Knights Defeat Cyclones In 'Hard-Fought' Football Game

10/13/2014

Clearwater-Orchard was defeated by North Central, 38-28, in a "hard-fought" Friday afternoon game in Bassett, Coach Jeff Shabram said.

He said the Knights put up the only score of the first quarter on a TD run.

"The O-C offense missed out on a couple of scoring opportunities due to penalties and a turnover," Shabram said. "Then in the second quarter, North Central scored right before halftime on a TD run."

North Central had a 14-0 lead at halftime.

He said the Knights scored again early in the third quarter, this time on a long touchdown pass. But the Cyclones answered with a TD pass of their own, a 67-yarder from Zach Martin to Spencer Volden (Martin PAT pass to Riley Snider). The Knights then scored again on another long run before heading into the final quarter, making the score 26-8.

"In the 4th quarter was where the wild action occurred!" Shabram said.

O-C started the scoring on a 35-yard TD pass again from Martin to Volden (PAT pass Martin to Blake Kester). However, North Central scored touchdowns on two straight possessions.

"The Cyclones were not going down without a fight!" he said.

Volden scored on a 51-yard TD run (PAT failed). Then after a successful onside kick recovery, (Orlando Roman kick and Arnulfo Salas recovery), Martin hit Kester on a 41-yard TD pass (PAT failed).

"O-C’s defense stiffened up and forced a North Central punt, but it was too late and time ran out on the comeback," Shabram said. "Some other key plays in the second half that showed O-C’s grit and fight, but not able to capitalize on with a score, were Alex Widler punt block, Creston Bertschinger onside kick fumble recovery, and PAT kick blocks by Derik Allen and Brenden Cleveland. (In the first half, there was a clutch fumble recovery by Snider that was not able to be converted into points.) Those missed opportunities add up in the end, but the fight and resiliency of the players is to be commended. Way to never give up!"

Clearwater-Orchard Cyclones football team will play at home this Friday when they host the Niobrara/Verdigre Cougars. The game will be played in Orchard at 7:00 p.m.