Amherst def. Broken Bow 19-24, 24-13, 24-13, 25-22 (3-1)

Bertrand def. Medicine Valley 21-25, 25-14, 25-16, 16-25, 25-10 (3-2)

Brady def. Paxton 25-21, 25-23, 25-8 (3-0)

Cambridge def. Dundy County Stratton 25-14, 23-25, 25-21 (2-1)

Dundy County Stratton def. North Platte St. Patrick's 24-26, 25-20, 25-15 (2-1)

Garden County def. Bridgeport 25-18, 25-20 (2-0)

Garden County def. Kimball 25-18, 25-18 (2-0)

Gering def. North Platte 25-22, 22-25, 25-15, 25-21 (3-1)

Hershey def. Cozad 25-12, 25-20, 23-25, 25-16 (3-1)

Hitchcock County def. Wallace 25-18, 25-10 (2-0)

Maywood-Hayes Center def. Arapahoe 25-14, 25-16 (2-0)

Maywood-Hayes Center def. Loomis 25-18, 25-23 (2-0)

Ogallala def. McCook 25-35, 25-22, 25-15 (3-0)

Morrill def. Arthur County 25-21, 25-16 (2-0)

Perkins County def. Hitchcock County 25-18, 25-20 (2-0)

Perkins County def. Wallace 21-25, 25-18, 25-20 (2-1)

<h2>Volleyball</h2>Amherst def. Broken Bow 19-24, 24-13, 24-13, 25-22 (3-1)Bertrand def. Medicine Valley 21-25, 25-14, 25-16, 16-25, 25-10 (3-2)Brady def. Paxton 25-21, 25-23, 25-8 (3-0)Cambridge def. Dundy County Stratton 25-14, 23-25, 25-21 (2-1)Dundy County Stratton def. North Platte St. Patrick's 24-26, 25-20, 25-15 (2-1)Garden County def. Bridgeport 25-18, 25-20 (2-0)Garden County def. Kimball 25-18, 25-18 (2-0)Gering def. North Platte 25-22, 22-25, 25-15, 25-21 (3-1)Hershey def. Cozad 25-12, 25-20, 23-25, 25-16 (3-1)Hitchcock County def. Wallace 25-18, 25-10 (2-0)Maywood-Hayes Center def. Arapahoe 25-14, 25-16 (2-0)Maywood-Hayes Center def. Loomis 25-18, 25-23 (2-0)Ogallala def. McCook 25-35, 25-22, 25-15 (3-0)Morrill def. Arthur County 25-21, 25-16 (2-0)Perkins County def. Hitchcock County 25-18, 25-20 (2-0)Perkins County def. Wallace 21-25, 25-18, 25-20 (2-1)<h2>Softball</h2>Chase County 2 vs Wray/Yuma, CO 17Chase County 1 vs Wray/Yuma, CO 16Cozad 0 @ Aurora 8GICC vs HersheyHershey 2 @ Adams Central 12North Platte 0 vs Hastings St. Cecilia 8Southern Valley/Alma 19 @ Lexington 4<h2>Golf</h2>McCook DualNorth Platte - 173McCook - 207Allie Jones - 37Neeva Fisher - 48Janee Wagner - 45Presley Pettera - 45Taylor Race - 46Kaylee Lundgreen - 59

Area High School Sports Scores from 9-10

Radio Broadcast on Flatrock 100.7, <a href="https://bit.ly/3PabxMW">STREAM US Here</a>

<a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ne/ogallala/organization/11948/ogallala-high-school/video">WATCH w/ Radio Audio on Ogallala Public Schools Hudl Fan App</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733515173407.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Ogallala Indians on Flatrock 100.7 FM</h2>Tuesday, September 9, 20253-0 Ogallala Volleyball vs. 2-1 McCookRadio Broadcast on Flatrock 100.7, <a href="https://bit.ly/3PabxMW">STREAM US Here</a><a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ne/ogallala/organization/11948/ogallala-high-school/video">WATCH w/ Radio Audio on Ogallala Public Schools Hudl Fan App</a>

LISTEN ONLINE - Ogallala Volleyball vs. McCook

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports Information

CHADRON, Neb. – Nebraska-Kearney cashed in on four Chadron State turnovers and miscues to score 24 second-half points while posting a 41-21 win over CSC in an in-state rivalry football contest played in Kearney on Saturday night. The outcome allowed the Lopers to retain the Good Life Trophy, which was unveiled last year after it was agreed that the teams would meet annually.

A blocked punt by UNK late in the second quarter set off a chain reaction that transformed a low-scoring game into a high scoring one, as the Lopers used the short field to take a two-score lead just before halftime, then forced two CSC interceptions plus a fumble in the second half as the Eagles pressed to try to get back in the game. Those short fields for UNK were the difference, as the Lopers won by 20 points despite UNK and CSC having the exact same amount of total yards (306). Chadron State outgained the Lopers by two yards on the ground (134 to 132) while the home team had a two-yard advantage through the air (174 to 172). 

DJ Ralph had a day under duress, as the Eagles QB was sacked five times while completing 12 of 24 passes for 137 yards, a touchdown and two picks. Daytwaun Pearson led the Eagles on the ground with 83 yards rushing on 12 carries while Quincey Ryker added 56 yards on 12 carries of his own. Nebraska-Kearney had four different players score a rushing touchdown plus a pick-six and two Trey Prichard field goals. 

Chadron State had the lead at the end of the first quarter. Kearney kicked a 45-yard field goal during its first possession, but the Eagles answered with a 10-play, 88-yard drive that included five first downs before Ralph rushed for a seven-yard touchdown with 5:56 left in the first quarter. Wilson Yee kicked the extra point to give the Eagles a 7-3 lead. 

That score stood until about five minutes remained in the second quarter, when freshman tailback Jahmez Ross scored on a five-yard run to cap a 57-yard drive that put Kearney ahead 10-7. A 22-yard rush by senior tailback Isaiah Harris was the big gainer in the drive.

With Chadron State set to punt with under a minute to go in the first half, UNK's Trey Kennedy blocked the CSC punt attempt and the Lopers recovered at the Chadron State 16-yard line. The Lopers then went ahead 17-7 just 23 seconds before halftime when quarterback Abram Scholting ran the final four yards into the endzone.  

CSC Coach Jay Long said postgame that that touchdown forced his Eagles to abandon their game plan and "play from behind,." Both of Kearney's next two touchdowns were set up by interceptions and a third followed the recovery of a Chadron State fumble. Midway in the third period during a promising Eagle drive which had picked up two first downs, UNK's Ife Current read a screen pass perfectly, intercepting Ralph and taking it to the end zone to put the hosts ahead 24-7.

The Eagles answered quickly when sophomore and Bakersfield College transfer Devon Sundgren caught a pass near the sideline, broke a tackle and romped 51 yards to make the score 24-14. That was the longest play of the game for either team and was Sundgren's only catch of the contest.  

Kearney outscored Chadron State 17-7 in the fourth quarter, with all final-period points posted in the final 5:45. Pritchard initially kicked a 25-yard field goal after the Lopers had a first and goal but could not reach paydirt against the stingy CSC defense, but on Chadron State's first play following the ensuing kickoff, a miscommunication led to Ralph's pass going directly to linebacker Parker Wise, who returned it about 25 yards before he was stopped at the CSC three. Harris crossed the goal line on the next play to make the count 34-14.

The Eagles gave Oklahoma Baptist transfer Aidan Thompson some late-game snaps at quarterback, but Thompson and Ryker fumbled a handoff exchange and the Lopers claimed it. On the fourth play on the ensuing drive, UNK's backup signal caller, Ken Smith, took it the final eight yards to the end zone. 

The Eagles demonstrated that they still had moxie and were able to tally the game's final touchdown. With Thompson back at the controls, he completed two passes for 35 yards while Anthony McMillan was given his first three carries of the game, breaking off a 16-yard run to put the Eagles in plust territory and eventually going the final two yards for a touchdown (his first with CSC) with about a minute left on the clock. From there, however, UNK was able to take a knee.

Defensively, CSC's leading tacklers were linebacker Logan O'Brien, a Kearney native, and safety Sutton Pohlman each with seven. Griffin Clubb, Dax Yeradi and Liam Blaser each had six.  CJ Kuehl paced Kearney with eight stops.

