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Warriors-Tigers delivered a super mid-season showdown
ARAPAHOE, Neb. — Not even four touchdown plays of 40 yards or more could decide this district showdown of 4-0 teams Friday.
Why?
Because Arapahoe had two, Dundy County-Stratton two and the result was a 20-20 late-game tie.
“It was a great game that showcased the athletes between two really good teams here in southwest Nebraska,” Arapahoe coach Dustin Kronhofman remarked.
Forget southwest Nebraska. One of the entire state’s better track athletes would finally decide this fantastic contest.
Arapahoe senior William Cacy already shook free for earlier touchdown dashes covering most of the eight-man 80-yard field: a 68-yard punt return and 57-yard run from scrimmage.
Cacy only covered more than half for his final heroics, but his 42-yard gallop gave Arapahoe an unforgettable 26-20 victory.
“Will got loose on a trap play right up the middle and cut back to make a guy miss then out ran everyone to the pylon,” Kronhofman observed.
The TD capped his 241-yard rushing performance and Arapahoe’s first comeback win all season.
DC-S suddenly turned into Tigers after their halftime break, scoring 20 third-period points for the 20-14 lead.
“We held them to under 50 yards I believe in the first half,” Kronhofman said. “They made some offensive adjustments and were able to drive the ball and score right out of halftime. “(DC-S) coach Spargo is one of the best Coaches in the state and he made some great halftime adjustments.”
Junior quarterback Dante Horner delivered all three Tiger TDs.
He ran one yard for that first score before firing 45 and 65-yard scoring strikes on what is traditionally a run-heavy DC-S offense.
Junior August Shaw caught that 45-yard strike as Arapahoe faced easily its toughest challenge so far this season.
However, the Class D-1 top five Warriors did respond and senior Grayson Koller’s 27-yard touchdown catch caught those Tigers at 20-20.
Senior Trenton Roskop made the TD throw for his best of three completed passes.
Junior Kade Fisher made those other two receptions covering 34 yards.
Though the Tigers never stop being dangerous, Arapahoe (5-0) finished its 14th win in 16 contests.
In fact, the loss also puts DC-S at 14-2 during its past 16 games. Both teams reached the state quarterfinals one year ago while finishing 19-3.
So don’t be surprised if a playoff rematch might arrive later this fall.
All the stat leaders from Friday evening.
RUSHING
DC-S: Ethan Latta 20 carries-106 yards; Horner 7-6.
Arapahoe: Cacy 31-241-2 TDs; Roskop 14-26, Koller 5-17.
PASSING
DC-S: Horner 11 competions-21 attempts-167 yards-2 TDs-0 Int.
Arapahoe: Roskop 3-6-77-1 TD-0 Int.; Koller 1-1-28.
RECEIVING
DC-S totals were not complete: Shaw 3-45-1 TD; Kevin Garcia 6-28.
Arapahoe: Koller 3-71-1 TD; Fisher 2-34.
TOTAL TACKLES
DC-S: Horner 6-2 assists; Lane Bybee 5-5 assists; Shaw 3-4 assists; Laken Wissink 3 with 3 tackles for loss.
Arapahoe: Koller 11-4 assists; Fisher 5-3 assists; Cacy 4-1 assist; Hayden Sich 3-2 assists.
The Tigers won’t wait long to get another shot at an unbeaten because 5-0 North Platte St. Patrick’s visits Friday night. Arapahoe travels to take on the Alma Cardinals.