The Alliance Bulldogs were looking for an upset win over one of the top teams in Class B this season, while there were many positives, Gering used strong pitching from Sarah Weise in a 5-0 win.

There were no runs until Gering plated two in the 3rd and three more in the 4th for the only scoring of the game.

Hannah Schneider had another strong game in the circle for Alliance, striking out six Gering batters over seven innings, while allowing 11 hits and two walks.

Gering pitcher Sarah Wiese had a whopping 16 strikeouts in the win, allowing just four hits in the victory. Hallie Schneider, Alivia Osborn, Kyra Jesperson and Maci Cornish all had one hit for Alliance.

Next up for Alliance is a home double-header against Bayard, followed by a home triangular on Saturday against Chadron and Chase County.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post The Alliance Bulldogs were looking for an upset win over one of the top teams in Class B this season, while there were many positives, Gering used strong pitching from Sarah Weise in a 5-0 win.There were no runs until Gering plated two in the 3rd and three more in the 4th for the only scoring of the game.Hannah Schneider had another strong game in the circle for Alliance, striking out six Gering batters over seven innings, while allowing 11 hits and two walks.Gering pitcher Sarah Wiese had a whopping 16 strikeouts in the win, allowing just four hits in the victory. Hallie Schneider, Alivia Osborn, Kyra Jesperson and Maci Cornish all had one hit for Alliance.Next up for Alliance is a home double-header against Bayard, followed by a home triangular on Saturday against Chadron and Chase County.

Alliance softball falls short to Gering at Hal Murray

CSC Head Coach Jay Long and Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins revisit CSC's school-record 61-yard field goal, break down the Western Colorado game and look ahead to the showdown at #2 Colorado Mines this week!

<div><iframe title="Jay Long Show - September 26, 2023" 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=8hy9x-14b5d49-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>CSC Head Coach Jay Long and Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins revisit CSC's school-record 61-yard field goal, break down the Western Colorado game and look ahead to the showdown at #2 Colorado Mines this week!<figure>
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🔊 Jay Long Show - September 26, 2023

The Alliance Bulldogs boy's tennis team faced stiff competition at the Hastings Invite on Friday, as the Bulldogs placed 10th at the invite. Here are the results:

#1 Singles Tony Escamilla went 0 - 4.&nbsp; &nbsp;

 &nbsp;#2 Singles Tre Red Bear went 1- 3 getting a win over Norfolk's Shaun Gustman 8-3.

#1 Doubles Landyn Branstiter and Kade Richey went 0 - 4

# 2 Doubles Bryce Wade and Kash Shrewsbury went&nbsp;0 - 4.

Bulldogs Head Coach Scott Mills said the effort from his team was strong.&nbsp; "They all played better and much smarter, but we were definitely playing some top players in the area, Mills said. "I was proud of the way they played and kept fighting; I saw some improvements across the board at Hastings."

Varsity team is back at it on Tuesday at Gering on Tue.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostThe Alliance Bulldogs boy's tennis team faced stiff competition at the Hastings Invite on Friday, as the Bulldogs placed 10th at the invite. Here are the results:#1 Singles Tony Escamilla went 0 - 4.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;#2 Singles Tre Red Bear went 1- 3 getting a win over Norfolk's Shaun Gustman 8-3.#1 Doubles Landyn Branstiter and Kade Richey went 0 - 4# 2 Doubles Bryce Wade and Kash Shrewsbury went&nbsp;0 - 4.Bulldogs Head Coach Scott Mills said the effort from his team was strong.&nbsp; "They all played better and much smarter, but we were definitely playing some top players in the area, Mills said. "I was proud of the way they played and kept fighting; I saw some improvements across the board at Hastings."Varsity team is back at it on Tuesday at Gering on Tue.

Tre Red Bear earns win at Hastings to lead Alliance Tennis

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post

Alliance, NE - The Bulldogs offense at times were clicking, but the defense was unable to contain the running attack of Ogallala in a 48-22 loss at Bulldog Stadium.

"It's a tough game, we knew it was going to be a tough game because they're a tough team who is very physical," Alliance Head Coach T.D Stein said.

Ogallala rushed for 430 yards, but the Bulldogs offense did have their moments as Landen Crowe completed 15 of 26 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns and an interception. Tristen Timbers and Espen Lanik each had a receiving TD while Timbers added a fumble recovery for the score. Alliance next faces 4-1 Mitchell at Bulldog Stadium on Friday at 7 pm.

Maxwell, NE - The Hemingford Bobcats battled Maxwell early, but three straight touchdowns in the fourth quarter for Maxwell helped them pull away 36-14. Here are post-game remarks from Hemingford Head Coach Josh Dean.

"Credit Maxwell for the win, however, it was more about what we did to ourselves than what they did to us," Dean said.&nbsp; Defensively, we did really well about 80-90% of the game. Even that high of a percentage is typically not going to win you a game against a good opponent."

Offensively, the Bobcats fumbled three times and threw two interceptions while also giving up an onside kick on special teams, but still played well enough to give themselves a chance in the fourth quarter.

Jacob Bryner had a 6-yard rushing touchdown to cut Maxwell's lead to 8-6. Bobcats trailed 16-6 at halftime before scoring first in the 4th quarter with a Zane Feist rushing score that got Hemingford within two points 16-14. However, 3 straight rushing touchdowns were the difference for Maxwell.

Hemingford falls to 2-3 and looks to get on track against Bayard at home at 2 pm on Friday.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostAlliance, NE - The Bulldogs offense at times were clicking, but the defense was unable to contain the running attack of Ogallala in a 48-22 loss at Bulldog Stadium. "It's a tough game, we knew it was going to be a tough game because they're a tough team who is very physical," Alliance Head Coach T.D Stein said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695659152752.jpeg" alt="Landen Crowe throws to a receiver on Friday. (Photo credit to Karen Benzel)" />
 <figcaption>Landen Crowe throws to a receiver on Friday. (Photo credit to Karen Benzel)</figcaption>
 </figure>Ogallala rushed for 430 yards, but the Bulldogs offense did have their moments as Landen Crowe completed 15 of 26 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns and an interception. Tristen Timbers and Espen Lanik each had a receiving TD while Timbers added a fumble recovery for the score. Alliance next faces 4-1 Mitchell at Bulldog Stadium on Friday at 7 pm.Maxwell, NE - The Hemingford Bobcats battled Maxwell early, but three straight touchdowns in the fourth quarter for Maxwell helped them pull away 36-14. Here are post-game remarks from Hemingford Head Coach Josh Dean.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695659292263.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy of Hemingford Public Schools" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of Hemingford Public Schools</figcaption>
 </figure>"Credit Maxwell for the win, however, it was more about what we did to ourselves than what they did to us," Dean said.&nbsp; Defensively, we did really well about 80-90% of the game. Even that high of a percentage is typically not going to win you a game against a good opponent."Offensively, the Bobcats fumbled three times and threw two interceptions while also giving up an onside kick on special teams, but still played well enough to give themselves a chance in the fourth quarter.Jacob Bryner had a 6-yard rushing touchdown to cut Maxwell's lead to 8-6. Bobcats trailed 16-6 at halftime before scoring first in the 4th quarter with a Zane Feist rushing score that got Hemingford within two points 16-14. However, 3 straight rushing touchdowns were the difference for Maxwell.Hemingford falls to 2-3 and looks to get on track against Bayard at home at 2 pm on Friday.

