Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola intends to enter the transfer portal, per Pete Thamel

High School Basketball Scoreboard - Friday, December 12

Scottsbluff 84, Gillette - Campbell County., WY 65

Scottsbluff 54, Gillette-Campbell County, WY 31

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641743273540.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>High School Basketball Scoreboard - Friday, December 12Boys GamesBayard 67, Banner County 28Bridgeport 69, Hemingford 32Chadron 64, Gordon-Rushville 38Chase County 42, Sidney 38Garden County 60, Morrill 15Kimball 67,&nbsp; Perkins County 54Leyton 68, South Platte 42Lingle-Ft. Laramie, WY 53, Mitchell 47North Platte 73, Alliance 65Potter-Dix 64, Creek Valley 27Scottsbluff 84, Gillette - Campbell County., WY 65Wallace 58, Hyannis 33Girls GamesBayard 36, Banner County 18Bridgeport 67, Hemingford 23Chadron 65, Gordon-Rushville 23Hyannis 44, Wallace 23Mitchell 44, Lingle Ft. Laramie, WY 43Morrill 45, Garden County 32North Platte 39, Alliance 37Perkins County 52, Kimball 39Potter-Dix 61, Creek Valley 27Scottsbluff 54, Gillette-Campbell County, WY 31Sidney 57, Chase County 16

High School Basketball Scoreboard - Friday, December 12

(Video) - NPHS Basketball - North Platte Vs. Alliance

By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information Director

CHADRON, Neb. – Isaiah Randolph and Jadon Cool combined for 38 points and Jackson Schauer scored a career-high 14, but CSU Pueblo shot over 50 percent from both the field and three-point range to outpace the Eagle men's basketball team 89-74 in a Thursday afternoon contest in the Chicoine Center. 

The visiting ThunderWolves made 55 percent of their field goal attempts and sunk half their three-pointers (12 of 24) to lead for the entire second half after CSC controlled play early. CSU Pueblo improved to 7-2 overall and 2-1 in the RMAC with the win. Chadron State fell to 2-8 and 0-3. 

CSU Pueblo's shooting night carried the visiting Pack despite the Eagles scoring 74 points to match an opponent season-high against Pueblo's defense, which entered the day as the best in the RMAC in scoring defense and field goal percentage allowed.

The Eagles made 44 percent of their shots (22-50) against a team which was holding opponents to 35.9 shooting for the season. Chadron State was 8 of 24 from three-point range and 22 of 29 from the line in a game where both teams combined for 54 foul shot attempts. 

Much of the Eagle shooting came from Schauer, a redshirt freshman from Faith, South Dakota who had his most impressive game in an Eagle uniform. Schauer was 4-for-8 from three-point range and 2-for-2 from the line to rack up 14 points, way over his previous career-high of four, and had a steal and multiple held balls on defense.

Chadron State's two main scorers also ended up with impressive numbers, although they differed in efficiency. Senior guard Isaiah Randolph scored 20 points on 7 of 10 shooting and went a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line to go with five rebounds, two assists and two steals. 

Junior Jadon Cool, who came off the bench but still played 33 minutes, finished with 18 points to tie for his third-highest scoring output of the season on 5-for-10 from the field, 2-for-6 from three and 6-for-11 from the stripe. 

True freshman Luka Djurovic finished just off a double-double with nine points and 14 rebounds, tying a career-high in boards for the Montenegro native. Djurovic, who at 6-foot-8 functioned as CSC's big for large stretches of the contest, made 3 of 5 field-goal attempts and had four offensive rebounds among his total of 14. 

Chadron State used an early 10-0 run to take a 12-5 lead on the ThunderWolves. Trailing 5-2, the Eagles received back-to-back threes from Cool and Schauer before a Randolph rebound turned coast-to-coast fastbreak layup and another bucket from Cool. 

After Pueblo clawed back to tie the score at 16-16, Randolph hit a jumper to put the Eagles back ahead, but Pueblo splashed home a three-pointer to take a one-point advantage. Mack Keighran hit two free throws on the other end to put the home team up by one again with 8:24 to go in the first half, but CSUP's Jordan Blair hit a go-ahead jumper and soon after, South Dakota Mines transfer Mac Terry buried a three to give Pueblo a 24-20 cushion they would ultimately not relinquish.

Blair scored a game-high 22 points for the ThunderWolves, while Dylan Sanders added 20 and Terry poured in 15. 

After winter commencement ceremonies in the Chicoine Center on Friday, it's back to basketball on Saturday as Chadron State will play host to UCCS with the women's game at 1 p.m. and the men's game at 3 p.m. The UCCS men are 5-3 overall and 2-0 in the RMAC, pending a late Thursday night tip against Black Hills State.

​Chadron State—Isaiah Randolph 20, Jadon Cool 18, Jackson Schauer 14, Luka Djurovic 9, Mack Keighran 7, Jovan Jovanovic 3, Collin Nick 3. Totals: 22-50 FG (8-24 3PT) 22-29 FT. 74 points, 31 rebounds, 6 assists, 10 turnovers.

