Unbeaten Cougars break from M.V. Raiders

WOLBACH, Neb. — Senior Quade Potter’s 14 solo tackles led a spirited Medicine Valley playoff effort against unbeaten Central Valley Thursday afternoon.

The Raiders (3-6 final record) only trailed 14-12 entering halftime as ran for touchdowns from 10 and one yards.

However, top talent from four schools consolidated — North Loup, Scotia, Greeley and Wolbach — eventually took control of this Class D-2 opening-round contest.

The Cougars (9-0) tallied 22 unanswered points while breaking away for a 36-12 victory.

Ty Nekoliczak threw two touchdown passes while Cougar teammate Morgan Behnk ran for one TD and threw another six-pointer 37 yards to Enrique Martinez.

The Cougar defense also proved tough, limiting Med Valley to 94 rushing yards on 34 carries (2.8 per rush).

Heapy carried 25 times for 74 yards in his final high school game and completed 14 of 32 passes for another 164.

Lane Lenz made seven pass receptions to lead the Raiders’ rally attempts which gained 88 yards.

Hudson Stout added 36 yards with his two receptions while Potter gained 21 yards on one one catch.

Kaden Bonini (three for 12 yards) and Noah Nicklas (one for eight) were other targets as the Raiders threw more than usual in their comeback attempt.

Besides Porter’s 15 1/2 total tackles, Nicklas made seven solo stops and assisted on five.

Lenz contributed six solos with another five assists.

Other leading tackles were Kaden Cole (four solos, three assists), Bonini (four solos, one assist), Heapy (four solos) and Sebastian Kramer (three solos).

Central Valley advances into D-2 sweet 16 play on Wednesday. More scores can be seen below.