STIFLING "D" STUFFS NELIGH
Big Plays Power Offense
by Daniel Kent
The Pender Football team made the long trip down to Neligh for their game against the Warriors. It was a hard fought game with the Dragons coming out on top by a score of 21-20 in over-time.
The Dragons' offense was powered on the ground by Matt S., who rumbled for 103 yards on 21 carries. Matt S. scored his only touchdown of the game in the second quarter on a fantastic 51 yard run, breaking many tackles on the way. The passing game was much improved this week, with Joey G. completing six of 14 but racking up 96 yards. Leading receiver of the game was once again Grant F.with two catches for 47 yards and scoring on a 30-yard pass from Joey G.
The Dragon "D" was led again by Brant W. with nine solo and six assisted tackles with one tackle for a loss. Other leaders were Jared Johnson with eight solo and three assisted and two tackles for a loss and Bret M. with eight solo and one assisted. Take away leader for the game was Joey G. with a game saving interception in the third quarter.
Special teams were once again sound for Pender. Punter Bret M. booted the ball four times for 112 yards while punt returner Chris S. had a tough time finding day light, returning the ball three times for only 16 yards. Kicking off for Pender was both Joey G. and Daniel Kent, combining three kicks for 86 yards. Credit to Joey, though, for recovering his own "on-side" kick.
The Dragons were sent into their first over-time game this year. Tied 14-14, Pender was the first to be on offense. Three plays later Joey G. ran the ball in from one yard out, and with the extra point the Dragons went up 21-14. Neligh mimicked the Dragons on offense, scoring in three plays. Neligh attempted the win by going for two but the tenacious "D" of the Dragons stuffed them at the one yard line, helping the Dragons win 21-20.