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports InformationCHADRON, Neb. – Nebraska-Kearney cashed in on four Chadron State turnovers and miscues to score 24 second-half points while posting a 41-21 win over CSC in an in-state rivalry football contest played in Kearney on Saturday night. The outcome allowed the Lopers to retain the Good Life Trophy, which was unveiled last year after it was agreed that the teams would meet annually.A blocked punt by UNK late in the second quarter set off a chain reaction that transformed a low-scoring game into a high scoring one, as the Lopers used the short field to take a two-score lead just before halftime, then forced two CSC interceptions plus a fumble in the second half as the Eagles pressed to try to get back in the game. Those short fields for UNK were the difference, as the Lopers won by 20 points despite UNK and CSC having the exact same amount of total yards (306). Chadron State outgained the Lopers by two yards on the ground (134 to 132) while the home team had a two-yard advantage through the air (174 to 172). DJ Ralph had a day under duress, as the Eagles QB was sacked five times while completing 12 of 24 passes for 137 yards, a touchdown and two picks. Daytwaun Pearson led the Eagles on the ground with 83 yards rushing on 12 carries while Quincey Ryker added 56 yards on 12 carries of his own. Nebraska-Kearney had four different players score a rushing touchdown plus a pick-six and two Trey Prichard field goals. Chadron State had the lead at the end of the first quarter. Kearney kicked a 45-yard field goal during its first possession, but the Eagles answered with a 10-play, 88-yard drive that included five first downs before Ralph rushed for a seven-yard touchdown with 5:56 left in the first quarter. Wilson Yee kicked the extra point to give the Eagles a 7-3 lead. That score stood until about five minutes remained in the second quarter, when freshman tailback Jahmez Ross scored on a five-yard run to cap a 57-yard drive that put Kearney ahead 10-7. A 22-yard rush by senior tailback Isaiah Harris was the big gainer in the drive.With Chadron State set to punt with under a minute to go in the first half, UNK's Trey Kennedy blocked the CSC punt attempt and the Lopers recovered at the Chadron State 16-yard line. The Lopers then went ahead 17-7 just 23 seconds before halftime when quarterback Abram Scholting ran the final four yards into the endzone. CSC Coach Jay Long said postgame that that touchdown forced his Eagles to abandon their game plan and "play from behind,." Both of Kearney's next two touchdowns were set up by interceptions and a third followed the recovery of a Chadron State fumble. Midway in the third period during a promising Eagle drive which had picked up two first downs, UNK's Ife Current read a screen pass perfectly, intercepting Ralph and taking it to the end zone to put the hosts ahead 24-7.The Eagles answered quickly when sophomore and Bakersfield College transfer Devon Sundgren caught a pass near the sideline, broke a tackle and romped 51 yards to make the score 24-14. That was the longest play of the game for either team and was Sundgren's only catch of the contest. Kearney outscored Chadron State 17-7 in the fourth quarter, with all final-period points posted in the final 5:45. Pritchard initially kicked a 25-yard field goal after the Lopers had a first and goal but could not reach paydirt against the stingy CSC defense, but on Chadron State's first play following the ensuing kickoff, a miscommunication led to Ralph's pass going directly to linebacker Parker Wise, who returned it about 25 yards before he was stopped at the CSC three. Harris crossed the goal line on the next play to make the count 34-14.The Eagles gave Oklahoma Baptist transfer Aidan Thompson some late-game snaps at quarterback, but Thompson and Ryker fumbled a handoff exchange and the Lopers claimed it. On the fourth play on the ensuing drive, UNK's backup signal caller, Ken Smith, took it the final eight yards to the end zone. The Eagles demonstrated that they still had moxie and were able to tally the game's final touchdown. With Thompson back at the controls, he completed two passes for 35 yards while Anthony McMillan was given his first three carries of the game, breaking off a 16-yard run to put the Eagles in plust territory and eventually going the final two yards for a touchdown (his first with CSC) with about a minute left on the clock. From there, however, UNK was able to take a knee.Defensively, CSC's leading tacklers were linebacker Logan O'Brien, a Kearney native, and safety Sutton Pohlman each with seven. Griffin Clubb, Dax Yeradi and Liam Blaser each had six. CJ Kuehl paced Kearney with eight stops.

Blocked punt flips game in UNK's direction in 41-21 win over Chadron State

Story by NU Athletic Communications

LINCOLN, Neb. - The No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team improved to 6-0 on the season with a 25-15, 25-18, 25-12 sweep of California in front of 8,521 in John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Sunday afternoon. 

The Huskers swept the weekend at the Ameritas Players Challenge, never trailing in the sweep of Cal. Nebraska finished with a .419 hitting percentage against the Golden Bears (2-2). NU's defense was strong once again, holding Cal to a .088 hitting percentage.&nbsp;

Harper Murray had a team-high 14 kills with seven digs and three aces. Andi Jackson had a season-best 12 kills on .450 hitting with four blocks. Rebekah Allick posted six kills and four blocks, and Teraya Sigler recorded five kills and 10 digs.&nbsp;

Bergen Reilly had 20 assists, and Campbell Flynn had 18 assists finishing out the match. Laney Choboy had a match-high 11 digs.&nbsp;

Nebraska had nine blocks and six aces, while Cal had three blocks and three aces. The Huskers had a 43-27 advantage in digs and 49-26 in kills.&nbsp;

Set 1:&nbsp;Choboy served the Huskers to a 5-0 start, but Cal went on a 4-0 run of their own. But the Huskers answered with back-to-back kills by Murray and an ace by Adriano. With NU ahead 8-6, the Huskers ripped off a 7-0 run keyed by three aces in a row by Murray, and a solo block and kill by Reilly. Virginia Adriano, Murray and Jackson recorded kills to keep NU in front, 21-12, and the Huskers won 25-15.&nbsp;

Set 2:&nbsp;Jackson had three kills and a solo block to lift NU to a 7-3 lead. Murray tacked on two more kills, and Taylor Landfair and Adriano added one each before a solo block by Allick made it 12-6. Three kills in a row by Murray increased NU's lead to 16-8. Jackson and Allie Sczech combined for a block, and each posted a kill before a block by Allick and Flynn made it 23-13 Big Red. The Huskers won 25-18 on an Allick kill.

Set 3:&nbsp;The Huskers came out of the gate with an 8-1 run and never looked back. Jackson had four kills in that stretch. Murray recorded two kills, and Jackson added another as the lead grew to 12-3. A block by Allick and Sczech put NU up double digits, 14-4, and the Huskers pulled away to win 25-12.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Up Next:&nbsp;The Huskers resume non-conference action at home next weekend against Utah on Friday at 6 p.m., and against Grand Canyon on Saturday at 6 p.m.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLINCOLN, Neb. - The No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team improved to 6-0 on the season with a 25-15, 25-18, 25-12 sweep of California in front of 8,521 in John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Sunday afternoon. The Huskers swept the weekend at the Ameritas Players Challenge, never trailing in the sweep of Cal. Nebraska finished with a .419 hitting percentage against the Golden Bears (2-2). NU's defense was strong once again, holding Cal to a .088 hitting percentage.&nbsp;Harper Murray had a team-high 14 kills with seven digs and three aces. Andi Jackson had a season-best 12 kills on .450 hitting with four blocks. Rebekah Allick posted six kills and four blocks, and Teraya Sigler recorded five kills and 10 digs.&nbsp;Bergen Reilly had 20 assists, and Campbell Flynn had 18 assists finishing out the match. Laney Choboy had a match-high 11 digs.&nbsp;Nebraska had nine blocks and six aces, while Cal had three blocks and three aces. The Huskers had a 43-27 advantage in digs and 49-26 in kills.&nbsp;Set 1:&nbsp;Choboy served the Huskers to a 5-0 start, but Cal went on a 4-0 run of their own. But the Huskers answered with back-to-back kills by Murray and an ace by Adriano. With NU ahead 8-6, the Huskers ripped off a 7-0 run keyed by three aces in a row by Murray, and a solo block and kill by Reilly. Virginia Adriano, Murray and Jackson recorded kills to keep NU in front, 21-12, and the Huskers won 25-15.&nbsp;Set 2:&nbsp;Jackson had three kills and a solo block to lift NU to a 7-3 lead. Murray tacked on two more kills, and Taylor Landfair and Adriano added one each before a solo block by Allick made it 12-6. Three kills in a row by Murray increased NU's lead to 16-8. Jackson and Allie Sczech combined for a block, and each posted a kill before a block by Allick and Flynn made it 23-13 Big Red. The Huskers won 25-18 on an Allick kill.Set 3:&nbsp;The Huskers came out of the gate with an 8-1 run and never looked back. Jackson had four kills in that stretch. Murray recorded two kills, and Jackson added another as the lead grew to 12-3. A block by Allick and Sczech put NU up double digits, 14-4, and the Huskers pulled away to win 25-12.&nbsp; &nbsp;Up Next:&nbsp;The Huskers resume non-conference action at home next weekend against Utah on Friday at 6 p.m., and against Grand Canyon on Saturday at 6 p.m.

Huskers never trail in Sweep of Cal

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;

Kayma Carpenter scored two goals within five minutes and the Nebraska soccer team downed the Kansas State Wildcats, 2-0, on Sunday afternoon.

The Huskers moved to 5-0-2 on the season and have won four straight. NU continued its undefeated streak while handing the Wildcats (4-1-1) their first loss of 2025.

Carpenter’s two goals tied her career-high mark, which she set earlier this season against Southern Indiana. The junior has accounted for the game-winning goal in three of the Huskers’ five wins this year.