High School Football: Alliance & Hemingford drop tough games

The Chadron State College football team was defeated 35-17 by Western Colorado Mountaineers at home Saturday, but the Eagles had bright spots, giving hope that the Eagles are improving.

              The Eagles’ highlights included three field goals by Wilson Yee and an 80-touchdown pass play by a pair of sophomores.

              Yee’s field goals included a school-record 61-yarder that a referee who was underneath the crossbar said would have been good from another five yards away.  It came early in the third period. He initially kicked a 25-yard field goal in the first period and also booted a 36-yard third three-pointer with just over four minutes left in the third frame.

              The perfectly-executed touchdown pass play occurred midway in the fourth period, when quarterback Preston Pearson hooked up with Tommy Thomas, who was running full speed in the middle of the field and made the over-his-head grab. The ball was in the air about 40 yards and Thomas took it the remaining 40 yards to the end zone

Thomas also caught the two-point conversion pass that was thrown by another receiver, Grant Swenson.  The eight-point burst cut Western’s lead to 28-17, putting the Eagles within striking range of the Colorado visitors.

However, on their next possession, Mountaineers’ quarterback Drew Nash completed four of six passes, including a 39-yard connection with Cole Ritters that carried to the Eagles’ three-yard line. Running back Dayvon Butler scored on the next play and placekicker Adam Tasei added the extra point to pretty well secure the victory.

Western took a 7-0 lead on its first possession by completing a 53-yard pass play began when Nash threw an overhand lateral to Butler in the left flat. Butler then connected with wide receiver Andrew Montez on a 53-yard run-and-catch for a touchdown with less than three minutes gone off the clock. 

Yee’s first field goal, which was set up when CSC linebacker Hunter O’Connor punched the ball out of Nash’s grasp and the fumble was recovered by Eagles’ lineman Kien Martin, cut Western’s lead to 7-3.

However, the Mountaineers dominated the second period and scored three touchdowns to take a 28-3 halftime lead.

Following a 67-yard punt by the Eagles’ Brodie Eisenbraun, the visitors initially drove 99 yards on 16 plays with Nash going the final two yards with 5:42 left in the quarter.  Two minutes later, Nash hit wide receiver Victory David, who was running a fly pattern, on a 77-yard scoring strike.

Western added its final TD of the quarter was set up when linebacker Kendall Lightfoot intercepted a CSC pass at the Chadron State 37. Nash’s five-yard toss to running back Braeden Hogan netted the touchdown with nine seconds left on the first half clock.  

Nash, a sophomore, completed 28 of 41 passes for 320 yards and two TDs. Montez was his favorite target with eight catches for 111 yards. Five other Mountaineers caught at least two passes for 30 yards or more yards. Butler was the game’s leading rusher with 17 carries for 56 yards.

Pearson competed five of 12 passes for 99 yards while starter Heath Beemiller was four of eight for 24 yards. Jeydon Cox had nine rushes for 33 yards to pace CSC on the ground.

Altogether, the Mountaineers out-yarded the Eagles 506 to 228.  They finished with 24 first downs and the Eagles just 10.  Western was 10 of 17 on third down conversions and CSC four of 14.

Both safety Sutton Pohlman and linebacker Joey Geil led CSC in tackles with 10. Lightfoot had eight stops besides his interception to pace the visitors’ defense. Cy Shope was next with seven tackles. 

Yee’s CSC-record 61-yard field goal comes after Gunnar Jones kicked two 57-yard field goals last fall against Adams State to match Aaron Turner’s 57-yarder that was also against Adams State in 2000. 

Now 1-3, the Eagles will visit defending RMAC champion and No. 2 nationally-ranked Colorado School of Mines in Golden next Saturday, Sept. 30. 

                             WSU                    CSC

First Downs                         24                        10

Total Net Yards               506                        228

Rushes, Yards                  35-133               34-105

Passing Yards                   373                       123

Passing                              29-42-0               9-20-1

Return Yards                        39                      49

Punts, Average                4-35.2                  6-43.3

Fumbles, Lost                     2-2                       1-1

Penalties, Yards               6-40                       7-44

Western Colorado            7            21        0           7       ----35

Chadron State                   3              0         6           8        ---17

WCU—Andrew Montez 53 pass from Deyvon Butler (Adam Tasei kick)

WCU—Victory David 77 pass from Nash (Tasei kick)

WSU—Braeden Hogan 5 pass from Nash (Tasei kick)

CSC—Tommy Thomas 80 pass from Preston Pearson (Thomas pass from Grant Swenson)

