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The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
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The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
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Four fumbles ferry Eagles to win

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Chadron State’s Glen Clinton (30), junior tailback of Cody, Wyo., goes airborne at Angelo State. — Photo Mike Ratcliff
Chadron State’s Glen Clinton (30), junior tailback of Cody, Wyo., goes airborne at Angelo State. — Photo Mike Ratcliff

There would be no fourth quarter rally this year as the Eagles defeated the Angelo State Rams 19-7 on Saturday.

“The guys were definitely motivated to play after last year’s four touchdowns in the fourth quarter comeback loss,” Head Football Coach Jay Long said.

It all began with an interception in the first quarter by sophomore cornerback Conor Casey of Rapid City, S.D., that sparked the momentum. After the interception, Glen Clinton, junior tailback of Cody, Wyo., capped off a 51 yard run on a trick play that ended up being the longest gain of the day. Sophomore quarterback John McLain of Chadron ended the drive with a 2-yard run to score the first points of the game.

Angelo State blocked Chadron’s PAT attempt, but the Eagles got revenge once they recovered a fumble with a few minutes left in the second quarter. McLain then drove his squad and finished that drive with a 12-yard pass to senior wide receiver Allan Schmaltz of Rapid City, S.D. The extra point, kicked by Alex Ferdinand, sophomore kicker of Rapid City, S.D., was good, setting the score 13-0 at halftime.

Chadron State’s Allen Schmaltz, senior wide receiver of Rapid City, S.D., catches a touchdown pass in the game against Angelo State. — Photo by Mike Ratcliff
Chadron State’s Allen Schmaltz, senior wide receiver of Rapid City, S.D., catches a touchdown pass in the game against Angelo State. — Photo by Mike Ratcliff

Angelo State got on the scoreboard in the third quarter after they drove 74 yards in nine plays. They completed their drive with a 25-yard pass to wide receiver C.J. Atkins. The point after was good.

Chadron punted the ball on their next possession, but the Ramsfumbled the ball during the return. Chadron State recovered the ball around the Rams’ 42 yard line. Chadron would then score on a 2-yard rush by Clinton. McLain ended the game at 13 of 21 for 93 yards passing. Clinton ran 17 times for 117 yards and Casey captured his second interception of the year.

Chadron State plays at 1 p.m. on Saturday against Colorado Mesa in Grand Junction, Colo.