Carpenter recorded three shots, including two on goal to lead the Big Red. Sadie Sant, Mila Brach, Ellie Felt and Charlie Wistrom each added a shot on goal of their own. Sadie Waite contributed two assists on the afternoon. As a team, the Huskers took 10 shots to Kansas State’s 11, but held a 6-4 advantage in shots on goal. NU drew 16 fouls from the Wildcats to help lead to free kick opportunities. 

Cece Villa (4-0-2) grabbed the win in goal after recording her third shutout of the season. She notched three saves and played all 90 minutes. 

The first of Carpenter’s goals came 54:07 into the game and was assisted by Waite. Her second goal was just over four minutes later, a header into the left side of the net after assists from Ava Makovicka and Waite. 

The Husker defense held Kansas State to just two shots in the first period and only allowed four shots on goal across both halves.

Nebraska will open conference play with a match against Minnesota on Thursday, Sept. 11. The contest is set to start at 7 p.m. (CT) at Barbara Hibner Stadium and will be televised on the Big Ten Network. Fans can purchase tickets at huskers.com/tickets.

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;Kayma Carpenter scored two goals within five minutes and the Nebraska soccer team downed the Kansas State Wildcats, 2-0, on Sunday afternoon.The Huskers moved to 5-0-2 on the season and have won four straight. NU continued its undefeated streak while handing the Wildcats (4-1-1) their first loss of 2025.Carpenter’s two goals tied her career-high mark, which she set earlier this season against Southern Indiana. The junior has accounted for the game-winning goal in three of the Huskers’ five wins this year.Carpenter recorded three shots, including two on goal to lead the Big Red. Sadie Sant, Mila Brach, Ellie Felt and Charlie Wistrom each added a shot on goal of their own. Sadie Waite contributed two assists on the afternoon. As a team, the Huskers took 10 shots to Kansas State’s 11, but held a 6-4 advantage in shots on goal. NU drew 16 fouls from the Wildcats to help lead to free kick opportunities. Cece Villa (4-0-2) grabbed the win in goal after recording her third shutout of the season. She notched three saves and played all 90 minutes. The first of Carpenter’s goals came 54:07 into the game and was assisted by Waite. Her second goal was just over four minutes later, a header into the left side of the net after assists from Ava Makovicka and Waite. The Husker defense held Kansas State to just two shots in the first period and only allowed four shots on goal across both halves.Nebraska will open conference play with a match against Minnesota on Thursday, Sept. 11. The contest is set to start at 7 p.m. (CT) at Barbara Hibner Stadium and will be televised on the Big Ten Network. Fans can purchase tickets at huskers.com/tickets.

Carpenter nets Two Goals in Huskers’ 2-0 Win

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

Torrington, Wyo.– The North Platte Community College women's golf team opened the season at the Eastern Wyoming Tournament. The Knights placed third in the team standings after finishing 201-over par.

Leading the way for North Platte was freshman <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wgolf/2025-26/bios/frahm_iryana_po4q">Iryana Frahm</a>. Frahm shot an opening round 90, before shaving seven strokes in the second round to finish tied for seventh.

<a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wgolf/2025-26/bios/mendoza-rama_esperanza_w2ct">Esperanza Mendoza-Rama</a> (+48) carded a 95 in the first round, adding two strokes in the second to finish 16th in the field.&nbsp;

Freshman <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wgolf/2025-26/bios/oatts_zoey_ihk1">Zoey Oatts</a> (+57) took 15 strokes off her opening round score to finish 18th, while <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wgolf/2025-26/bios/mize_delaine_c6l4">Delaine Mize</a> (+67) rounded out the Knights with a 19th place finish.

Knights will return to the links to host the North Platte Community College Tournament with day one at Rivers Edge Golf Course and day two at Lake Maloney Golf Course Sept. 18-19.

T7. <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wgolf/2025-26/bios/frahm_iryana_po4q">Iryana Frahm</a> - 90-83 (+29)

16. <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wgolf/2025-26/bios/mendoza-rama_esperanza_w2ct">Esperanza Mendoza-Rama</a> - 95-97 (+48)

18. <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wgolf/2025-26/bios/oatts_zoey_ihk1">Zoey Oatts</a> - 108-93 (+57)

19. <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wgolf/2025-26/bios/mize_delaine_c6l4">Delaine Mize</a> - 103-108 (+67)

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsTorrington, Wyo.– The North Platte Community College women's golf team opened the season at the Eastern Wyoming Tournament. The Knights placed third in the team standings after finishing 201-over par.Leading the way for North Platte was freshman <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wgolf/2025-26/bios/frahm_iryana_po4q">Iryana Frahm</a>. Frahm shot an opening round 90, before shaving seven strokes in the second round to finish tied for seventh.<a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wgolf/2025-26/bios/mendoza-rama_esperanza_w2ct">Esperanza Mendoza-Rama</a> (+48) carded a 95 in the first round, adding two strokes in the second to finish 16th in the field.&nbsp;Freshman <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wgolf/2025-26/bios/oatts_zoey_ihk1">Zoey Oatts</a> (+57) took 15 strokes off her opening round score to finish 18th, while <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wgolf/2025-26/bios/mize_delaine_c6l4">Delaine Mize</a> (+67) rounded out the Knights with a 19th place finish.Knights will return to the links to host the North Platte Community College Tournament with day one at Rivers Edge Golf Course and day two at Lake Maloney Golf Course Sept. 18-19.North PlatteT7. <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wgolf/2025-26/bios/frahm_iryana_po4q">Iryana Frahm</a> - 90-83 (+29)16. <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wgolf/2025-26/bios/mendoza-rama_esperanza_w2ct">Esperanza Mendoza-Rama</a> - 95-97 (+48)18. <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wgolf/2025-26/bios/oatts_zoey_ihk1">Zoey Oatts</a> - 108-93 (+57)19. <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wgolf/2025-26/bios/mize_delaine_c6l4">Delaine Mize</a> - 103-108 (+67)Team StandingsEastern Wyoming - 331-314 (+69)Central Wyoming - 354-333 (+111)North Platte - 396-381 (+201)

Women’s golf open season at Eastern Wyoming Tournament

Story by NU Athletic Communication

LINCOLN, Neb. - The No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team swept Wright State 25-16, 25-16, 25-20 in front of a crowd of 8,731 at John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on day one of the Ameritas Players Challenge on Friday night.

Harper Murray had 11 kills and nine digs while hitting .500, and freshman Manaia Ogbechie recorded eight kills and five blocks in her first collegiate start, and she hit .583. Virginia Adriano chipped in seven kills and four blocks.&nbsp;

The Huskers (5-0) hit .330 and held the Raiders (2-2) to a .073 hitting percentage.&nbsp;

Andi Jackson tallied six kills, and Taylor Landfair and Skyler Pierce each had three. Bergen Reilly notched 30 assists and nine digs. Laney Choboy also added nine digs.&nbsp;

Nebraska had eight blocks to one for Wright State.

Set 1: Sigler served an ace to start the match and the Huskers built a 10-6 lead. Wright State rallied to go ahead 13-12 after a 5-1 run. But the Huskers answered with a 10-1 run to gain control, 22-14. Murray, Jackson and Landfair had back-to-back-to-back kills in that stretch, and Murray served an ace. Two more kills by Landfair, and one each by Ogbechie and Reilly closed out a 25-16 win.&nbsp;

Set 2: Wright State led 6-4 when the Huskers scored a 7-1 run keyed by two Ogbechie kills and two blocks by the freshman with Adriano to go up 11-7. Two straight kills by Murray made it 14-9, and another one put NU up 15-11 at the media timeout. Pierce and Ogbechie combined for a block before Ogbechie and Pierce kills made it 19-13 Big Red. Adriano had three kills down the stretch and a block with Ogbechie as the Huskers won 25-16 again.&nbsp;

Set 3: The Raiders built a 9-4 lead out of the intermission break. The Huskers chipped away to within 11-10 after a block by Adriano and Jackson, and a kill by Jackson. NU went up 16-13 after back-to-back kills by Reilly and Pierce. An ace by Reilly made it 19-15 Huskers. Ogbechie added another kill and a solo block by Murray put the Big Red up 21-16. Ogbechie, Adriano, Murray and Jackson tallied kills to finish off the 25-20 win.