By: Con MarshallThe Chadron State College football team was defeated 35-17 by Western Colorado Mountaineers at home Saturday, but the Eagles had bright spots, giving hope that the Eagles are improving. The Eagles’ highlights included three field goals by Wilson Yee and an 80-touchdown pass play by a pair of sophomores. Yee’s field goals included a school-record 61-yarder that a referee who was underneath the crossbar said would have been good from another five yards away. It came early in the third period. He initially kicked a 25-yard field goal in the first period and also booted a 36-yard third three-pointer with just over four minutes left in the third frame. The perfectly-executed touchdown pass play occurred midway in the fourth period, when quarterback Preston Pearson hooked up with Tommy Thomas, who was running full speed in the middle of the field and made the over-his-head grab. The ball was in the air about 40 yards and Thomas took it the remaining 40 yards to the end zoneThomas also caught the two-point conversion pass that was thrown by another receiver, Grant Swenson. The eight-point burst cut Western’s lead to 28-17, putting the Eagles within striking range of the Colorado visitors.However, on their next possession, Mountaineers’ quarterback Drew Nash completed four of six passes, including a 39-yard connection with Cole Ritters that carried to the Eagles’ three-yard line. Running back Dayvon Butler scored on the next play and placekicker Adam Tasei added the extra point to pretty well secure the victory.Western took a 7-0 lead on its first possession by completing a 53-yard pass play began when Nash threw an overhand lateral to Butler in the left flat. Butler then connected with wide receiver Andrew Montez on a 53-yard run-and-catch for a touchdown with less than three minutes gone off the clock. Yee’s first field goal, which was set up when CSC linebacker Hunter O’Connor punched the ball out of Nash’s grasp and the fumble was recovered by Eagles’ lineman Kien Martin, cut Western’s lead to 7-3.However, the Mountaineers dominated the second period and scored three touchdowns to take a 28-3 halftime lead.Following a 67-yard punt by the Eagles’ Brodie Eisenbraun, the visitors initially drove 99 yards on 16 plays with Nash going the final two yards with 5:42 left in the quarter. Two minutes later, Nash hit wide receiver Victory David, who was running a fly pattern, on a 77-yard scoring strike.Western added its final TD of the quarter was set up when linebacker Kendall Lightfoot intercepted a CSC pass at the Chadron State 37. Nash’s five-yard toss to running back Braeden Hogan netted the touchdown with nine seconds left on the first half clock. Nash, a sophomore, completed 28 of 41 passes for 320 yards and two TDs. Montez was his favorite target with eight catches for 111 yards. Five other Mountaineers caught at least two passes for 30 yards or more yards. Butler was the game’s leading rusher with 17 carries for 56 yards.Pearson competed five of 12 passes for 99 yards while starter Heath Beemiller was four of eight for 24 yards. Jeydon Cox had nine rushes for 33 yards to pace CSC on the ground.Altogether, the Mountaineers out-yarded the Eagles 506 to 228. They finished with 24 first downs and the Eagles just 10. Western was 10 of 17 on third down conversions and CSC four of 14.Both safety Sutton Pohlman and linebacker Joey Geil led CSC in tackles with 10. Lightfoot had eight stops besides his interception to pace the visitors’ defense. Cy Shope was next with seven tackles. Yee’s CSC-record 61-yard field goal comes after Gunnar Jones kicked two 57-yard field goals last fall against Adams State to match Aaron Turner’s 57-yarder that was also against Adams State in 2000. Now 1-3, the Eagles will visit defending RMAC champion and No. 2 nationally-ranked Colorado School of Mines in Golden next Saturday, Sept. 30. WSU CSCFirst Downs 24 10Total Net Yards 506 228Rushes, Yards 35-133 34-105Passing Yards 373 123Passing 29-42-0 9-20-1Return Yards 39 49Punts, Average 4-35.2 6-43.3Fumbles, Lost 2-2 1-1Penalties, Yards 6-40 7-44Western Colorado 7 21 0 7 ----35Chadron State 3 0 6 8 ---17WCU—Andrew Montez 53 pass from Deyvon Butler (Adam Tasei kick)CSC—Wilson Yee 25 field goalWCU—Drew Nash 2 run (Tasei kick)WCU—Victory David 77 pass from Nash (Tasei kick)WSU—Braeden Hogan 5 pass from Nash (Tasei kick)CSC—Yee 61 field goalCSC—Yee 36 field goalCSC—Tommy Thomas 80 pass from Preston Pearson (Thomas pass from Grant Swenson)WSU—Butler 3 run (Tasei kick)

#19 Western Colorado holds off Chadron State, 35-17

By: John Murphy CSC Sports Information Director

CHADRON, Neb. -- The Chadron State College volleyball team defeated Western Colorado in three sets Friday night, 25-22, 28-26 and 25-22.

Bella Adams, a sophomore from Pueblo, Colorado helped CSC improve to 6-5 overall and 2-1 in RMAC play. Western drops to 2-9 overall and 0-3 in conference play.

Adams led both teams with 12 kills and had eight total blocks.

As a team, the Eagles hit .228 compared to their opponents .127 attack percentage.

Offensively, Adams had 12 kills and Lexi Hurtado, a graduate student from Aurora, Colorado, added 11. Mayson Fago, a senior from Evans, Colorado, added eight.

Adams had an attack percentage of .409 in the victory while Hurtado hit .250.

Setter Kendyl Kirkwood, a junior from Fleming, Colorado, added 33 assists.

Alondra Hernandez, a junior from Provo, Utah was the only Eagle to finish with double-digit digs with 16. Rylee Greiman, a graduate student from Windsor, Colorado had eight while Hurtado was third on the team with six.

Adams most impressive stat of the day was a match high eight blocks. Kirkwood added four blocks for CSC.

The Eagles return to action tomorrow at 4 p.m. when they host Fort Lewis in the Chicoine Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695476695193.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: John Murphy CSC Sports Information DirectorCHADRON, Neb. -- The Chadron State College volleyball team defeated Western Colorado in three sets Friday night, 25-22, 28-26 and 25-22.Bella Adams, a sophomore from Pueblo, Colorado helped CSC improve to 6-5 overall and 2-1 in RMAC play. Western drops to 2-9 overall and 0-3 in conference play.Adams led both teams with 12 kills and had eight total blocks.As a team, the Eagles hit .228 compared to their opponents .127 attack percentage.Offensively, Adams had 12 kills and Lexi Hurtado, a graduate student from Aurora, Colorado, added 11. Mayson Fago, a senior from Evans, Colorado, added eight.Adams had an attack percentage of .409 in the victory while Hurtado hit .250.Setter Kendyl Kirkwood, a junior from Fleming, Colorado, added 33 assists.Alondra Hernandez, a junior from Provo, Utah was the only Eagle to finish with double-digit digs with 16. Rylee Greiman, a graduate student from Windsor, Colorado had eight while Hurtado was third on the team with six.Adams most impressive stat of the day was a match high eight blocks. Kirkwood added four blocks for CSC.The Eagles return to action tomorrow at 4 p.m. when they host Fort Lewis in the Chicoine Center.

🏐 Chadron State sweeps Western Colorado Friday

CHADRON, Neb. -- The Chadron State College football team will be striving play better on both sides of the line of scrimmage Saturday when it hosts the Western Colorado Mountaineers in an RMAC contest at Elliott Field.  Kickoff will be at noon. 

The Eagles are off to a 1-2 start and have not put everything together so far.  The coaches believe the team has potential and will improve as the season moves along.  They are hoping that begins Saturday.

Western is expected to be a rugged opponent.  The Mountaineer are off to a 3-0 start and are ranked 19th in the American Football Coaches Association poll this week.  Playing at home, they beat two Texas teams in non-conference action—West Texas A&amp;M 28-6 and Texas Permian Basin 35-27.

Last Saturday the Mountaineers jumped out to a 27-7 halftime lead and went on to defeat perennial power Colorado State-Pueblo 30-14 in Pueblo. 

Neither team had spectacular offensive statistics. Western had just 296 total net yards and Pueblo only 218. The Mountaineers scored three touchdowns, none of them longer than five yards from the goal line, and added three field goals by Adam Tasei. One of the ThunderWolves' TDs was on a 70-yard punt return.

