Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
After failing to make the NSAA Class D2 state tournament in 2013, Potter-Dix High’s football team is back in the playoffs after going 5-3 with a 4-1 record in district play.
The Coyotes are the No. 9 seed in the bracket and are set to face No. 8 seeded Paxton (4-4) in their first round game Thursday night. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. MDT in Paxton. The two teams played in the regular season back on Sept. 19, with the Tigers winning 55-32.
Potter-Dix head coach Dale Frerichs is excited to have his program back in the hunt for a state title. This time, his team has some of the most important intangibles on its side.
“Team unity, chemistry and hard work,” Frerichs said, when asked what have been the biggest keys to the Coyotes’ success in 2014.
Staying healthy has also been another major factor.
“We’ve been blessed with avoiding injuries,” Frerichs said.
Thursday night’s first-round game against Paxton is an opportunity for a fresh start. Ten players on the Coyotes’ 13-man roster were there the last time the team played past the eight regular-season games.
Potter-Dix last saw playoff action in 2012. That season, it fell to Medicine Valley, 76-35, in the first round.
The fact that the Coyotes have already played Paxton this year, could be an advantage.
“A chance for redemption,” Frerichs said, when asked what he is looking forward to the most about these playoffs. “We didn’t get off to a good start last time and are excited about getting another shot.”
The Coyotes high-powered offense is led by senior quarterback Cameron Purcell, who has completed 63 of his 120 passes for 1,104 yards and 17 touchdowns to just three interceptions. He’s also collected 239 yards on the ground, along with eight TDs on 81 carries.
Junior Kelsey Rozelle is Potter-Dix’s leading rusher on the season with 479 yards on 84 touches and four scores.
In the passing game, Purcell has slung the ball all over the field this season – four different Coyotes’ receivers have 200 yards or more receiving this year. Senior wideout Cooper Hicks leads all pass-catchers with 14 receptions for 300 yards and five trips to the end zone.
Sophomore Noah Nelson, who has 15 catches for 232 yards and a TD on offense, also has eight interceptions on defense.
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