​CSU Pueblo—Jordan Blair 22, Dylan Sanders 20, Mac Terry 15, Jaden Kennis 12, Kyren Allen 6, Bryce Riehl 6, Ty Adam 4, Sam Howery 4. Totals: 28-51 FG (12-24 3PT) 21-25 FT. 89 points, 25 rebounds, 15 assists, 7 turnovers.

By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information DirectorCHADRON, Neb. – Isaiah Randolph and Jadon Cool combined for 38 points and Jackson Schauer scored a career-high 14, but CSU Pueblo shot over 50 percent from both the field and three-point range to outpace the Eagle men's basketball team 89-74 in a Thursday afternoon contest in the Chicoine Center. The visiting ThunderWolves made 55 percent of their field goal attempts and sunk half their three-pointers (12 of 24) to lead for the entire second half after CSC controlled play early. CSU Pueblo improved to 7-2 overall and 2-1 in the RMAC with the win. Chadron State fell to 2-8 and 0-3. CSU Pueblo's shooting night carried the visiting Pack despite the Eagles scoring 74 points to match an opponent season-high against Pueblo's defense, which entered the day as the best in the RMAC in scoring defense and field goal percentage allowed.The Eagles made 44 percent of their shots (22-50) against a team which was holding opponents to 35.9 shooting for the season. Chadron State was 8 of 24 from three-point range and 22 of 29 from the line in a game where both teams combined for 54 foul shot attempts. Much of the Eagle shooting came from Schauer, a redshirt freshman from Faith, South Dakota who had his most impressive game in an Eagle uniform. Schauer was 4-for-8 from three-point range and 2-for-2 from the line to rack up 14 points, way over his previous career-high of four, and had a steal and multiple held balls on defense.Chadron State's two main scorers also ended up with impressive numbers, although they differed in efficiency. Senior guard Isaiah Randolph scored 20 points on 7 of 10 shooting and went a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line to go with five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Junior Jadon Cool, who came off the bench but still played 33 minutes, finished with 18 points to tie for his third-highest scoring output of the season on 5-for-10 from the field, 2-for-6 from three and 6-for-11 from the stripe. True freshman Luka Djurovic finished just off a double-double with nine points and 14 rebounds, tying a career-high in boards for the Montenegro native. Djurovic, who at 6-foot-8 functioned as CSC's big for large stretches of the contest, made 3 of 5 field-goal attempts and had four offensive rebounds among his total of 14. Chadron State used an early 10-0 run to take a 12-5 lead on the ThunderWolves. Trailing 5-2, the Eagles received back-to-back threes from Cool and Schauer before a Randolph rebound turned coast-to-coast fastbreak layup and another bucket from Cool. After Pueblo clawed back to tie the score at 16-16, Randolph hit a jumper to put the Eagles back ahead, but Pueblo splashed home a three-pointer to take a one-point advantage. Mack Keighran hit two free throws on the other end to put the home team up by one again with 8:24 to go in the first half, but CSUP's Jordan Blair hit a go-ahead jumper and soon after, South Dakota Mines transfer Mac Terry buried a three to give Pueblo a 24-20 cushion they would ultimately not relinquish.Blair scored a game-high 22 points for the ThunderWolves, while Dylan Sanders added 20 and Terry poured in 15. After winter commencement ceremonies in the Chicoine Center on Friday, it's back to basketball on Saturday as Chadron State will play host to UCCS with the women's game at 1 p.m. and the men's game at 3 p.m. The UCCS men are 5-3 overall and 2-0 in the RMAC, pending a late Thursday night tip against Black Hills State.​Chadron State—Isaiah Randolph 20, Jadon Cool 18, Jackson Schauer 14, Luka Djurovic 9, Mack Keighran 7, Jovan Jovanovic 3, Collin Nick 3. Totals: 22-50 FG (8-24 3PT) 22-29 FT. 74 points, 31 rebounds, 6 assists, 10 turnovers.​CSU Pueblo—Jordan Blair 22, Dylan Sanders 20, Mac Terry 15, Jaden Kennis 12, Kyren Allen 6, Bryce Riehl 6, Ty Adam 4, Sam Howery 4. Totals: 28-51 FG (12-24 3PT) 21-25 FT. 89 points, 25 rebounds, 15 assists, 7 turnovers.

CSC men hit Pueblo's RMAC-leading defense hard, but fall Thursday

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports Information

CHADRON, Neb. – Chadron State women's basketball led for much of the first half and trailed by a point at halftime before a late CSU Pueblo run gave the visiting ThunderWolves a 66-54 win in a Thursday morning Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference contest.

Freshman Ella Moser scored 17 points, a career-high for the Cedar Rapids, Iowa native and senior McKenzi Petersen had 13 for the Eagles (0-6, 0-3 RMAC), who still arguably played their best game so far this season in defeat against first-year head coach Jalen Little's former program. 

