Bison get ready for big test from Hastings at Weiland Field

McCook Bison fans will return to Weiland Field for the first time since they displayed super patriotism during a 34-0 Homecoming win over Crete on Sept. 20.

Maryann Kassner/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — The Hastings Tigers always seem to play tougher than their record suggests, so expect a 3-2 team fresh off two big wins will challenge McCook Friday night.

After all, the Tigers have outscored their last two opponents 98-9. They’re four points from being 4-1 with another loss to ultimate Class B superpower Bennington.

“Hastings is a solid team with a lot of veteran players. Their two losses are to quality opponents in York and Bennington,” Bison coach Joe Vetrovsky confirmed. “We are coming off an emotional win last week vs. Gering (24-23). Through the week, we have been trying to clean up some things.”

McCook overcame two first-quarter turnovers last week, including a fumbled punt that 4-1 Gering turned into a quick 7-0 lead.

The Bison blasted through those Bulldogs for nearly 300 rushing yards as junior Tristan Campbell gained a career-high 259.

Yet it still took sophomore kicker Gunner Caps’ 36-yard field goal and one final Gering missed PAT kick.

These Tigers will certainly be attacking with a familiar quarterback name in Synek like former great Jaret Synek.

“They are led on offense by their QB Tucker Synek,” Vetrovsky said about the 6’2” 160-pound senior. “He is an accurate passer of the football and has some nice weapons to distribute to. Their favorite target is No. 12 Keithan Krings (5’11”, 140). They also have the ability to put a fullback in the backfield and run the ball as well. They are as balanced in regards to run to pass ratio as we’ve seen so far this season.”

Meanwhile, the Tigers have allowed 90 points this season or 18 per game — but notice No. 1 Bennington scored 42.

“Hastings is disciplined on defense. They simply haven’t given up much this year,” Vetro observed. “They are led by defensive end Chance Vertin (6’3”, 220) who is definitely somebody you have to game plan for. Their linebackers do a great job getting to the football and their secondary covers well.”

The Bison will be missing senior linebacker Quentin Terry due to a knee injury.

However, junior Oliver Corbett could return after going down in the first half last week.

The seasons so far:

McCOOK (4-1)

Sept. 20 Crete (0-5) W 34-0

Sept. 27 At Gering (4-1) W 24-23

Friday HASTINGS (3-2) 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 Ogallala (1-4) 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 At Scottsbluff (4-1) 8 p.m.

Oct. 25 Lexington (0-5) 7 p.m.

HASTINGS (3-2)

Sept. 13 At Bennington (5-0) L 7-42

Sept. 20 Lincoln Northwest (0-5) W 49-3

Sept. 27 At Beatrice (1-4) W 49-7

Friday At MCCOOK (4-1) 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 Scottsbluff (4-1) 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 At Lexington (0-5) 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 Gering (4-1) 7 p.m.