last week as Wright visited Gibson Field at Fullmer Stadium. The Panthers only win was against Wind River a few weeks ago, while the Wyopreps #5 Tigers were riding a precarious four game winning streak.

Both teams moved the ball a bit but could not find the endzone in the opening stanza. The offenses combined for just three first downs and were in for a long, tough game.

A Tiger drive stalled early in the second and Wright capitalized with Dax Yeradi’s two yard TD run. Logan Robb kicked the PAT and led 7-0. Yeradi had a big night as Lusk had a hard time containing the third year QB. NCHS responded as halftime approached with Damien Molzahn and Drake Lamp ripping off large chunks of yards. Wyatt Stauffer connected with James Stone for a nine yard score 35 seconds before halftime. The two point conversion was denied- yet the score was 7-6 at the break.

A hush came over the crowd when Stauffer went down a few minutes into the third and freshman Walker Kupke had to come in for two plays. Lusk was unable to pick up the first down and had to punt but the defense stood up once again. Stauffer came back on the next series, but a turnover cost NCHS another scoring chance. The Panthers once again took advantage as Yeradi scored from one yard with 1:23 on the clock. Robb’s kick was no good but Wright’s lead was 13-6 heading to the final period.

Lamp had a 27 yard burst deep into Panther territory but, in a troubling trend during the winning streak- a lot of the Tigers weaknesses showed up at the wrong time. The drive stalled out, and unable to force a turnover in the waning moments, cost NCHS the Senior Night victory and the playoffs secured with two games to go.

A disappointed Head Coach Ryan Nelson lamented the number of possessions left on the field without scores. “We’ve told the guys the last two weeks against inferior opponents you cannot continue to give up that many possessions.” Turnovers, untimely penalties, and stalled drives within scoring distance have been an issue in every game for the Tigers this season. The loss has not eliminated NCHS (2-2 conf; 4-2 overall) from the postseason-just made it harder. Road trips to Big Horn and Pine Bluffs finish off the regular season and while Wright has TR and SE left, the Hornets are suddenly reeling backwards. The 2x defending state champs have lost two in a row and travel to Sundance to face the U-S Patriots this week.

NCHS has another long trip to Sheridan County with #1 Big Horn on schedule this week. NCHS will have to play their best game and use every weapon and trick to defeat a team that has steamrolled everyone so far. The Rams have skilled, experienced players across the field, yet Nelson expects the tough, resilient Tigers to show up and not give up. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

WRIGHT 0 7 6 0  13

NCHS 0 6 0 0  6

TEAM STATS

WRIGHT: Passing 3/9, 21 yds. Rushing- 47/249. Receiving- 3/21. First Downs 15. 7 penalties/40 yds.

NCHS: Passing- 1 /4, 9 yds. Rushing- 41/206. Receiving 1/9. First Downs- 12. 3 fumbles/1 lost

NCHS PLAYER STATS: Passing- Stauffer 1 /4, TD, 9 yds. Rushing- Lamp 28 atts/150 yds; Da Molzahn 9/60; Stone 3/6. Receiving- Stone 1 catch/9 yds, TD. Defensive points- Da. Molzahn 22; Dylan Molzahn 19; Lamp 12; Jacob Miller 11; Jasper Caldera 11; Aric Eaton 9; Teagan Tschacher 9; Ryan Bruegger 9; Dmitri Richards 6; Stone 5; Tanner Carpenter 5; Stauffer 3.