Raiders Look to Get Back on Track

Sidney's Red Raider football team was handed their first loss of the season by the Cozad Haymakers, falling 14-to-7 in a game Sidney head coach Koozer believes was an aberration, and not an indicator of the teams potential.

Prior to the game, coach Koozer did express some concern with the nearly 3-hour long bus trip against a team they had not had a history of playing.

Koozer noted, "We definitely came off that bus flat. And it was quite a bit more humid than we anticipated. It definitely effected how we started against Cozad."

It was readily apparent that something was off with the Red Raiders, as they fumbled on their third play from scrimmage, then soon after muffed a kick return that set them deep in their own territory, and were plagued by penalties and mental mistakes that seemed to happen at the worst possible moments.

"We were just off in all aspects of the game, and it kept us from establishing any type of momentum offensively. We would move the ball, but were unable to cash in for points. We would make some plays on defense, but couldn't get off the field. Penalties, mental mistakes and an inability to get it together just threw us off track."

The Red Raider offense struggled with Cozad's defensive scheme, which used double coverage on the edges to neutralize Sidney's sweeps and sprint option plays to force Sidney's offense to try to run up the middle.

"Their coaching staff really prepared well for us. Hats off to them.", said Koozer.

The Red Raiders were able to regroup their defense, and played much better in the second half, keeping the Haymakers off the scoreboard. After scoring a touchdown in the third quarter to narrow Cozad's lead to 14-to-7, Sidney again was able to get into scoring position, but then the offense stalled. Senior Arik Doty was called in for a field goal attempt.

"I was thinking, Ok we'll take the field goal here, and then we can get the ball back and drive to win the game," said Koozer.

Doty, who has been very reliable with his kicking so far this season, missed the field goal and Sidney did not score for the remainder of the contest.

Koozer said it was important to take away the lessons of the Cozad game, and immediately focus on the next game.

"I think we're going to need to shake things up a bit", said Koozer, adding "the good thing is (with the loss) now that target's off our back. All we need to focus on is winning games and getting to the post-season. Records don't matter then."

Tonight, Sidney faces the 1-and-3 Chadron Cardinals at Weymouth Field, and hopes to get back on track with a win. Sidney faced Chadron occasionally prior to Sidney's move to Class C-1.

"We would alternate within the division, so every few years we would play them, the last time being three years ago", said Koozer. He continued, saying "Chadron lost a lot of talented seniors to graduation, and they've struggled a bit. They've got a good quarterback, and they throw a lot."

Koozer anticipates Chadron will utilize a 3-4 defensive scheme against Sidney, with athletic linebackers that are able to stop the run and rush the passer effectively. Koozer also indicated he expects Chadron to learn from Cozad's experience, and try to make Sidney go vertical with their rushing attack.

Defensively, coach Koozer is preparing his squad for a Chadron quarterback who has a good arm and quick feet and that passes more often than most opponents Sidney faces.

"He's a good quarterback with a good arm and will throw a lot. He's shorter than most quarterbacks, so they tend to roll him out so he can see the field better. We're preparing for that."

He added, "It's about playing our game, and not making mistakes. If we're able to keep focused and make the plays we should make consistently, I believe we'll be successful."