Up Next: The Huskers finish the Ameritas Players Challenge on Sunday at 1 p.m. against California on BTN. Fans are welcome to attend the 11 a.m. match on Saturday between Cal and Wright State. Admission is free.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationLINCOLN, Neb. - The No. 1 Nebraska volleyball team swept Wright State 25-16, 25-16, 25-20 in front of a crowd of 8,731 at John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on day one of the Ameritas Players Challenge on Friday night.Harper Murray had 11 kills and nine digs while hitting .500, and freshman Manaia Ogbechie recorded eight kills and five blocks in her first collegiate start, and she hit .583. Virginia Adriano chipped in seven kills and four blocks.&nbsp;The Huskers (5-0) hit .330 and held the Raiders (2-2) to a .073 hitting percentage.&nbsp;Andi Jackson tallied six kills, and Taylor Landfair and Skyler Pierce each had three. Bergen Reilly notched 30 assists and nine digs. Laney Choboy also added nine digs.&nbsp;Nebraska had eight blocks to one for Wright State.Set 1: Sigler served an ace to start the match and the Huskers built a 10-6 lead. Wright State rallied to go ahead 13-12 after a 5-1 run. But the Huskers answered with a 10-1 run to gain control, 22-14. Murray, Jackson and Landfair had back-to-back-to-back kills in that stretch, and Murray served an ace. Two more kills by Landfair, and one each by Ogbechie and Reilly closed out a 25-16 win.&nbsp;Set 2: Wright State led 6-4 when the Huskers scored a 7-1 run keyed by two Ogbechie kills and two blocks by the freshman with Adriano to go up 11-7. Two straight kills by Murray made it 14-9, and another one put NU up 15-11 at the media timeout. Pierce and Ogbechie combined for a block before Ogbechie and Pierce kills made it 19-13 Big Red. Adriano had three kills down the stretch and a block with Ogbechie as the Huskers won 25-16 again.&nbsp;Set 3: The Raiders built a 9-4 lead out of the intermission break. The Huskers chipped away to within 11-10 after a block by Adriano and Jackson, and a kill by Jackson. NU went up 16-13 after back-to-back kills by Reilly and Pierce. An ace by Reilly made it 19-15 Huskers. Ogbechie added another kill and a solo block by Murray put the Big Red up 21-16. Ogbechie, Adriano, Murray and Jackson tallied kills to finish off the 25-20 win.Up Next: The Huskers finish the Ameritas Players Challenge on Sunday at 1 p.m. against California on BTN. Fans are welcome to attend the 11 a.m. match on Saturday between Cal and Wright State. Admission is free.&nbsp;

Huskers sweep Wright State

Torrington, Wyo. – The North Platte Community College men's golf team kicked off the 2025 campaign at the Eastern Wyoming College Fall Invite in Torrington, Wyo. The Knights wrapped up the two-day event in eighth place, finishing 86-over par as a team.

Freshman Simon Capocci&nbsp;led the way for North Platte, carding a two-round total of 157 (+13) to tie for 23rd place individually. Capocci carded an opening round 80 before shaving off three strokes to close with a final round 77.

Sophomore&nbsp;Layne Smotzer (+16)&nbsp;finished the tournament tied in 29th, while improving his score by six strokes in the final round.

Chandler Frahm began his collegiate career&nbsp;with two round score of 165 (+21) to close out the tournament in 36th place. Darin Neben&nbsp;recorded his best round on Friday to finish with a total score of 180 (+36).

Jason Jensen&nbsp;rounded out the Knights, finishing in 47th with a two-round total of 198 (+54), while posting his best round of 97 on Thursday afternoon.

Knights will return to the links to host the North Platte Community College Tournament&nbsp;with day one at Rivers Edge Golf Course and day two at Lake Maloney Golf Course&nbsp;Sept. 18-19.

T23.&nbsp;Simon Capocci&nbsp;- 80-77 (+13)

T29.&nbsp;Layne Smotzer&nbsp;- 83-77 (+16)

47.&nbsp;Jason Jensen&nbsp;- 97-101 (+54)

Eastern Wyoming (A) - 289-293 (+6)

Northeastern Junior College - 316-300 (+40)

Lamar - 313-306 (+43)McCook - 317-321 (+62)

Central Wyoming (B) - 320-322 (+66)

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsTorrington, Wyo. – The North Platte Community College men's golf team kicked off the 2025 campaign at the Eastern Wyoming College Fall Invite in Torrington, Wyo. The Knights wrapped up the two-day event in eighth place, finishing 86-over par as a team.Freshman Simon Capocci&nbsp;led the way for North Platte, carding a two-round total of 157 (+13) to tie for 23rd place individually. Capocci carded an opening round 80 before shaving off three strokes to close with a final round 77.Sophomore&nbsp;Layne Smotzer (+16)&nbsp;finished the tournament tied in 29th, while improving his score by six strokes in the final round.Chandler Frahm began his collegiate career&nbsp;with two round score of 165 (+21) to close out the tournament in 36th place. Darin Neben&nbsp;recorded his best round on Friday to finish with a total score of 180 (+36).Jason Jensen&nbsp;rounded out the Knights, finishing in 47th with a two-round total of 198 (+54), while posting his best round of 97 on Thursday afternoon.Knights will return to the links to host the North Platte Community College Tournament&nbsp;with day one at Rivers Edge Golf Course and day two at Lake Maloney Golf Course&nbsp;Sept. 18-19.North PlatteT23.&nbsp;Simon Capocci&nbsp;- 80-77 (+13)T29.&nbsp;Layne Smotzer&nbsp;- 83-77 (+16)36.&nbsp;Chandler Frahm - 81-84 (+21)45.&nbsp;Darin Neben&nbsp;- 92-88 (+36)47.&nbsp;Jason Jensen&nbsp;- 97-101 (+54)Team StandingsEastern Wyoming (A) - 289-293 (+6)Central Wyoming (A) - 308-283&nbsp;(+15)Eastern Wyoming (B) - 308-291 (+23)Northeastern Junior College - 316-300 (+40)Lamar - 313-306 (+43)McCook - 317-321 (+62)Central Wyoming (B) - 320-322 (+66)North Platte - 336-326 (+86)

Knights season opener at Eastern Wyoming Tournament

Arcadia-Loup City 48 vs. Southern Valley 38

Dundy County Stratton 42 vs Bridgeport 16

North Platte St. Patrick's: North Platte St. Patrick's 56 vs. Sutherland 8

Perkins County 46 vs. Sandhills Valley 16

Arcadia-Loup City 48 vs. Southern Valley 38Arthur County 44 vs Medicine Valley 8Brady 85 vs Morrill 8Central City 48 @ Cozad 7Dundy County Stratton 42 vs Bridgeport 16Gothenburg 41 @ Chase County 0Hi-Line 28 @ South Loup 6Hitchcock County 66 @ Maxwell 12Lincoln East 24 vs North Platte 0North Platte St. Patrick's: North Platte St. Patrick's 56 vs. Sutherland 8Ogallala 18 vs Broken Bow 7Perkins County 46 vs. Sandhills Valley 16

Area Football Scores from 9-5

By: Daphne LaVigne CSC Sports Information

CHADRON, Neb. – The Chadron State volleyball team played two games on Friday at the Eagle Classic, one against Augustana College and the other against Northern State University. The Eagles played a thrilling five-set match against Augustana, taking the first two sets before the Vikings came back for a 23-25, 23-25, 25-20, 25-20, 15-11 win. The Eagles then fell against nationally ranked Northern State University in three sets, 25-20, 25-11, 25-22.

Augustana and the Eagles were back and forth most of the game, the ending score being within five points of each other for all sets. Augustana won its second straight five-set match after beating Black Hills State in five on Thursday.

Kally Kirkwood led the team against Augustana with 19 kills, followed by Mataya Ward with 13. Kirkwood also led the team with three blocks, tying with Shelbi Hazlitt. 

Augustana opened the first set by scoring three points before an attack error put the Eagles on the board. The set continued to change leads until a four point streak from Chadron put the Eagles ahead 12-10. Kally Kirkwood took over with five kills in the set, with her final one giving CSC a 21-19 lead. With the score tied at 23, an Augustana service error followed by an ace from Avery Lacy ended the set for the Eagles. 

After the Eagles scored the first point of the second set with a kill from Hazlitt, the Vikings answered with their own four point run to lead 4-1. The Eagles tied the score again at 7-7 after a kill from Kirkwood and a bad set from the Vikings. After back-to-back kills from Mataya Ward gave the Eagles a 23-22 lead, CSC's Gibson Beckler scored the last two points with a kill and an ace, ending the set 25-23. 

The beginning of the third set bounced back and forth until the Vikings went on a five point run, making the score 9-3. Augustana continued to lead the rest of the set despite the attempts of Chadron State, including a five point streak from the Eagles that cut the lead to 21-18. Ultimately the Vikings took the third set, 25-20, sending the game into a fourth set. 

The Eagles came into the fourth set fighting, starting with kills from Hazlitt and Kirkwood. The Eagles were able to hold onto this lead until Augustana tied it 7-7 from an attack error. Augustana grew their lead with multiple 4-0 scoring runs, eventually taking the set with a 25-20 finish, tying the set scores. 

Augustana carried the momentum from the past two sets into the finishing set. The Eagles fought hard going on a four point streak to tie the score 7-7. Augustana pulled ahead, winning four of the last five points to win the set 15-11 and win the match 3-2. 

In the Eagles' following game against Northern, the first set began with a kill from Beckler before the Wolves took control, keeping the lead the rest of the set. The Eagles had a four point run with kills from Ward and Beckler and an ace from Shelby Harding, cutting the lead to 18-15. Despite the run, the set ended 25-20, Northern. 

The Wolves came in hot for the second set, scoring six straight points to open. The Eagles tried to respond, but Northern won the second set handily, 25-11. 