Western has a fairly young offense with just three seniors in the starting lineup.  The story is different on defense.  Seven seniors are defensive starters, two of them actually graduate students. None of them was a first- or second-team all-conference choice a year ago.

The Mountaineers romped past the Eagles 56-28 last year in Gunnison after scoring four touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 42-7 halftime lead.  Senior quarterback Conner Desch completed 15 of 18 passes for 234 yards and five touchdowns in that game.

Desch is no longer calling the signals.  The new quarterback is sophomore Drew Nash, who has completed 50 of 93 passes for 538 yards and five TDs in the first three games.

The Western coaching staff has a Chadron State heritage. Now in his 13th year as the head coach, Jas Bains was a graduate assistant and later the special teams coach at CSC before going to Gunnison. He was named the RMAC Coach of the Year after the Mountaineers went 10-1 during the regular season in 2021.

The Mountaineers' defensive coordinator is Todd Auer, who had that position with the Eagles for 19 years through the 2011 season.  Also on the Western staff is former Chadron High and Chadron State quarterback Joe McLain, who moved there in 2019 as the passing game coordinator.

Following his senior season at CSC in 2008, McLain was the RMAC Offensive Player of the Year, RMAC Academic Player of the Year and the Omaha World-Herald's Male College Athlete of the Year.

The nine inductees going into the CSC Athletic Hall of Fame that evening will be introduced at halftime.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695395665533.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>By: Con MarshallCHADRON, Neb. -- The Chadron State College football team will be striving play better on both sides of the line of scrimmage Saturday when it hosts the Western Colorado Mountaineers in an RMAC contest at Elliott Field. Kickoff will be at noon. The Eagles are off to a 1-2 start and have not put everything together so far. The coaches believe the team has potential and will improve as the season moves along. They are hoping that begins Saturday.Western is expected to be a rugged opponent. The Mountaineer are off to a 3-0 start and are ranked 19th in the American Football Coaches Association poll this week. Playing at home, they beat two Texas teams in non-conference action—West Texas A&amp;M 28-6 and Texas Permian Basin 35-27.Last Saturday the Mountaineers jumped out to a 27-7 halftime lead and went on to defeat perennial power Colorado State-Pueblo 30-14 in Pueblo. Neither team had spectacular offensive statistics. Western had just 296 total net yards and Pueblo only 218. The Mountaineers scored three touchdowns, none of them longer than five yards from the goal line, and added three field goals by Adam Tasei. One of the ThunderWolves' TDs was on a 70-yard punt return.Western has a fairly young offense with just three seniors in the starting lineup. The story is different on defense. Seven seniors are defensive starters, two of them actually graduate students. None of them was a first- or second-team all-conference choice a year ago.The Mountaineers romped past the Eagles 56-28 last year in Gunnison after scoring four touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 42-7 halftime lead. Senior quarterback Conner Desch completed 15 of 18 passes for 234 yards and five touchdowns in that game.Desch is no longer calling the signals. The new quarterback is sophomore Drew Nash, who has completed 50 of 93 passes for 538 yards and five TDs in the first three games.The Western coaching staff has a Chadron State heritage. Now in his 13th year as the head coach, Jas Bains was a graduate assistant and later the special teams coach at CSC before going to Gunnison. He was named the RMAC Coach of the Year after the Mountaineers went 10-1 during the regular season in 2021.The Mountaineers' defensive coordinator is Todd Auer, who had that position with the Eagles for 19 years through the 2011 season. Also on the Western staff is former Chadron High and Chadron State quarterback Joe McLain, who moved there in 2019 as the passing game coordinator.Following his senior season at CSC in 2008, McLain was the RMAC Offensive Player of the Year, RMAC Academic Player of the Year and the Omaha World-Herald's Male College Athlete of the Year.The nine inductees going into the CSC Athletic Hall of Fame that evening will be introduced at halftime.

Con Marshall's Chadron State vs #19 Western Colorado Game Preview

🏈 Week 5 High School Football Schedule &amp; Kickoff Times

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662388456196.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins Sports Director🏈 Week 5 High School Football Schedule &amp; Kickoff TimesOgallala 48, Alliance 22Chadron 28, Gothenburg 20Northwest 35, Scottsbluff 34Seward 22, Gering 15Chase County 27, Gordon-Rushville 6Mitchell 42, Hershey 7Bridgeport 68, Bayard 34Sidney 28, McCook 0Kimball 57, Morrill 24Maxwell 36, Hemingford 14<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629461621684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hay Springs 30, Garden County 26Potter-Dix 42, Banner County 6Cody-Kilgore 96, Minatare 6South Loup 56, Leyton 6Sioux County 50, Crawford 18Anselmo-Merna 42, Mullen 24Sandhills/Thedford 68, Hyannis 6Thursday ScoreboardSouth Platte 49, Creek Valley 7

UPDATE 🏈 Week 5 High School Football Scoreboard

🏐 High School Volleyball Scoreboard - Thursday, September 21

Bayard def. Creek Valley, 25-3, 25-8 (2-0)

Gering def. Sidney, 20-25, 25-22, 25-23 (2-1)

Hay Springs def. Kimball, 20-25, 25-18, 27-25 (2-1)

Leyton def. Hay Springs, 25-20, 25-8 (2-0)

Minatare def. Creek Valley, 25-21, 25-7 (2-0)

Morrill def. Garden County, 25-20, 25-22, 15-25, 25-17 (3-1)

Ogallala def. Alliance, 21-25, 25-13, 25-13, 25-18 (3-1)

Sandhills/Thedford def. Hyannis, 25-9, 25-11, 25-8 (3-0)

Scottsbluff def. Chadron, 25-15, 26-24, 20-25, 26-24 (3-1)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601477588069.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins Sports Director🏐 High School Volleyball Scoreboard - Thursday, September 21Bayard def. Creek Valley, 25-3, 25-8 (2-0)Bayard def. Minatare, 25-5, 25-14 (2-0)Gering def. Mitchell, 25-12, 25-13 (2-0)Gering def. Sidney, 20-25, 25-22, 25-23 (2-1)Hay Springs def. Kimball, 20-25, 25-18, 27-25 (2-1)Leyton def. Hay Springs, 25-20, 25-8 (2-0)Leyton def. Kimball, 25-9, 25-9 (2-0)<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629461621684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Minatare def. Creek Valley, 25-21, 25-7 (2-0)Morrill def. Garden County, 25-20, 25-22, 15-25, 25-17 (3-1)Ogallala def. Alliance, 21-25, 25-13, 25-13, 25-18 (3-1)Sandhills/Thedford def. Hyannis, 25-9, 25-11, 25-8 (3-0)Scottsbluff def. Chadron, 25-15, 26-24, 20-25, 26-24 (3-1)Sidney def. Mitchell, 25-18, 25-7 (2-0)

🏐 High School Volleyball Scoreboard - Thursday, September 21

Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht, Associate Professor in Health Physical Education and Recreation, visits with Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins about the new bike-sharing program for students, and her roles as Campus Wellness Officer and Faculty Athletics Representative!

