Raiders lose heartbreaker

The Sidney Red Raiders football team hosted the Holdrege Dusters Friday. The Red Raiders fell to the Dusters 26-23.

The game started with the Raiders scoring first at 11:15 in the first quarter.

With the point-after, the Raiders were leading 7-0. The Dusters matched the Raiders points later in the first quarter for a 7-7 game.

Sidney put up the one points in the second quarter to end the half with the Raiders in the lead 23-7. The Raiders were helped with a safety against the Dusters.

The game turned, however, in the third quarter when the Dusters returned the favor, scoring 16 while keeping the Raiders off of the board.

The first score of the third quarter occurred at about 3:20 with a rushing touchdown by Holdrege. A second touchdown and a two-point conversion resulted in a 23-23 game after three quarters.

It was in the fourth quarter that the Raiders were denied a touchdown when a punt return touchdown was returned for a roughing the passer call.

With 2:41 left on the clock, Holdrege kicked a field goal to capture the lead.

Sidney coach Chris Koozer the game's decision isn't because of any single factor. Mostly, it is about missed opportunities.

"We have to keep battling through," he said.

Koozer said the Raiders need to be more consistent in their attack.

He added the contest with Holdrege is almost identical to how it ended in 2016.

The Red Raiders travel to York this week.

"They're really, really good," Koozer said.

He said York defeated McCook by two touchdowns for their first loss of the season.

The challenge is Sidney will need to put together a solid contest from both sides of the field.

Statistically, senior Jon Smith had 86 yards in the game. Senior Derek Robb lead the team with 164 yards. Robb had 17 carries for 161 yards, one reception for three yards and 14 points. Junior Arik Doty finished the game with six points and Jon Smith had three for a team total of 23 points.