CSC fought back in the third set, going on a six point run in the beginning, with kills from Bella Adams and Jillian Donovan and an ace from Beckler to take the lead 8-4. The teams continued to compete, with Northern scoring five points in a row to take the lead before a kill from Hazlitt and another ace from Harding gave the Eagles the lead back at 14-13. The set was neck to neck before Northern pulled away, ending the set 25-22, and winning in straight sets. 

Ward led the team against Northern State with seven kills, followed by Kirkwood and Beckler with five. Harding led the team in serving, scoring three aces. Adams, Ward and Hazlitt all tied with three blocks. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757166456376.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By: Daphne LaVigne CSC Sports InformationCHADRON, Neb. – The Chadron State volleyball team played two games on Friday at the Eagle Classic, one against Augustana College and the other against Northern State University. The Eagles played a thrilling five-set match against Augustana, taking the first two sets before the Vikings came back for a 23-25, 23-25, 25-20, 25-20, 15-11 win. The Eagles then fell against nationally ranked Northern State University in three sets, 25-20, 25-11, 25-22.Augustana and the Eagles were back and forth most of the game, the ending score being within five points of each other for all sets. Augustana won its second straight five-set match after beating Black Hills State in five on Thursday.Kally Kirkwood led the team against Augustana with 19 kills, followed by Mataya Ward with 13. Kirkwood also led the team with three blocks, tying with Shelbi Hazlitt. Augustana opened the first set by scoring three points before an attack error put the Eagles on the board. The set continued to change leads until a four point streak from Chadron put the Eagles ahead 12-10. Kally Kirkwood took over with five kills in the set, with her final one giving CSC a 21-19 lead. With the score tied at 23, an Augustana service error followed by an ace from Avery Lacy ended the set for the Eagles. After the Eagles scored the first point of the second set with a kill from Hazlitt, the Vikings answered with their own four point run to lead 4-1. The Eagles tied the score again at 7-7 after a kill from Kirkwood and a bad set from the Vikings. After back-to-back kills from Mataya Ward gave the Eagles a 23-22 lead, CSC's Gibson Beckler scored the last two points with a kill and an ace, ending the set 25-23. The beginning of the third set bounced back and forth until the Vikings went on a five point run, making the score 9-3. Augustana continued to lead the rest of the set despite the attempts of Chadron State, including a five point streak from the Eagles that cut the lead to 21-18. Ultimately the Vikings took the third set, 25-20, sending the game into a fourth set. The Eagles came into the fourth set fighting, starting with kills from Hazlitt and Kirkwood. The Eagles were able to hold onto this lead until Augustana tied it 7-7 from an attack error. Augustana grew their lead with multiple 4-0 scoring runs, eventually taking the set with a 25-20 finish, tying the set scores. Augustana carried the momentum from the past two sets into the finishing set. The Eagles fought hard going on a four point streak to tie the score 7-7. Augustana pulled ahead, winning four of the last five points to win the set 15-11 and win the match 3-2. In the Eagles' following game against Northern, the first set began with a kill from Beckler before the Wolves took control, keeping the lead the rest of the set. The Eagles had a four point run with kills from Ward and Beckler and an ace from Shelby Harding, cutting the lead to 18-15. Despite the run, the set ended 25-20, Northern. The Wolves came in hot for the second set, scoring six straight points to open. The Eagles tried to respond, but Northern won the second set handily, 25-11. CSC fought back in the third set, going on a six point run in the beginning, with kills from Bella Adams and Jillian Donovan and an ace from Beckler to take the lead 8-4. The teams continued to compete, with Northern scoring five points in a row to take the lead before a kill from Hazlitt and another ace from Harding gave the Eagles the lead back at 14-13. The set was neck to neck before Northern pulled away, ending the set 25-22, and winning in straight sets. Ward led the team against Northern State with seven kills, followed by Kirkwood and Beckler with five. Harding led the team in serving, scoring three aces. Adams, Ward and Hazlitt all tied with three blocks.

🏐 CSC drops to 0-3 with losses at Eagle Classic Friday

🏈 Week 2 - Nebraska High School Football Scoreboard

Northern Valley, KS at Crawford - 11:00 Saturday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694026679093.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>🏈 Week 2 - Nebraska High School Football Scoreboard◼ Thursday, September 4Wallace 48 @ Creek Valley 12Garden County 52 vs Cody-Kilgore 15South Platte 50 vs Paxton 7Mullen 35 @ Maywood-Hayes Center 16◼ Friday, September 5Alliance 28 vs Holdrege 14Chadron 34 vs Valentine 0Scottsbluff 56,Lincoln Northwest 7Gering 46 vs Mitchell 14Dundy County Stratton 42 vs Bridgeport 16O'Neill 63,&nbsp;Gordon-Rushville 8 Sidney 20 vs Minden 0Ogallala 18 vs Broken Bow 7Hemingford 58 @ Hyannis 8Kimball 50 @ Bayard 0Potter-Dix 66 @ Sterling 32Brady 85 vs Morrill 8Minatare 43 @ Banner County 24Leyton 52 vs Sioux County 12Northern Valley, KS at Crawford - 11:00 Saturday

🏈 Week 2 - Nebraska High School Football Scoreboard

Area High School Sports Scores from 9-4

Chadron State Coach Jay Long breaks down the opener at UNC, highlights key plays and performers, announces the first Hammer Award winner and takes a peek ahead at the UNK showdown!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666116284028.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Chadron State Coach Jay Long breaks down the opener at UNC, highlights key plays and performers, announces the first Hammer Award winner and takes a peek ahead at the UNK showdown!<div><iframe title="Jay Long Show - 9/2/25" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=gkdge-19512a1-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🔊 PODCAST: Jay Long Show - 9/2/25

OMAHA, Neb. (Sept. 1, 2025) — The Nebraska State Patrol is reminding Husker fans that safety should be part of their gameday plan.

Colonel Bryan Waugh, of NSP, will announce the effort during a media event at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the NSP Troop A office, 4411 S. 108th St. in Omaha. The campaign will feature troopers from across the state, who will take part in events leading up to the delivery of the Huskers’ game ball to Memorial Stadium ahead of Saturday’s home opener against Akron.

The effort is designed to encourage safe travel to and from Lincoln on game days, with reminders for fans to drive sober, buckle up and stay alert on crowded roadways. 

This is also a good reminder that safety extends beyond the stadium and in Lincoln. Whether traveling to the game, gathering with friends or attending a large watch party, state patrol leaders say fans safety should be forefront. 

Nebraska enters Saturday's game following a 20-17 victory over Cincinnati in its season opener Aug. 28 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. 

The game ball handoff is expected to highlight both statewide teamwork among troopers and the importance of planning ahead so fans can enjoy the game safely.

The game ball will travel across all six NSP troop areas, starting in Omaha and finishing in Lincoln. Fans can follow the game ball’s trip around the state on NSP’s social media pages.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756819903027.jpeg" alt="Nebraska State Patrol to deliver game ball to Memorial Stadium as part of a safe driving campaign Sept. 2, 2025." />
 <figcaption>Nebraska State Patrol to deliver game ball to Memorial Stadium as part of a safe driving campaign Sept. 2, 2025.</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (Sept. 1, 2025) — The Nebraska State Patrol is reminding Husker fans that safety should be part of their gameday plan.Colonel Bryan Waugh, of NSP, will announce the effort during a media event at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the NSP Troop A office, 4411 S. 108th St. in Omaha. The campaign will feature troopers from across the state, who will take part in events leading up to the delivery of the Huskers’ game ball to Memorial Stadium ahead of Saturday’s home opener against Akron.The effort is designed to encourage safe travel to and from Lincoln on game days, with reminders for fans to drive sober, buckle up and stay alert on crowded roadways. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756835087345.jpeg" alt="Tuesday morning, Colonel Bryan Waugh kicked off a statewide campaign to promote safe travel for Husker home games." />
 <figcaption>Tuesday morning, Colonel Bryan Waugh kicked off a statewide campaign to promote safe travel for Husker home games.</figcaption>
 </figure>This is also a good reminder that safety extends beyond the stadium and in Lincoln. Whether traveling to the game, gathering with friends or attending a large watch party, state patrol leaders say fans safety should be forefront. Nebraska enters Saturday's game following a 20-17 victory over Cincinnati in its season opener Aug. 28 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756837058614.jpeg" alt="Governor Jim Pillen assists in Game Day football handoff Sept. 2, 2025." />
 <figcaption>Governor Jim Pillen assists in Game Day football handoff Sept. 2, 2025.</figcaption>
 </figure>The game ball handoff is expected to highlight both statewide teamwork among troopers and the importance of planning ahead so fans can enjoy the game safely.The game ball will travel across all six NSP troop areas, starting in Omaha and finishing in Lincoln. Fans can follow the game ball’s trip around the state on NSP’s social media pages.

