Broncos start strong with win at Trenton

Wauneta-Palisade’s Aidan Kennicutt, Gunner Goings and Tucker Boos swarm to stop tough Hitchcock County runner Dionte Perkins during their football season opener at Trenton Friday night. The visiting Broncos prevailed by a 30-20 final.

Diane Stamm/Johnson Publications

TRENTON, Neb. — Super Wauneta-Palisade balance powered the Broncos to a 30-20 opening road triumph over Hitchcock County Friday evening.

The Broncos (1-0) tallied two rushing two touchdowns, two passing scores and two fewer penalties than their talented hosts.

They scored all 30 points in the middle two quarters and then fought off any Falcon comebacks.

The Broncos were also efficient as they ran 17 fewer offensive plays.

However, quarterback Ben Anderjaska started his senior year with touchdown throws to classmates Austen Rozelle and Ty Duvel.

Both those targets caught three passes apiece with Duvel covering 41 yards while Rozelle gained 26.

Rozelle ran two more Bronco TDs while gaining 63 yards on 10 carries for a team-best 6.3-per-carry average.

Duvel averaged 6.7 yards per rush (six for 40) and Anderjaska delivered a team-best 73 rush yards overall with his 14 rushes.

The triple threat continued defensively where Rozaelle made 13 unassisted tackles to go with 12 from Anderjaska.

Duvel added another nine total stops (six solos) to help contain a potent Hitchcock Couinty attack returning almost every top player from last year’s 2-6 team.

Bronco junior Braxton McKinney added another 11 tackles including eight solos.

Together, they helped the Broncos continue success from last year’s 7-2 record. Unfortunately, no Hitchcock County individual stats were obtained before today’s press deadline.