Aurora's early momentum pushes them past McCook
As most fans, coaches and players know, winning and losing in football is often about momentum. The team that usually ends up victorious gains it early, builds on it quickly and holds it fiercely.
The Aurora High School Huskies provided a textbook example of such momentum Friday night in their 48-10 win over the McCook Bison. In the opening seconds, Aurora ran the Bison kick back 93 yards for a touchdown, deflating the hometown crowd.
Two more touchdowns -- including one on a fumble return -- before the end of the first quarter kept McCook from wresting control back from the visiting squad.
The Huskies crossed the goal line 3 more times before halftime to hold a dominating 42-3 lead at the break.
The Bison didn't roll over for Aurora, however. In fact, McCook ended the night ahead of the Huskies in total offense, rolling up 296 yards, including 227 on the ground and 69 through the air. The Bison also had 17 first downs to Aurora's 8.
McCook quarterback Chad Stull sounded unbroken after the tough loss. "Alliance hit hard and Aurora didn't hit any harder," Stull said. "We're going to bounce back from this. It's still early in the season."
He also remained confident about his team's offensive abilities, even after the defeat. "The offensive line did a good job blocking the big guys up front," he said. "Despite the size disadvantage, we managed to move the ball downfield."
"We had some turnovers," Stull admitted, but added, "It's better to make the mistakes now so we can correct them."
The 2-1 Bison will hit the road Friday to take on Scottsbluff.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Central time.
Score by quarters
Aurora 21 21 6 0 -- 48
at McCook 3 0 7 0 -- 10