Troopers to Hand Off Husker Game Ball in Campaign for Gameday Safety

Bridgeport 44, North Platte St. Patrick's 28

Bridgeport 44, North Platte St. Patrick's 28Garden County 79, Crawford 25Gothenburg 28, Ogallala 11Hitchcock County 54, Brady 6McCook 41, Beatrice 15Wallace 44, Arthur County 36Wauneta-Palisade 44, South Platte 28

Area Football Scores from 8-29

Story by UNK Athletic Communication

Kearney, Neb. – Redshirt sophomore quarterback Abram Scholting scored from three yards out with 1:07 left and the defense had two late stops to help Nebraska Kearney win at Wayne State, 28-21, Thursday night at Bob Cunningham Field.

This was the 85th all-time meeting between the Lopers and Wildcats but the first in 14 years. UNK now holds a 60-19-6 series lead with the two slated to open the 2026 season at Ron &amp; Carol Cope Stadium.

The Loper defense stuffed the Wildcats on four straight plays from the eight-yard line with just over six minutes remaining. However, Wayne recovered a fumble two plays later and got a generous spot at UNK six-yard line. The Blue Wall almost did it again as they recorded another three stops, but a facemask penalty gave the 'Cats a set of new downs and they tied things up at 21 with 3:47 remaining.&nbsp;

Scholting (Pierce), who started last year's 35-0 win at Southwest Minnesota, took over for banged up starter Daron Bryden (Enfield, Conn.) late in the third quarter. Scholting had already played in the first half, but it was his game to finish after a late hit, and subsequent ejection, put Bryden on the sidelines.

"I had to prepare like the starter; "DB" was the guy and doing a good job. Our team played great tonight, and I had to just come in and do my job. I can't make it anything more than it is," said Scholting.

Scholting started the game-winning drive with runs of four and nine yards and then senior back Isaiah Harris (Omaha) had a four-yard run. Scholting then ran down the left sidelines for 14 yards before Harris ran the other direction on the next play for a 41-yard gain. He finished with a career-high 165 yards and one score on 21 carries.

With Harris just stepping out of bounds on the three, UNK's next two runs didn't gain much but Wayne used two of its three timeouts. On third down, Scholting scored for the second time by powering in from the left side. He started the fourth with a four-yard run that made it 21-14."It's definitely something you dream about. The playing experience last year helped a lot but when I came in, I just had to breathe, relax, and tell myself it's just football. I've been playing since second grade," said Scholting. "I have a lot of friends that go to Wayne State so it's fun to beat them."

Wayne, however, didn't go down quietly as sophomore QB Bennett Dannenbring had completions of 15 and 31 yards. On the big gainer, sophomore receiver Alex Phelps made a leaping grab between two Lopers that moved the ball to the 30-yard line with 26 seconds left. But on the very next play, redshirt sophomore safety Saieed Hasan (Peoria, Ariz.) picked off Dannenbring in the middle of the field. In the first half, junior newcomer Qualyn McQueen (Miami) had an INT that led to a 42-yard scoring drive and 14-7 lead.

UNK out gained WSC by a 329-281 margin, was 3 for 3 in the red zone and 6 of 14 on third down. Next, the defense held the 'Cats to 56 yards rushing, recorded six tackles for loss (2.0 sacks) with senior corner Ife Current (Kennendale, Texas) having UNK's third and final pick.

"Well, its next man up; that's how you have to do it and that's why we recruit multiple guys. Abe came in and did an incredible job. Being a local kid this was a big game for him," said UNK head coach Ryan Held. "He stepped up and we made the plays when we needed to."

Bryden was 7 of 11 for 67 yards and threw a 13-yard scoring pass to junior receiver Jaden Jude (Athens, Ala.) in the third quarter. He also had a 16-yard scramble with his one INT coming on a "Hail Mary" play at the end of the first half. Next, Scholting was 3 for 4 for 51 yards and ran eight times for 39 yards. Jude, previously at FCS Tennessee-Chattanooga, hauled in seven balls for 98 yards.

"There were some boneheaded plays we made there, turned the ball over late, had some penalties, gave them some opportunities," said Held. "But that was a gutsy drive there at the end to make it happen and then our defense found a way to end it.

"Finally on offense, Harris had a 55-yards scoring run on the second play from scrimmage and a 26-yard scamper in the second. This is his fifth career 100-yard day. Defensively, McQueen (eight) and Illinois senior corner Jovan Marsh (seven) led in tackles with Kansas junior backers Dylan Jordan (Pittsburg, Kan.) and Parker Wise (Kearney) both at six and a half sack

."We knew 12 personnel could be a good group against them (on the last drive). We felt there was some advantages there with our tight ends, spread them out a little bit but still be able to run the ball," said Held. "Our ability to run the football over four quarters was the difference in the game. This was great for the State of Nebraska to have a contest like this."

In his first collegiate start for Wayne, Dannenbring was 19 of 33 for 225 yards and two TD's with junior tight end Dane Peterson having both scores on six grabs for 94 yards. Phelps then managed 51 yards on three catches with back Dawson Forgy having 31 yards on 10 totes. The defense was led by backer Jes Krcil (15 tackles, one forced fumble) and senior backer Alex Kowalczyk (10 tackles) and junior tackle Luke Lambert (eight tackles, three for loss).UNK hosts Chadron State next Saturday; the Eagles are at FCS-member Northern Colorado this Saturday.

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationKearney, Neb. – Redshirt sophomore quarterback Abram Scholting scored from three yards out with 1:07 left and the defense had two late stops to help Nebraska Kearney win at Wayne State, 28-21, Thursday night at Bob Cunningham Field.This was the 85th all-time meeting between the Lopers and Wildcats but the first in 14 years. UNK now holds a 60-19-6 series lead with the two slated to open the 2026 season at Ron &amp; Carol Cope Stadium.The Loper defense stuffed the Wildcats on four straight plays from the eight-yard line with just over six minutes remaining. However, Wayne recovered a fumble two plays later and got a generous spot at UNK six-yard line. The Blue Wall almost did it again as they recorded another three stops, but a facemask penalty gave the 'Cats a set of new downs and they tied things up at 21 with 3:47 remaining.&nbsp;Scholting (Pierce), who started last year's 35-0 win at Southwest Minnesota, took over for banged up starter Daron Bryden (Enfield, Conn.) late in the third quarter. Scholting had already played in the first half, but it was his game to finish after a late hit, and subsequent ejection, put Bryden on the sidelines."I had to prepare like the starter; "DB" was the guy and doing a good job. Our team played great tonight, and I had to just come in and do my job. I can't make it anything more than it is," said Scholting.Scholting started the game-winning drive with runs of four and nine yards and then senior back Isaiah Harris (Omaha) had a four-yard run. Scholting then ran down the left sidelines for 14 yards before Harris ran the other direction on the next play for a 41-yard gain. He finished with a career-high 165 yards and one score on 21 carries.With Harris just stepping out of bounds on the three, UNK's next two runs didn't gain much but Wayne used two of its three timeouts. On third down, Scholting scored for the second time by powering in from the left side. He started the fourth with a four-yard run that made it 21-14."It's definitely something you dream about. The playing experience last year helped a lot but when I came in, I just had to breathe, relax, and tell myself it's just football. I've been playing since second grade," said Scholting. "I have a lot of friends that go to Wayne State so it's fun to beat them."Wayne, however, didn't go down quietly as sophomore QB Bennett Dannenbring had completions of 15 and 31 yards. On the big gainer, sophomore receiver Alex Phelps made a leaping grab between two Lopers that moved the ball to the 30-yard line with 26 seconds left. But on the very next play, redshirt sophomore safety Saieed Hasan (Peoria, Ariz.) picked off Dannenbring in the middle of the field. In the first half, junior newcomer Qualyn McQueen (Miami) had an INT that led to a 42-yard scoring drive and 14-7 lead.UNK out gained WSC by a 329-281 margin, was 3 for 3 in the red zone and 6 of 14 on third down. Next, the defense held the 'Cats to 56 yards rushing, recorded six tackles for loss (2.0 sacks) with senior corner Ife Current (Kennendale, Texas) having UNK's third and final pick."Well, its next man up; that's how you have to do it and that's why we recruit multiple guys. Abe came in and did an incredible job. Being a local kid this was a big game for him," said UNK head coach Ryan Held. "He stepped up and we made the plays when we needed to."Bryden was 7 of 11 for 67 yards and threw a 13-yard scoring pass to junior receiver Jaden Jude (Athens, Ala.) in the third quarter. He also had a 16-yard scramble with his one INT coming on a "Hail Mary" play at the end of the first half. Next, Scholting was 3 for 4 for 51 yards and ran eight times for 39 yards. Jude, previously at FCS Tennessee-Chattanooga, hauled in seven balls for 98 yards."There were some boneheaded plays we made there, turned the ball over late, had some penalties, gave them some opportunities," said Held. "But that was a gutsy drive there at the end to make it happen and then our defense found a way to end it."Finally on offense, Harris had a 55-yards scoring run on the second play from scrimmage and a 26-yard scamper in the second. This is his fifth career 100-yard day. Defensively, McQueen (eight) and Illinois senior corner Jovan Marsh (seven) led in tackles with Kansas junior backers Dylan Jordan (Pittsburg, Kan.) and Parker Wise (Kearney) both at six and a half sack."We knew 12 personnel could be a good group against them (on the last drive). We felt there was some advantages there with our tight ends, spread them out a little bit but still be able to run the ball," said Held. "Our ability to run the football over four quarters was the difference in the game. This was great for the State of Nebraska to have a contest like this."In his first collegiate start for Wayne, Dannenbring was 19 of 33 for 225 yards and two TD's with junior tight end Dane Peterson having both scores on six grabs for 94 yards. Phelps then managed 51 yards on three catches with back Dawson Forgy having 31 yards on 10 totes. The defense was led by backer Jes Krcil (15 tackles, one forced fumble) and senior backer Alex Kowalczyk (10 tackles) and junior tackle Luke Lambert (eight tackles, three for loss).UNK hosts Chadron State next Saturday; the Eagles are at FCS-member Northern Colorado this Saturday.