<div><iframe title="CSC Sports Journal - Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht -9/20/23" 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=h6n5k-14ae27c-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>Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht, Associate Professor in Health Physical Education and Recreation, visits with Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins about the new bike-sharing program for students, and her roles as Campus Wellness Officer and Faculty Athletics Representative!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695229852520.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

🔊 CSC Sports Journal - Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht -9/20/23

DEDHAM, Mass. (AP) — A man who died at a New England Patriots home game last weekend was punched at least twice in the head during a fight in the stands with a rival fan, a witness said Tuesday.

Police and safety personnel responded to the upper deck at Gillette Stadium shortly before 11 p.m. Sunday and found Dale Mooney, 53, of Newmarket, New Hampshire, "in apparent need of medical attention,” the Norfolk County district attorney’s office said in a statement Monday.

Mooney was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Massachusetts State Police are investigating what the district attorney termed an “incident” at the stadium.

Witness Joey Kilmartin shot video of what he said was a brutal fight.

In interviews with several local media outlets, Kilmartin said he saw Mooney, a Patriots fan, confront a Miami Dolphins fan who he had been arguing with during most of the game, which the Dolphins won.

“He basically engaged in mutual combat with another fan,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/09/19/metro/new-england-patriots-and-fan-and-fight-and-killed/">Kilmatin told The Boston Globe.</a>&nbsp;“A lot of people started trying to pull them apart. ... It looked like somebody was in the middle of them, and then a man in the Dolphins jersey reached over and he connected with two punches to the victim’s head.

“It wasn’t something crazy or out of the ordinary until, 30 seconds later, the guy wasn’t getting up.”

The results of an autopsy were expected this week, a spokesperson for the district attorney’s office said.

Mooney’s wife, Lisa Mooney, said she feels numb and wants answers about how her husband died.

“I just can’t even believe this is for real,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wcvb.com/article/foxborough-massachusetts-new-england-fan-death-patriots-gillette-stadium/45194876#">she told WCVB-TV</a>. “I want to know what happened. What caused this?”

Gillette Stadium officials said they were “heartbroken” by the death of Mooney, who they described as a lifelong Patriots fan and 30-year season ticket member.

“We continue to work with local authorities to assist them with their ongoing investigation,” according to the statement. “We extend our sincerest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Dale’s family and to all those who are mourning his loss.”

Fan violence at sporting events, especially among rival supporters, is a long-running problem.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-bryan-stow-los-angeles-san-francisco-los-angeles-dodgers-1c62c77ef36f4fdd954e307b1a3ab1c3">Among the most infamous</a>&nbsp;was the 2011 Dodger Stadium parking lot beating of Bryan Stow, a paramedic and San Francisco Giants fan.

Two Los Angeles Dodgers fans punched Stow, who fell to the pavement and suffered severe head injuries. He was awarded about $14 million when a jury found the team was negligent. The attackers received prison sentences.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695223220910.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DEDHAM, Mass. (AP) — A man who died at a New England Patriots home game last weekend was punched at least twice in the head during a fight in the stands with a rival fan, a witness said Tuesday.Police and safety personnel responded to the upper deck at Gillette Stadium shortly before 11 p.m. Sunday and found Dale Mooney, 53, of Newmarket, New Hampshire, "in apparent need of medical attention,” the Norfolk County district attorney’s office said in a statement Monday.Mooney was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Massachusetts State Police are investigating what the district attorney termed an “incident” at the stadium.Witness Joey Kilmartin shot video of what he said was a brutal fight.In interviews with several local media outlets, Kilmartin said he saw Mooney, a Patriots fan, confront a Miami Dolphins fan who he had been arguing with during most of the game, which the Dolphins won.“He basically engaged in mutual combat with another fan,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/09/19/metro/new-england-patriots-and-fan-and-fight-and-killed/">Kilmatin told The Boston Globe.</a>&nbsp;“A lot of people started trying to pull them apart. ... It looked like somebody was in the middle of them, and then a man in the Dolphins jersey reached over and he connected with two punches to the victim’s head.“It wasn’t something crazy or out of the ordinary until, 30 seconds later, the guy wasn’t getting up.”The results of an autopsy were expected this week, a spokesperson for the district attorney’s office said.Mooney’s wife, Lisa Mooney, said she feels numb and wants answers about how her husband died.“I just can’t even believe this is for real,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wcvb.com/article/foxborough-massachusetts-new-england-fan-death-patriots-gillette-stadium/45194876#">she told WCVB-TV</a>. “I want to know what happened. What caused this?”Gillette Stadium officials said they were “heartbroken” by the death of Mooney, who they described as a lifelong Patriots fan and 30-year season ticket member.“We continue to work with local authorities to assist them with their ongoing investigation,” according to the statement. “We extend our sincerest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Dale’s family and to all those who are mourning his loss.”Fan violence at sporting events, especially among rival supporters, is a long-running problem.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-bryan-stow-los-angeles-san-francisco-los-angeles-dodgers-1c62c77ef36f4fdd954e307b1a3ab1c3">Among the most infamous</a>&nbsp;was the 2011 Dodger Stadium parking lot beating of Bryan Stow, a paramedic and San Francisco Giants fan.Two Los Angeles Dodgers fans punched Stow, who fell to the pavement and suffered severe head injuries. He was awarded about $14 million when a jury found the team was negligent. The attackers received prison sentences.

Police investigating after fan dies during fight at Patriots game

After two innings, Alliance softball trailed 1-0 at Western Conference rival Scottsbluff, but the Bearcats scored seven runs in the 3rd inning to help them pull away 11-3 the final in 5 innings. Alliance did have nine hits in the game, but they also stranded nine batters as well. 

The Bulldog's defense has been much improved, but three errors against Scottsbluff were costly.

Hannah Schneider went 3-3 at the plate for Alliance, Kaiya Hudson, Maci Cornish and Schneider each had an RBI in the game.

Alliance dropped to 9-11 on the season with a game against Western Conference Tournament Champions Gering at the Hal Murray Softball Complex.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostAfter two innings, Alliance softball trailed 1-0 at Western Conference rival Scottsbluff, but the Bearcats scored seven runs in the 3rd inning to help them pull away 11-3 the final in 5 innings. Alliance did have nine hits in the game, but they also stranded nine batters as well. The Bulldog's defense has been much improved, but three errors against Scottsbluff were costly.Hannah Schneider went 3-3 at the plate for Alliance, Kaiya Hudson, Maci Cornish and Schneider each had an RBI in the game.Alliance dropped to 9-11 on the season with a game against Western Conference Tournament Champions Gering at the Hal Murray Softball Complex.

