JV Tigers defeat Vikings

Cory Griffith Contributing writer
Posted 10/23/24

The Niobrara County High School Tigers JV squad squared off against Guernsey-Sunrise for Homecoming on Friday.

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JV Tigers defeat Vikings

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LUSK – Ridge Kupke called the offensive plays while Jackson Smith ran the defense and Homecoming King Quintin Bieri handled the lines in last week’s home finale on Gibson Field at Fullmer Stadium. Normally the Homecoming game features the seniors in uniform, but Guernsey-Sunrise only had nine available players.

“That was a cool learning experience,” Jackson Smith said. “Understanding the communication between Quintin, Ridge and I – and trying to keep the guys up when we got behind was the most interesting.”

“It definitely looked like Ridge was in his element,” coach Reece Andre noted. “We talk a lot about great moments that you remember and I think a lot of these kids are going to remember the ones they had tonight.”

The Vikings had already forfeited the game, giving the Tigers a conference victory, but faced the Niobrara County High School (NCHS) junior varsity in a six-man game. 

The visitors struck first with a 20-yard touchdown run but the kick attempt was off target. They added a 15-yard scoring pass minutes later and led by a dozen early on. 

Hudson Leimser got Lusk on the scoreboard with a one-yard run, but his kick attempt was blocked.

Guernsey-Sunrise came back with another touchdown and the conversion was good for a 19-6 lead with 2:47 left in the first quarter. 

Brady Swisher ran one in for 11 yards and Leimser’s kick pulled NCHS within 19-14 entering the second quarter.

The Vikings added a two-yard score and 49-yard punt return to take a 32-14 lead before the Tigers went off. Swisher and Leimser hooked up for a pair of touchdown passes, and by halftime, had each added scoring runs for the 43-32 lead.

With a pair of Vikings already out of the game, Swisher’s trio of touchdown runs moved Lusk’s lead to 63-32 as the third quarter got low on time. At that point the game was called off.

“I think it was a great opportunity that we got to do this and get them all involved,” coach Chris Smith added. “It’s not something a lot of kids get to experience, but things like this will improve their leadership abilities as they move forward.”

This week the Tigers travel to Wright and are in a “must-win and need help” situation for a playoff spot. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

JV went to Southeast Monday and won, 26-8.

Score by quarters

GSHS 19-13-0—32

NCHS 14-29-20—63

Team stats

(Stats are unofficial and do not count in the varsity season)

GSHS: Passing – 7 comp/21 atts, 85 yds, TD. Rushing – 22 atts/146 yds, 3TD. Receiving – 7 catches/85 yds. First Downs – 6. 6 Penalties/40 yds. 1 Fumble/1 lost.

NCHS: Passing – 7/12, 126. Rushing – 27/240. Receiving – 7/126. First Downs – 6. 5 Penalties.

NCHS player stats

• Passing – Swisher 7/12, 126, 2TD. 

• Rushing – Swisher 14/252, 5TD; Leimser 11/20, 2TD; Goodwin 1/12; Youngquist 1/6. 

• Receiving – Goodwin 3/36; Leimser 2/71, 2TD; Cian Kimes 1/11; Colton Brackelsburg 1/6. 

• Defensive Points – Dryce Brott 17; JayDe Assman 14; Goodwin 12; Ryan Taylor 7; Lane Taylor 6; Leimser 5; Kimes 2; Brackelsburg 2; Xander Hite 1.