Last minute TD & INT lifts Lopers at Wayne

<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/malcolm-hartzog">Malcolm Hartzog Jr.</a>&nbsp;intercepted a Brendan Sorsby pass in the end zone with 39 seconds remaining to seal Nebraska's 20-17 season-opening victory over Cincinnati Thursday night at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

Hartzog's interception was one of two big takeaways for the Blackshirt defense, which recovered a fumble to set up a 24-yard Husker touchdown drive in the closing minute of the first half. Nebraska trailed 3-0 after one quarter but took a 13-3 lead into the locker room. Cincinnati managed two second-half touchdowns, but a three-yard touchdown pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/dylan-raiola">Dylan Raiola</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/dane-key">Dane Key</a>&nbsp;on a fourth-down play with 10:36 remaining provided the winning margin for the Big Red.

Raiola was efficient, completing 33-of-42 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. Nebraska had 243 passing yards while limiting the Bearcats to just 69 yards through the air on 25 attempts. Cincinnati out-rushed Nebraska in the game, but&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/emmett-johnson">Emmett Johnson</a>&nbsp;led all players with 108 yards to post his second career 100-yard rushing game.

Defensively, DJ Singleton led Nebraska with eight tackles and five Huskers had a pass breakup. Hartzog had the game's lone interception, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/vincent-shavers-jr">Vincent Shavers Jr.</a>&nbsp;forced a fumble that was recovered by&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/williams-nwaneri">Williams Nwaneri</a>, as Nebraska had two takeaways in the game and did not commit a turnover itself.

Nebraska, which defeated a Power Four opponent in a season opener for the first time since 2003, improved to 1-0 while Cincinnati fell to 0-1.

The Huskers host their first home game of the season on Saturday, Sept. 6 against Akron at 6:30 p.m.

Story by NU Athletic Communication<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/malcolm-hartzog">Malcolm Hartzog Jr.</a>&nbsp;intercepted a Brendan Sorsby pass in the end zone with 39 seconds remaining to seal Nebraska's 20-17 season-opening victory over Cincinnati Thursday night at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.Hartzog's interception was one of two big takeaways for the Blackshirt defense, which recovered a fumble to set up a 24-yard Husker touchdown drive in the closing minute of the first half. Nebraska trailed 3-0 after one quarter but took a 13-3 lead into the locker room. Cincinnati managed two second-half touchdowns, but a three-yard touchdown pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/dylan-raiola">Dylan Raiola</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/dane-key">Dane Key</a>&nbsp;on a fourth-down play with 10:36 remaining provided the winning margin for the Big Red.Raiola was efficient, completing 33-of-42 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. Nebraska had 243 passing yards while limiting the Bearcats to just 69 yards through the air on 25 attempts. Cincinnati out-rushed Nebraska in the game, but&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/emmett-johnson">Emmett Johnson</a>&nbsp;led all players with 108 yards to post his second career 100-yard rushing game.Defensively, DJ Singleton led Nebraska with eight tackles and five Huskers had a pass breakup. Hartzog had the game's lone interception, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/vincent-shavers-jr">Vincent Shavers Jr.</a>&nbsp;forced a fumble that was recovered by&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/williams-nwaneri">Williams Nwaneri</a>, as Nebraska had two takeaways in the game and did not commit a turnover itself.Nebraska, which defeated a Power Four opponent in a season opener for the first time since 2003, improved to 1-0 while Cincinnati fell to 0-1.The Huskers host their first home game of the season on Saturday, Sept. 6 against Akron at 6:30 p.m.

Huskers open season with 20-17 victory

With three minutes left in the match, graduate student Reagan Raabe notched the game-winning goal for the Nebraska soccer team in its 1-0 victory over Weber State on Thursday night.

Raabe scored on a cross by Ava Makovicka in the lower half of the goal. Her goal was one of her five shots in the game, including two on goal.&nbsp;

Makovicka and Mila Brach each recorded three shots and Jo Sees had two. As a team, NU held the advantage in shots (19-4), shots on goal (5-2) and corner kicks (9-0). Cece Villa (1-0-2) played the whole game in goal, posted two saves, and claimed the win.&nbsp;

With the victory, the Big Red moved to 2-0-2 on the season, while Weber State fell to 3-2-0.&nbsp;

Neither team scored in the first half, but NU put on the pressure, notching 11 shots. Raabe logged the Huskers’ only shot on goal in the period, which was saved by the Wildcat goalkeeper. The Husker defense did not allow any shots by Weber State in the first half.&nbsp;

NU will travel to Omaha, Neb., for a matchup with the Mavericks on Sunday, Aug. 31. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be streamed on the Summit League Network.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsWith three minutes left in the match, graduate student Reagan Raabe notched the game-winning goal for the Nebraska soccer team in its 1-0 victory over Weber State on Thursday night.Raabe scored on a cross by Ava Makovicka in the lower half of the goal. Her goal was one of her five shots in the game, including two on goal.&nbsp;Makovicka and Mila Brach each recorded three shots and Jo Sees had two. As a team, NU held the advantage in shots (19-4), shots on goal (5-2) and corner kicks (9-0). Cece Villa (1-0-2) played the whole game in goal, posted two saves, and claimed the win.&nbsp;With the victory, the Big Red moved to 2-0-2 on the season, while Weber State fell to 3-2-0.&nbsp;Neither team scored in the first half, but NU put on the pressure, notching 11 shots. Raabe logged the Huskers’ only shot on goal in the period, which was saved by the Wildcat goalkeeper. The Husker defense did not allow any shots by Weber State in the first half.&nbsp;NU will travel to Omaha, Neb., for a matchup with the Mavericks on Sunday, Aug. 31. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be streamed on the Summit League Network.

Raabe nets game winner in 1-0 victory

Area High School Sports scores from 8-28

Two football teams that are hoping to be much more successful this fall will open their seasons Saturday afternoon at 1 o’clock in Greeley, where the Chadron State Eagles will meet the Northern Colorado Bears in a non-conference contest.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Eagles played many of their games close last season, losing five times by a touchdown or less, while finishing with a 3-8 record.&nbsp; The Bears went 1-11, defeating only Weber State 21-17.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Naturally, both teams and their coaches want to win much more often this autumn.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not much is known about the Bears.&nbsp; A Google search merely says the 2025 outlook is uncertain but shows potential with the addition of a new placekicker and punter. It adds that the team’s performance will depend on new talent and the leadership under Head Coach Ed Lamb.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No direct comments from Lamb, who is beginning his third season at Northern Colorado, could be found.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Before coming to Greeley, Lamb had been the assistant head coach and special teams coordinator at Brigham Young for seven seasons. Prior to that he was the head coach at Southern Utah for eight seasons, inheriting a team that had suffered 18 straight losses, but he led the Thunderbirds to two conference championships before going to BYU.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chadron State Coach Jay Long, who is in his 25th&nbsp;year as a college coach and his 14th as the Eagles’ head mentor, has been vocal about his team’s chances this fall.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;He has high expectations for the Eagles. He points out that the defense, which returns eight mainstays and nearly all of the alternates from a year ago when it ranked second in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in total defense and third in scoring defense.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Long also believes the offensive line, which has four new starters, is much improved and is elated that senior quarterback DJ Ralph, who was superb last fall when he was healthy, has fully recovered from shoulder surgery and has performed extra well during the preseason.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; The Eagles also possess one of the conference’s top receivers in Tommy Thomas, who has caught 91 passes for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns in the past two seasons, despite missing three games and most of a fourth last fall.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And, the Eagles didn’t need to replace their kickers.&nbsp; Punter Brodie Eisenbraun and placekicker Wilson Yee are seniors who rank among CSC’s all-time bests when it comes to booting the ball.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While the Eagles have an array of assets and Northern Colorado’s program has struggled the past 20 years when it has won only 50 games and lost more than 165. But the Bears are a Division I team that plays in the Football Championship Subdivision.&nbsp; They are members of the Big Sky Conference made up of teams such as Eastern Washington, Idaho, Idaho State, Montana and Montana State and Northern Arizona.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Those schools, including UNC, have more scholarships than DII programs like Chadron State. That usually means they have more size and speed.&nbsp; Dating back to 1993, the Eagles have tangled with nine such teams and won just twice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The first win was in 2006 when Chadron State upset Montana State 35-14 the next game after the Bobcats had shocked the University of Colorado in the season-opener.&nbsp; The second was in 2007, when the Eagles went to Greeley and overwhelmed Northern Colorado 31-0.&nbsp; (See additional story.)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Since then, the Eagles lost to Montana State 33-6 in 2012 and visited St. George, Utah, in 2022, were tied with Utah Tech 7-7 at halftime, but lost 56-10 after the Trailblazers intercepted four passes in the second half and returned two of them for touchdowns.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Chadron State coaches say they don’t know much about this year’s Northern Colorado team.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “It’s usually this way going into the season-opener,” CSC Defensive Coordinator Clint Sasse explained.&nbsp; “We’re preparing for everything. It helps that our offense is a pretty versatile, so we’ve seen different formations and plays in our practices, but it’s always difficult to get ready for a team we don’t usually play and it’s the first game on the schedule.”