Tough 3rd inning for Bulldogs Softball, drops game at Scottsbluff

🥎🏐 Tuesday's Prep Scoreboard, September 19

Bayard def. Garden County, 25-23, 25-17 (2-0)

Bayard def. Leyton, 25-15, 13-25, 25-23 (2-1)

Bridgeport def. Hemingford, 25-19, 25-17 (2-0)

Bridgeport def. Morrill, 25-16, 25-19 (2-0)

Leyton def. Garden County, 25-14, 25-23 (2-0)

Ogallala def. Holdrege, 25-15, 20-25, 25-21 (2-1)

Sidney def. Chase County, 25-23, 25-18, 25-14 (3-0)

South Platte def. Arthur County, 25-23, 12-25, 25-23 (2-1)

Wallace def. Potter-Dix, 25-16, 25-20 (2-0)

Wauneta-Palisade def. Potter-Dix, 25-15, 25-18 (2-0)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695222966824.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins Sports Director🥎🏐 Tuesday's Prep Scoreboard, September 19 VolleyballBayard def. Garden County, 25-23, 25-17 (2-0)Bayard def. Leyton, 25-15, 13-25, 25-23 (2-1)Bridgeport def. Hemingford, 25-19, 25-17 (2-0)Bridgeport def. Morrill, 25-16, 25-19 (2-0)Leyton def. Garden County, 25-14, 25-23 (2-0)Ogallala def. Holdrege, 25-15, 20-25, 25-21 (2-1)Sidney def. Chase County, 25-23, 25-18, 25-14 (3-0)South Platte def. Arthur County, 25-23, 12-25, 25-23 (2-1)Wallace def. Potter-Dix, 25-16, 25-20 (2-0)Wauneta-Palisade def. Potter-Dix, 25-15, 25-18 (2-0)SoftballGering 10, Chadron 4Hershey 10, Bayard 4Hershey 5, Bayard 2Scottsbluff 11, Alliance 3

🥎🏐 Tuesday's Prep Scoreboard, September 19

Coach Long and Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins breakdown the Black Hills State game, look at the changes being made, clarify a rare and murky ruling on a 4th down play and peek in at the match-up with #19 Western Colorado Saturday!

<div><iframe title="Jay Long Show - September 19, 2023" 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=bfba9-14acc43-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Coach Long and Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins breakdown the Black Hills State game, look at the changes being made, clarify a rare and murky ruling on a 4th down play and peek in at the match-up with #19 Western Colorado Saturday!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666116284028.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 PODCAST: Jay Long Show - September 19, 2023

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lost top running backs Gabe Ervin Jr. and Rahmir Johnson to season-ending injuries, coach Matt Rhule announced Monday.

Ervin dislocated his shoulder and Johnson dislocated his hip in the Cornhuskers'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-huskers-northern-illinois-huskies-9d6536d99dd61c206fbc9d8c8d9c1c35">35-11 win over Northern Illinois</a>&nbsp;on Saturday. Both will require surgery.

Ervin started the first two games for the Huskers (1-2) and averaged 5.2 yards per carry. He leads the team with 38 attempts and 196 yards, and he's caught two passes for 20 yards.

Johnson, who started against Northern Illinois, has had 12 carries for 65 yards, including a 44-yard burst.

Anthony Grant will move to the top of the depth chart for Saturday's home game against Louisiana Tech (2-2) and will be backed up by Emmett Johnson and Kwinten Ives.

Grant had been the projected starter entering the season but has been limited to a backup role. He didn't play against No. 18 Colorado on Sept. 9 after a critical fumble in the 13-10 season-opening loss at Minnesota.

Grant led the Huskers last season with 915 yards and six touchdowns on 218 carries, the most attempts by a Nebraska player since 2014. Grant also caught 18 passes for 104 yards.

Rhule also announced that backup cornerback Dwight Bootle II would miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695059720466.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lost top running backs Gabe Ervin Jr. and Rahmir Johnson to season-ending injuries, coach Matt Rhule announced Monday.Ervin dislocated his shoulder and Johnson dislocated his hip in the Cornhuskers'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-huskers-northern-illinois-huskies-9d6536d99dd61c206fbc9d8c8d9c1c35">35-11 win over Northern Illinois</a>&nbsp;on Saturday. Both will require surgery.Ervin started the first two games for the Huskers (1-2) and averaged 5.2 yards per carry. He leads the team with 38 attempts and 196 yards, and he's caught two passes for 20 yards.Johnson, who started against Northern Illinois, has had 12 carries for 65 yards, including a 44-yard burst.Anthony Grant will move to the top of the depth chart for Saturday's home game against Louisiana Tech (2-2) and will be backed up by Emmett Johnson and Kwinten Ives.Grant had been the projected starter entering the season but has been limited to a backup role. He didn't play against No. 18 Colorado on Sept. 9 after a critical fumble in the 13-10 season-opening loss at Minnesota.Grant led the Huskers last season with 915 yards and six touchdowns on 218 carries, the most attempts by a Nebraska player since 2014. Grant also caught 18 passes for 104 yards.Rhule also announced that backup cornerback Dwight Bootle II would miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

Huskers lose two key running backs for season

DENVER (AP) — Washington cornerback Benjamin St-Juste didn't flinch after Brandon Johnson snared Russell Wilson's 50-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass off a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1703556422741471356?s=20">double deflection</a>&nbsp;with no time remaining Sunday.

St-Juste said he figured, “OK, we got one more opportunity to shut this down and come up with a ‘dub.'

"So, we locked in and made the play,” said St-Juste, who appeared to get away with pass interference when he&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/i/status/1703555864316031475">broke up Wilson's 2-point conversion throw</a>&nbsp;to Courtland Sutton, preserving the Commanders' come-from-behind win. Washington rallied from an early 21-3 deficit to take a 35-24 lead, then had to hang on with no time on the clock.

CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore said it looked like St-Juste made enough early contact for a foul, but Brad Rogers’ crew didn’t throw a flag and the Commanders celebrated the franchise’s first 2-0 start since 2011.

The Broncos (0-2) have lost back-to-back home games for the first time, not the kind of history coach Sean Payton was hoping to make in his return to the sideline after a year in the broadcast studio following a highly successful 15-year stint in New Orleans, especially after he criticized predecessor Nathaniel Hackett for doing one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history last year.

The Broncos lost despite scoring touchdowns on their first three drives for the first time since 2010. Their 18-point blown lead tied for the fourth-largest at home in franchise history.

“This is a resilient team,” Washington's Sam Howell said after throwing for 299 yards and two TDs in his first road start. “The thing I’m proud of is we had each other’s back on both sides of the ball.”

