Warriors strike late twice to win battle of district unbeatens

Arapahoe seniors Grayson Koller (above), Trenton Roskop (middle photo) and ultimate hero William Cacy (bottom photo) helped coach Dustin Kronhofman's Warriors reach 5-0 with their win over district rival Dundy County-Stratton Friday evening.

Steve Towery/McCook Gazette

ARAPAHOE, Neb. — Dramatic and explosive best describe Arapahoe's 26-20 victory over fellow unbeaten Dundy County-Stratton in a huge mid-season district football showdown Friday night.

The teams combined for five touchdown plays of 40 yards or more with senior Willam Cacy dashing 42 yards to break one final 20-20 deadlock.

Cacy's 233 yards on 31 rushes included an earlier 57-yard six-point gallop which amazingly was the only score as Arapahoe led 8-0 into halftime.

Steve Towery/McCook Gazette

Yet it was no surprise when those 4-1 DC-S Tigers scored 20 points on three TDs during quarter three.

Quarterback Dante Horner powered one yard to bring DC-S within 8-6. Moments later, Horner found junior August Shaw for a 45-yard scoring strike and the Tigers suddenly led 12-9.

However, the roller coaster featuring four late lead changes was only getting started.

Steve Towery/McCook Gazette

Cacy took a punt 68 yards into pigskin paradise as Arapahoe regained a 14-12 advantage.

Again, fans barely had time to catch their breath because Horner was unleashing another Td from 65 yards. Ethan Latta added the first Tiger two-point conversion after two earlier trails.

DC-S took that 20-14 margin into the final quarter.

Versatile senior fullback Grayson Koller soon erased the rare Arapahoe deficit. Koller caught another pass which he carried 27 yards for that 20-20 tie.

Senior quarterback Trenton Roskop delivered that throw to cap his three-for-six passing performance. Keller caught two for 71 yards.

Cary soon shook free to go 42 yards and Arapahoe (5-0) finally protected its narrow one-score advantage. The Warriors reached 5-0 as they outgunned visiting DC-S in total yardage, 381-279.

Koller made 11 tackles to go with his 71 receiving yards, 17 rushing and 28 on two pass completions.

Latta's 106 rush yards along with 167 pass from Horner topped the Tigers' attack.

Horner completed 11 of 21 throws. Shaw finished with three for 45 and Kevin Garcia caught six passes — though he was held to less than five yards a grab (six for 28).