Big Day From White Leads Neligh-Oakdale To Win In Opener

In a showdown involving two of the top quarterbacks in D1, it was Neligh-Oakdale's Grant White that had the biggest day to lead the Warriors to a 72-44 victory over Creighton Thursday night in Neligh.

White and Creighton quarterback Ryan Neumann both came in to the game with high expectations, and the two did not disappoint.

Neligh-Oakdale gave Creighton an early opportunity after a muffed kickoff recovery by the Bulldogs set up a short scoring drive to give Creighton a 6-0 lead. The Warriors countered that score to leave the game tied at six after one quarter.

Both teams came alive offensively in the second quarter, with Neligh-Oakdale outscoring Creighton 36-22 to take a halftime lead that they would not relinquish. 

White continuously hit his targets, going 26 of 30 for 443 yards through the air. He totaled seven touchdowns on the night. Three of those score went to Tyson Belitz, who finished with three touchdowns. Belitz hauled in 14 catches for 242 yards. Running back Pepper Marchant also had a big night, scoring touchdowns on the ground, as well as through the air.

Neumann did damage with his arm as well as with his legs, putting up 195 yards through the air and 67 yards on the ground. 

The win gives Neligh-Oakdale a 1-0 record on the season. They will travel to Macy to take on Omaha Nation next Friday.