Brian Robinson Jr. added two TD runs, helping the Commanders to the second-biggest comeback in franchise history. Washington overcame a 21-point deficit to beat Detroit on Nov. 4, 1990.

The Commanders used a 32-3 scoring outburst to take control before the Broncos made it interesting at the very end.

With 2 seconds left and the Broncos at the 50-yard line trailing 35-27, Wilson heaved a pass toward the end zone that was deflected by a scrum of players before Johnson snared it for the score.

Wilson threw for 308 yards and three TDs but also had two turnovers.

The last time Denver scored TDs on each of its first three drives was on Nov. 14, 2010, against Kansas City, a game the Broncos went on to win 49-29.

Payton got the ball into his young speedsters' hands early on, and it paid off with undrafted rookie&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1703513476272894337?s=20">Jaleel McLaughlin</a>&nbsp;scoring on a 5-yard pitch, rookie receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1703513476272894337?s=20">Marvin Mims Jr.</a>&nbsp;hauling in a 60-yard touchdown pass and second-year wideout&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1703513476272894337?s=20">Johnson</a>&nbsp;snaring a 16-yard score.

None of the three touched the ball again until Mims got a handoff midway through the third quarter with the score tied at 21.

Mims had two catches for 113 yards on two targets but wasn't thrown to again after Denver's third possession and spent much of the rest of the game on the sideline.

“Some of it's coverage-driven and some of it is just based on what we're in,” Payton said. “We're in a couple of different personnel groupings, so part of that is coincidence, I would say. We had a number of guys we’re trying to get the ball to and we will keep doing that.”

Mims also had a 45-yard punt return, giving him 168 all-purpose yards on five touches.

“Any time he can touch the football is a good thing for us,” Wilson said.

Washington coach Ron Rivera was presented with a game ball in the locker room for his&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Commanders/status/1703575665763598436?s=20">100th career win</a>&nbsp;in the NFL, and the Broncos honored their&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1703532226153943309?s=20b">Super Bowl 32</a>&nbsp;-winning team at halftime.

The game turned when Howell threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Logan Thomas on fourth-and-goal and safety Kareem Jackson was ejected for launching himself at the tight end, who suffered a concussion on the play and didn't return.

Jackson also drew a 15-yard flag in the opener for a hit he put on Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers, and Payton was asked if he felt a suspension was possible.

“Gosh, I don't have an answer for you,” he said, “because those things happen so quickly. ... From my vantage point, I only get to see it one time, you look up and they make the call and you've got to go with it.”

With the flag moving the conversion try to the 1, Washington went for 2 and pulled within 21-11 when Robinson got the ball past the plane. Joey Slye's 46-yard field goal as the first half expired made it 21-14. And the Commanders erased the final remnants of their 18-point deficit on Terry McLaurin's 30-yard TD grab on their first drive after halftime.

Commanders: Thomas didn't return after suffering a concussion on his TD.

Broncos: S Delarrin Turner-Yell, who replaced Jackson after he was ejected, sustained an undisclosed injury early in the fourth quarter and went to the locker room. He was replaced by DB Essang Bassey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695059818201.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Washington cornerback Benjamin St-Juste didn't flinch after Brandon Johnson snared Russell Wilson's 50-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass off a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1703556422741471356?s=20">double deflection</a>&nbsp;with no time remaining Sunday.That cut Washington's lead to 35-33.St-Juste said he figured, “OK, we got one more opportunity to shut this down and come up with a ‘dub.'"So, we locked in and made the play,” said St-Juste, who appeared to get away with pass interference when he&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/i/status/1703555864316031475">broke up Wilson's 2-point conversion throw</a>&nbsp;to Courtland Sutton, preserving the Commanders' come-from-behind win. Washington rallied from an early 21-3 deficit to take a 35-24 lead, then had to hang on with no time on the clock.CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore said it looked like St-Juste made enough early contact for a foul, but Brad Rogers’ crew didn’t throw a flag and the Commanders celebrated the franchise’s first 2-0 start since 2011.The Broncos (0-2) have lost back-to-back home games for the first time, not the kind of history coach Sean Payton was hoping to make in his return to the sideline after a year in the broadcast studio following a highly successful 15-year stint in New Orleans, especially after he criticized predecessor Nathaniel Hackett for doing one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history last year.The Broncos lost despite scoring touchdowns on their first three drives for the first time since 2010. Their 18-point blown lead tied for the fourth-largest at home in franchise history.“This is a resilient team,” Washington's Sam Howell said after throwing for 299 yards and two TDs in his first road start. “The thing I’m proud of is we had each other’s back on both sides of the ball.”Brian Robinson Jr. added two TD runs, helping the Commanders to the second-biggest comeback in franchise history. Washington overcame a 21-point deficit to beat Detroit on Nov. 4, 1990.The Commanders used a 32-3 scoring outburst to take control before the Broncos made it interesting at the very end.With 2 seconds left and the Broncos at the 50-yard line trailing 35-27, Wilson heaved a pass toward the end zone that was deflected by a scrum of players before Johnson snared it for the score.Wilson threw for 308 yards and three TDs but also had two turnovers.The last time Denver scored TDs on each of its first three drives was on Nov. 14, 2010, against Kansas City, a game the Broncos went on to win 49-29.Payton got the ball into his young speedsters' hands early on, and it paid off with undrafted rookie&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1703513476272894337?s=20">Jaleel McLaughlin</a>&nbsp;scoring on a 5-yard pitch, rookie receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1703513476272894337?s=20">Marvin Mims Jr.</a>&nbsp;hauling in a 60-yard touchdown pass and second-year wideout&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1703513476272894337?s=20">Johnson</a>&nbsp;snaring a 16-yard score.None of the three touched the ball again until Mims got a handoff midway through the third quarter with the score tied at 21.Mims had two catches for 113 yards on two targets but wasn't thrown to again after Denver's third possession and spent much of the rest of the game on the sideline.“Some of it's coverage-driven and some of it is just based on what we're in,” Payton said. “We're in a couple of different personnel groupings, so part of that is coincidence, I would say. We had a number of guys we’re trying to get the ball to and we will keep doing that.”Mims also had a 45-yard punt return, giving him 168 all-purpose yards on five touches.“Any time he can touch the football is a good thing for us,” Wilson said.CELEBRATIONSWashington coach Ron Rivera was presented with a game ball in the locker room for his&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Commanders/status/1703575665763598436?s=20">100th career win</a>&nbsp;in the NFL, and the Broncos honored their&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1703532226153943309?s=20b">Super Bowl 32</a>&nbsp;-winning team at halftime.JACKSON EJECTEDThe game turned when Howell threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Logan Thomas on fourth-and-goal and safety Kareem Jackson was ejected for launching himself at the tight end, who suffered a concussion on the play and didn't return.Jackson also drew a 15-yard flag in the opener for a hit he put on Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers, and Payton was asked if he felt a suspension was possible.“Gosh, I don't have an answer for you,” he said, “because those things happen so quickly. ... From my vantage point, I only get to see it one time, you look up and they make the call and you've got to go with it.”With the flag moving the conversion try to the 1, Washington went for 2 and pulled within 21-11 when Robinson got the ball past the plane. Joey Slye's 46-yard field goal as the first half expired made it 21-14. And the Commanders erased the final remnants of their 18-point deficit on Terry McLaurin's 30-yard TD grab on their first drive after halftime.INJURIESCommanders: Thomas didn't return after suffering a concussion on his TD.Broncos: S Delarrin Turner-Yell, who replaced Jackson after he was ejected, sustained an undisclosed injury early in the fourth quarter and went to the locker room. He was replaced by DB Essang Bassey.UP NEXTCommanders: Host Buffalo next Sunday.Broncos: Visit Miami next Sunday.