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The teams traded two-deep depth charts on Tuesday.&nbsp; Something that stands out about the Bears is that all five starters on the offensive line are at least 6-foot-3 and weigh at least 300 pounds.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Both tight ends are also monsters.&nbsp; Fisher Clements is 6-7, 265 and Charlie Garrrison is 6-5, 260, and caught 15 passes for 196 yards last season. The major pass receiving threat, however, is Brayden Munroe, a 6-2, 200-pound junior, who led the Bears with 37 catches for 447 yards and three TDs last year.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The starting quarterback is listed as Peter Costelli, who is 6-3, 220. He played in five games a year ago, completing 39 of 72 passes for 591 yards and four touchdowns.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The probable starter at tailback is Mathias Price, a 6-2, 215-pound sophomore who carried just seven times for 24 yards last season. Aliou-Rocco Traore, 6-0, 196, is No. 2 on the tailback list and was a defensive back last year, when he made 54 tackles.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Last fall’s leading tackler was Cam Chapa, 6-1, 193, a freshman when he participated in 83 tackles, 45 of them solos, and had four of the team’s six interceptions. He was named to the FCS Football Central Freshman All-American team and was placed on this year’s Big Sky Preseason All-Conference Team.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The returning defenders also include Keenan Gutherie, 6-2, 240, who was third on the 2024 tackle chart with 73 stops.&nbsp; Strong safety Darrell Bryant II, 5-11, 200, was sixth with 52.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; During the 2024 season, the Bears were outscored 37.8 to 11.3 points per game and outgained 472 to 285 yards per game.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chadron State’s probable starters are

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Offense

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690822098674.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By: Con Marshall CSC Sports InformationTwo football teams that are hoping to be much more successful this fall will open their seasons Saturday afternoon at 1 o’clock in Greeley, where the Chadron State Eagles will meet the Northern Colorado Bears in a non-conference contest.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Eagles played many of their games close last season, losing five times by a touchdown or less, while finishing with a 3-8 record.&nbsp; The Bears went 1-11, defeating only Weber State 21-17.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Naturally, both teams and their coaches want to win much more often this autumn.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not much is known about the Bears.&nbsp; A Google search merely says the 2025 outlook is uncertain but shows potential with the addition of a new placekicker and punter. It adds that the team’s performance will depend on new talent and the leadership under Head Coach Ed Lamb.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No direct comments from Lamb, who is beginning his third season at Northern Colorado, could be found.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Before coming to Greeley, Lamb had been the assistant head coach and special teams coordinator at Brigham Young for seven seasons. Prior to that he was the head coach at Southern Utah for eight seasons, inheriting a team that had suffered 18 straight losses, but he led the Thunderbirds to two conference championships before going to BYU.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chadron State Coach Jay Long, who is in his 25th&nbsp;year as a college coach and his 14th as the Eagles’ head mentor, has been vocal about his team’s chances this fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;He has high expectations for the Eagles. He points out that the defense, which returns eight mainstays and nearly all of the alternates from a year ago when it ranked second in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in total defense and third in scoring defense.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Long also believes the offensive line, which has four new starters, is much improved and is elated that senior quarterback DJ Ralph, who was superb last fall when he was healthy, has fully recovered from shoulder surgery and has performed extra well during the preseason.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; The Eagles also possess one of the conference’s top receivers in Tommy Thomas, who has caught 91 passes for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns in the past two seasons, despite missing three games and most of a fourth last fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And, the Eagles didn’t need to replace their kickers.&nbsp; Punter Brodie Eisenbraun and placekicker Wilson Yee are seniors who rank among CSC’s all-time bests when it comes to booting the ball.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While the Eagles have an array of assets and Northern Colorado’s program has struggled the past 20 years when it has won only 50 games and lost more than 165. But the Bears are a Division I team that plays in the Football Championship Subdivision.&nbsp; They are members of the Big Sky Conference made up of teams such as Eastern Washington, Idaho, Idaho State, Montana and Montana State and Northern Arizona.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Those schools, including UNC, have more scholarships than DII programs like Chadron State. That usually means they have more size and speed.&nbsp; Dating back to 1993, the Eagles have tangled with nine such teams and won just twice.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The first win was in 2006 when Chadron State upset Montana State 35-14 the next game after the Bobcats had shocked the University of Colorado in the season-opener.&nbsp; The second was in 2007, when the Eagles went to Greeley and overwhelmed Northern Colorado 31-0.&nbsp; (See additional story.)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Since then, the Eagles lost to Montana State 33-6 in 2012 and visited St. George, Utah, in 2022, were tied with Utah Tech 7-7 at halftime, but lost 56-10 after the Trailblazers intercepted four passes in the second half and returned two of them for touchdowns.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Chadron State coaches say they don’t know much about this year’s Northern Colorado team.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “It’s usually this way going into the season-opener,” CSC Defensive Coordinator Clint Sasse explained.&nbsp; “We’re preparing for everything. It helps that our offense is a pretty versatile, so we’ve seen different formations and plays in our practices, but it’s always difficult to get ready for a team we don’t usually play and it’s the first game on the schedule.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The teams traded two-deep depth charts on Tuesday.&nbsp; Something that stands out about the Bears is that all five starters on the offensive line are at least 6-foot-3 and weigh at least 300 pounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Both tight ends are also monsters.&nbsp; Fisher Clements is 6-7, 265 and Charlie Garrrison is 6-5, 260, and caught 15 passes for 196 yards last season. The major pass receiving threat, however, is Brayden Munroe, a 6-2, 200-pound junior, who led the Bears with 37 catches for 447 yards and three TDs last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The starting quarterback is listed as Peter Costelli, who is 6-3, 220. He played in five games a year ago, completing 39 of 72 passes for 591 yards and four touchdowns.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The probable starter at tailback is Mathias Price, a 6-2, 215-pound sophomore who carried just seven times for 24 yards last season. Aliou-Rocco Traore, 6-0, 196, is No. 2 on the tailback list and was a defensive back last year, when he made 54 tackles.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Last fall’s leading tackler was Cam Chapa, 6-1, 193, a freshman when he participated in 83 tackles, 45 of them solos, and had four of the team’s six interceptions. He was named to the FCS Football Central Freshman All-American team and was placed on this year’s Big Sky Preseason All-Conference Team.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The returning defenders also include Keenan Gutherie, 6-2, 240, who was third on the 2024 tackle chart with 73 stops.&nbsp; Strong safety Darrell Bryant II, 5-11, 200, was sixth with 52.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; During the 2024 season, the Bears were outscored 37.8 to 11.3 points per game and outgained 472 to 285 yards per game.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chadron State’s probable starters are&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;OffenseWR—Tommy Thomas, 6-2, 190, Sr., Rollin George III, 6-1, 185, Jr., and Garet Schlabs, 6-0, 180, So.TE—Preston Pearson, 6-2, 225, Sr.OT—Tristan Randall, 6-4, 285. R-Fr., and Corben Holler, 6-5, 300, R-Fr.OG—Levi Banuelos, 6-4, 290, Sr., and Jal Chan, 6-3, 320, Sr.C—Dominic Castanon, 6-0, 280, Jr.QB—DJ Ralph, 6-3, 205, Sr.RB—Daytuawn Pearson, 5-7, 180, Jr.PK—Wilson Yee, 6-0, 190, Sr.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DefenseDL—Griffin Clubb, 6-3, 270, So., Tanner True, 6-3, 300, Sr., and Andrew Calderon, 6-4, 270, Jr.LB—Logan O’Brien, 6-4, 220, Sr., Reed Henkel, 6-1, 225, Jr., and William Stemler, 6-2, 240, Jr.CB—Jadon Bowen, 5-11, 175, Sr., and AJ Scurlock, 6-0, 195, Jr.S—Dax Yeradi, 6-0, 195, Sr., Sutton Pohlman, 6-1, 215, Sr., and Tucker Peterson, 6-1, 200, Jr.