No panic, yet

For the second straight week, Sidney faced one of the state's best Class B teams on the football field and came away short on the score board. But Raider Coach Chris Koozer isn't pushing the panic button yet, even after a 42-0 loss to McCook Friday at home.

"We've had two of the top four teams in the state from last year," Koozer said. "We've just got to keep at it and we'll be alright."

Going into the season, Koozer knew Sidney's linemen would be one of the keys to a successful season. And his linemen are getting valuable, but hard-earned experience.

Sidney showed flashes of its potential Friday, tracking down elusive McCook runners for solid stops. But in the end, McCook's strength proved too much for the inexperience Raiders, rushing for 415 yards and adding another 46 in the air.

The Raiders held McCook to just six points in the first quarter, before McCook added three additional touchdowns in the second quarter, highlighted by a 76-yard quarterback keeper for a touchdown to open the second quarter.

McCook led 18-0 midway through the quarter, when senior Noah Nelson brought the Raider faithful to their feet with a 74-yard kickoff return. McCook's defense held strong, denying the Raiders for four downs.

Sidney saw a measure of offensive success throughout the game, mostly from rushing and special teams, who logged 121 and 122 yards, respectively. Junior Derek Robb led Sidney ball carriers with 47 yards, followed by Alex Linneman with 29.

Robb also led the Sidney defensive attack with seven solo tackles and three assists. Coby Haas had nine tackles, five of them solo.

Sidney hosts Hastings this Friday for homecoming and Koozer said he believes the Raiders will have a better showing.

"We should match up well with Hastings," Koozer said.

The game begins at 7 p.m. Friday.