Eagles fall to Nebraska neighbors
After nine years without facing their in-state rival, Chadron State gave up 541 rushing yards during the Eagles’ 45-35 loss against University of Nebraska-Kearney, Saturday, in Kearney.
Kearney Quarterback T.J. Davis, sophomore of Colorado Springs, Colorado, rushed for 252 yards, and three touchdowns including a 79-yarder during the Lopers’ second offensive possession.
Kearney’s defense tallied five sacks on CSC quarterback Dalton Holst, senior of Gillette, Wyoming.
Head Football Coach Jay Long said that watching film on the game afterwards, he thinks it took CSC a quarter to figure out the types of plays Kearney ran, and just had to get used to the speed they went. Kearney outscored CSC 31-14 in the first half, but managed 14 second-half points.
“Offensively, I thought that we did a good job moving the ball against a really good defense and then we just needed to find another score in that game,” Long said.
Holst completed 22 throws for 286 yards and three touchdowns.
Providing a balance on offense, the Eagles gained 225 total rushing yards. Jalen Starks, junior of Van Nuys, California, rushed for 125 yards and scored two touchdowns. Jeydon Cox, freshman of Jackson, Wyoming, rushed for 80 yards.
“I was really proud with how we ran the ball against Kearney,” Long said. “Kearney has a really good defense, and I thought that our offense line blocked really well in the run game and also our tight ends did. Jalen Starks and Jayden Cox did an outstanding job running the ball. What a great combo. I was happy with that.”
Montel Gladney, junior of Flowood, Mississippi, received five passes for 116 yards, one touchdown and a 74-yard catch and run. Chad Mikelson, junior of Julesburg, Colorado, received six passes for 61 yards and one touchdown.
Cole Thurness, senior of Rapid City, South Dakota, received three passes for 36 yards and one touchdown. Thurness returned two kickoffs for 39 yards and one punt for 15 yards.
“Dalton threw to eight different receivers,” Long said. “Whenever that happens, you know that we had a real balanced attack. Also, Montel I’m glad he had a really big day. I thought that was good.”
Joey Geil, sophomore of Casper, Wyoming, and Noah Kerchal, junior of Benkelman, led with eight tackles each. Bobby Peele, junior of Fresno, California, and Travis Wilson, senior of Fresno, California were close behind with seven tackles each.
Drake Holdren, freshman of Greeley, Colorado, made all five of his extra points to earn RMAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Long said that a close game normally comes down to special teams.
“I was proud of how the guys finished the game,” Long said. “We had an opportunity at the end of the game to win and unfortunately we came short of it, but I was proud of how the guys finished.”
Chadron will finish their shortened season, Saturday, against Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota. The Yellow Jackets are 0-2 after having to cancel their last two games due to COVID-19 difficulties.