Strong Second Half Propels Raiders Over Indians, 26-22

It was Homecoming Week at Sidney High School, and all of the events and activities at the high school were in preparation for the big game Friday night against the visiting Ogallala Indians at Weymouth Field. With a 6 p.m. kick-off, the Sidney faithful were out in force early for a Homecoming tailgate, and then filled the stands to root on their Red Raiders.

The Indians came into the contest with a 4-and-3 record looking to make a playoff drive, while the Raiders sat at 3-and-4 and looked to get a win to keep their hopes of a winning season, and a slight chance of making the playoffs at the start of Friday's games alive. The fans were treated to an outstanding game from the opening, with Sidney recovering a fumble on Ogallala's opening drive. Unfortunately, the Red Raiders gave the ball right back with a fumble on their first play from scrimmage. The Sidney defense then stiffened and forced a three-and-out, then the offense went on a 10 play drive starting from their own 20 yard line capped off by a Luke Holly touchdown plunge to take a 7-to-0 lead early.

In the first minutes of the second quarter, Ogallala's defense intercepted a pass by Sidney senior quarterback Isak Doty at mid-field. On their second play, Ogallala junior Caden Rezac was able to get around the end and trucked 49 yards for a touchdown, and after a two-point conversion failed, the score was 7-to-6 in favor of Sidney. After the teams both failed to move the ball on their next possessions, Sidney was able to drive and score a touchdown on a 21 yard run by Doty. Sidney also tried a two-point conversion that failed, and held a 13-to-6 lead. But disaster struck on the ensuing kickoff and Rezac was able to return the kick 92 yards for a touchdown. This time their two-point conversion was successful, and the Indians led 14-to-13 at intermission.

The Red Raiders continued their strong second-half play in this contest, with touchdowns coming on consecutive drives in the third quarter and the beginning of the fourth quarter. Down 26-to-14, Ogallala responded with a long pass from Rezac to junior Harry Caskey followed by a two-point conversion to cut the Sidney lead to 26-to-22 with about three minutes left in regulation. Sidney received the ensuing kick and was able run out the clock on offense to secure the victory.

Doty completed eight of 16 passes for 189 and rushed 18 times for 122 yards in the win. Luke Holly scored three rushing touchdowns, and had 16 carries for 40 yards. Sidney closes out the regular season with a road match up against Alliance on Friday.

Kick-off is currently scheduled for 7 p.m.