Denver's Hail Mary TD nearly enough to overcome Commanders, 35-33

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports Information

SPEARFISH, S.D. -- Chadron State scored the first touchdown in both the first and second halves, but Black Hills State controlled the remainder of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference game played in Spearfish on Saturday night.

After the Eagles took a quick 6-0 lead by competing a 52-yard pass on their opening possession, Black Hills scored on four consecutive possessions before it was forced to punt. The Yellow Jackets also added a touchdown in the final minute to take a 34-6 halftime lead.

Chadron State received the second half kickoff and drove 65 yards for a touchdown, but the Yellow Jackets tallied twice in the third quarter on two huge plays to go ahead 48-13.  Each team added a TD in the fourth quarter to make the final score 55-19.

Black Hills quarterback Tanner Clarkson ramroded the Yellow Jackets attack that netted 556 yards of offense. He scored his team's first touchdown on a two-yard run, then threw five touchdown passes that covered 12, 63, 50, 72 and 15 yards, in that order.

Altogether Clarkson, a senior who transferred from Northwest Oklahoma State this fall, completed 18 of 24 passes for 343 yards. His favorite receiver was Hasaan Williams, who caught seven passes for 183 yards, including the 50, 72 and 15-yard touchdown tosses.

TJ Chukwurah hauled in the 63-yarder while running back Nolan Sussel scored on a 12-yard pass reception and runs of one and 56 yards while rushing 16 times for 138 yards.

Chadron State finished with 334 yards of offense made up of 217 yards passing and 117 rushing. All three of the Eagles' touchdown were on pass plays.&nbsp; Starting quarterback Heath Beemiller connected with Tommy Thomas on the 52-yard pass that opened the scoring.  He finished with 11 completions on 26 attempts for 123 yards.

Alternate quarterback Preston Pearson threw the two second half TDs for the Eagles. They were a 12-yarder to Peter Krohn and a 27-yarder to Thomas, who had six receptions for 147 yards and two TDs.

Pearson was Chadron State's leading rusher with 10 carries for 64 yards.

The Eagles' Xavier Harrell was the game's leading tackler with 14. Both Hunter O'Connor and Sutton Pohlman were next for CSC with seven. 

Black Hills is now 2-1 and Chadron State 1-2. The Eagles will host Western Colorado this coming Saturday with a noon kickoff.  

Chadron State                6           0           7             6         ---19

Black Hills State             7         27        14             7         ---55

              CSC—Tommy Thomas 52 pass from Heath Beemiller (pass failed)

              BHSU—Tanner Carlson 2 run (Coleman Chapman kick)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694969673599.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Con Marshall CSC Sports InformationSPEARFISH, S.D. -- Chadron State scored the first touchdown in both the first and second halves, but Black Hills State controlled the remainder of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference game played in Spearfish on Saturday night.After the Eagles took a quick 6-0 lead by competing a 52-yard pass on their opening possession, Black Hills scored on four consecutive possessions before it was forced to punt. The Yellow Jackets also added a touchdown in the final minute to take a 34-6 halftime lead.Chadron State received the second half kickoff and drove 65 yards for a touchdown, but the Yellow Jackets tallied twice in the third quarter on two huge plays to go ahead 48-13. Each team added a TD in the fourth quarter to make the final score 55-19.Black Hills quarterback Tanner Clarkson ramroded the Yellow Jackets attack that netted 556 yards of offense. He scored his team's first touchdown on a two-yard run, then threw five touchdown passes that covered 12, 63, 50, 72 and 15 yards, in that order.Altogether Clarkson, a senior who transferred from Northwest Oklahoma State this fall, completed 18 of 24 passes for 343 yards. His favorite receiver was Hasaan Williams, who caught seven passes for 183 yards, including the 50, 72 and 15-yard touchdown tosses.TJ Chukwurah hauled in the 63-yarder while running back Nolan Sussel scored on a 12-yard pass reception and runs of one and 56 yards while rushing 16 times for 138 yards.Chadron State finished with 334 yards of offense made up of 217 yards passing and 117 rushing. All three of the Eagles' touchdown were on pass plays.&nbsp; Starting quarterback Heath Beemiller connected with Tommy Thomas on the 52-yard pass that opened the scoring. He finished with 11 completions on 26 attempts for 123 yards.Alternate quarterback Preston Pearson threw the two second half TDs for the Eagles. They were a 12-yarder to Peter Krohn and a 27-yarder to Thomas, who had six receptions for 147 yards and two TDs.Pearson was Chadron State's leading rusher with 10 carries for 64 yards.The Eagles' Xavier Harrell was the game's leading tackler with 14. Both Hunter O'Connor and Sutton Pohlman were next for CSC with seven. Black Hills is now 2-1 and Chadron State 1-2. The Eagles will host Western Colorado this coming Saturday with a noon kickoff. Chadron State 6 0 7 6 ---19Black Hills State 7 27 14 7 ---55 CSC—Tommy Thomas 52 pass from Heath Beemiller (pass failed) BHSU—Tanner Carlson 2 run (Coleman Chapman kick) BHSU---Nolan Sussel 12 pass from Carlson (Chapman kick) BHSU—Sussel 1 run (kick failed) BHSU—TJ Chukwurah 63 pass from Carlson (Chapman kick) BHSU—Williams 50 pass from Carlson (Chapman kick) CSC—Peter Krohn 12 pass from Preston Pearson (Wilson Yee kick). BHSU—Williams 72 pass from Carlson (Chapman kick) BHSU—Sussel 56 run (Chapman kick) BHSU—Williams 15 pass from Clarkson (Chapman kick) CSC—Thomas 27 pass from Pearson (kick failed)