Warriors Bounce Back With Strong Win Thursday

The Warriors spent the week with a bitter taste in their mouth. On Thursday, they rinsed that taste out with a huge, much-needed win.

"I was proud of the way the kids bounced back from last week's game. They put in a good week of practice and were very committed to playing better," said coach Ron Beacom.

Neligh-Oakdale opened the home slate against Omaha Nation, taking down the Chiefs 70-30.

The Warriors wasted no time getting on the board, scoring after just three plays. They finished the first quarter up 28-0, eventually extending that lead to 48-14 heading into the break. With a running clock the rest of the way, Neligh-Oakdale scored 16 in the third and just six in the final frame to take home the win.

Hunter Charf came back in a huge way after throwing two interceptions in his first career start. He connected on 5-of-7 passes for 141 yards and two scores. He also led the team on the ground, with 70 yards rushing on just four attempts.

Andrew Herley added 58 yards rushing as well while Jayden Arehart put in 41 yards of his own.

Charf's top target was Austin Rice, who hauled in two grabs for 90 yards, including a 71 yarder. 

Plenty of the young guys got in on the action as well. Brock Kester threw for 68 yards and two scores and Garret Belitz churned out 11 yards on the ground. Gage Dawson, Julien Hearn and Dawson Kaup posted 19, 10 and 40 yards receiving, respectively. 

"We still have a ways to go, but our young kids are really starting to step up and become more comfortable in their roles and the older kids are starting to understand the expectations of leadership," Beacom said.