Bison alums join in Lopers' big home win

KEARNEY, Neb. – Sophomore quarterback TJ Davis ran for three more touchdowns and directed an offense that churned out 541 yards on the ground as the Lopers held off Chadron State, 45-35, Saturday afternoon at Ron & Carol Cope Stadium at Foster Field.

This was the 72nd all-time meeting in a series that dates back 99 years. UNK (2-0) has now won four in a row over CSC (2-2) to grab a 50-21-1 advantage. Prior to today the two hadn’t met on the gridiron since 2011.

McCook High alum Hunter Hays starts on the UNK offensive line while fellow Bison DJ Gross plays special teams.

“What I liked about today was seeing all the alumni. I haven’t been associated with this rivalry … leading up to this game I could feel the rivalry with all the conversation and texts,” Loper head coach Josh Lynn said.

UNK led from start to finish and by scores of 21-7, 31-14 and 38-21. However, the Eagles had back-to-back touchdown drives encompassing the end of the third quarter and the start of the fourth to make it a 10-point game.

Since 1990, 13 of the 19 meetings have been decided by 10 points or less.

“The (option game and running the ball) is what we do. We were really comfortable with the look we got from them … they kind of took TJ away in the second half. Once again, we went back to our backs,” Lynn said. “We’re really pleased with all three phases.”

Davis (Colorado Springs) ran for four TD’s in last year’s Mineral Water Bowl win and in last Saturday’s victory at Pittsburg State. Today he has scoring scampers of nine, 79 and nine yards as part of 20-carry, 252-yard day. Running for over 200 yards in the first half alone, the tally is the fifth highest in school history and the second-best effort by a Loper QB.

“Definitely way more comfortable (in year two). The guys always pick me up and tell me how good of job I’m doing. That’s motivation for me to get better.”

The Lopers host one more game on Nov. 21.