Tigers drop season finale at Wright

Cory Griffith Contributing writer
Posted 10/29/24

The Niobrara County Tigers came up short against Wright in the final game of the regular season.

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Tigers drop season finale at Wright

Posted

WRIGHT – Lusk’s hopes for making the postseason hinged on two variables – winning at Wright in the season finale and hoping Saratoga would defeat Lingle-Fort Laramie. The Doggers spoiled any upset attempt, while the Tigers came up short in a back and forth battle.

Last Friday on a chilly Panther Field, Niobrara County High School (NCHS) struck first as Jackson Smith connected with Cody Himes on a two-yard score. Smith kicked the point after and the Tigers led, 7-0.

After the defense forced a punt, Smith’s pass to Nathan Miller turned into a 48-yard touchdown. The PAT attempt was no good, yet the Tigers led 13-0 after one period.

As the clock turned over, the hosts got on the scoreboard with a touchdown and successful kick. Lusk’s offense missed a few opportunities as halftime approached, and the Panthers took advantage.

Mitchell Stroschein ran in his second touchdown and tossed another, as Wright moved ahead, 21-13.

The Tigers responded with a 58-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Brott, and while the conversion was no good, Lusk was within two at the midpoint.

The third period was a defensive struggle and the Tigers missed an opportunity late when Smith was intercepted deep in Panther territory. Nothing came from it and as the clock rolled into the final 12 minutes, Kupke punched in a four-yard touchdown. The conversion pass was off target and NCHS clung to a 25-21 lead with 10:08 still remaining.

Wright retook the lead on the next series and another successful PAT gave the Panthers the 28-25 edge. The Tigers’ desperate attempts over the final eight minutes came up short as the clock on Lusk’s season ran out. NCHS finishes 4-4 overall and misses the playoffs for the first time in the nine-man era.

Score by quarters

NCHS 13-6-0-6--25

WHS 7-14-0-7--28

Team stats

NCHS: Passing – 19 comp/32 atts, 275 yds. Rushing – 22 atts/30 yds. Receiving – 19 catches/275 yds. First Downs – 10. 3 Penalties/20 yds. 1 Fumble/0 lost.

WHS: Passing – 5/16, 92 yds, TD. Rushing – 39/150, 3 TD. Receiving – 5/92, TD. First Downs – 10. 4 penalties/25 yds.

NCHS player stats

• Passing – Smith 19/32, 275 yds, 3 TD, 3 INT. 

• Rushing – Kupke 13/21, TD; Smith 5/6; Miller 4/3. 

• Receiving – Miller 6/124, TD; Himes 6/58, TD; R. Brott 4/91, TD; Kupke 2/7; Goodwin 1/ -5. 

• Defensive points – R. Brott 32; Kupke 18; Miller 11; Swisher 8; Smith 8; Bieri 7; Himes 6; D. Brott 3; Goodwin 2; McCully 2.