"We're getting there," Little said postgame. "We've just got to keep working."

The Eagles shot the ball well. They made 22 of their 48 field goal attempts to shoot 45.8 percent as a team after not shooting better than 35.7 percent in their previous five games.  Their shooting included hitting seven of 13 three-pointers in the first half, allowing them to stay with the ThunderWolves, who made six on 19 from behind the arc in the half.   

Chadron State got off to an excellent start when forward Bianca Bindzus nailed a three-pointer on the game's opening shot. After Pueblo had turned the ball over twice, the Eagles went ahead 5-0 on a jumper by freshman Kenna Wagner. 

With Bindzus making another trey and junior Jordan Stokes following suit, the Eagles never trailed in the opening quarter until Pueblo's Genesis Sweetwine also sank a shot from behind the arc to put her team ahead 14-11.

Each team knocked down four three-pointers in the second quarter. Moser made three of the Eagles' treys in the period, including two on consecutive shots less than a minute apart.  She then followed with a layup that put the Eagles ahead 22-19 midway in the second frame. 

As the first half was winding down, Moser canned another trey to put CSC up 29-27, but Pueblo retaliated with a three-pointer by Ruby Sweeney-Spitzeck with four seconds remaining to give the visitors their one-point halftime edge.

Try as they may, Chadron State never got the lead back.  The teams traded baskets to open the second half, but the visiting Pack scored the next 10 points to take a 43-31 lead.

Pueblo was still ahead 50-43 entering the fourth quarter, but back-to-back baskets by Petersen allowed the Eagles to cut the margin to three points with 8 ½ minutes remaining.  However, Chadron State did not score in the next five minutes while Pueblo went on a 14-0 run to seal the outcome.

Sweetwine scored half of her team's points during the fateful rally. The senior guard and classmate Sweeney-Spitzeck, who also grabbed a game-high nine rebounds, were among the three ThunderWolves to share team scoring honors with 15 points. The other was freshman post Jada Bobb.   

Petersen led CSC in rebounding with eight.  

While the Eagles shot the ball well and made the visitors work for their points, there were a couple of areas where the Eagles did not fare so well. They turned the ball over 29 times, 11 more than Pueblo, and they were just two of three at the free throw line while the visitors went 12 of 16 at the charity stripe. 

The Eagles will be back home to take on UCCS at 1 p.m. Saturday.  

CSU-Pueblo—Jada Bobb 15. Genesis Sweetwine 15, Ruby Sweeney-Spitzeck 15, Anyla Owens 9, Seneya Martinez 7, Wynter Jones 4, Dasani Nesbit 1. Totals: 22-61 FG (10-33 3PT) 12-16 FT. 66 points, 33 rebounds, 13 assists, 18 turnovers.

Chadron State—Ella Moser 17, McKenzi Petersen 13, Bianca Bindzus 6, Jordyn Stokes 6, Kenna Wagner 6, Amya Winfrey 4, Audrey Quintana 2. Totals: 22-48 FG (8-17 3PT) 2-3 FT. 54 points, 34 rebounds, 13 assists, 29 turnovers.

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports InformationCHADRON, Neb. – Chadron State women's basketball led for much of the first half and trailed by a point at halftime before a late CSU Pueblo run gave the visiting ThunderWolves a 66-54 win in a Thursday morning Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference contest.Freshman Ella Moser scored 17 points, a career-high for the Cedar Rapids, Iowa native and senior McKenzi Petersen had 13 for the Eagles (0-6, 0-3 RMAC), who still arguably played their best game so far this season in defeat against first-year head coach Jalen Little's former program. "We're getting there," Little said postgame. "We've just got to keep working."The Eagles shot the ball well. They made 22 of their 48 field goal attempts to shoot 45.8 percent as a team after not shooting better than 35.7 percent in their previous five games. Their shooting included hitting seven of 13 three-pointers in the first half, allowing them to stay with the ThunderWolves, who made six on 19 from behind the arc in the half. Chadron State got off to an excellent start when forward Bianca Bindzus nailed a three-pointer on the game's opening shot. After Pueblo had turned the ball over twice, the Eagles went ahead 5-0 on a jumper by freshman Kenna Wagner. With Bindzus making another trey and junior Jordan Stokes following suit, the Eagles never trailed in the opening quarter until Pueblo's Genesis Sweetwine also sank a shot from behind the arc to put her team ahead 14-11.Each team knocked down four three-pointers in the second quarter. Moser made three of the Eagles' treys in the period, including two on consecutive shots less than a minute apart. She then followed with a layup that put the Eagles ahead 22-19 midway in the second frame. As the first half was winding down, Moser canned another trey to put CSC up 29-27, but Pueblo retaliated with a three-pointer by Ruby Sweeney-Spitzeck with four seconds remaining to give the visitors their one-point halftime edge.Try as they may, Chadron State never got the lead back. The teams traded baskets to open the second half, but the visiting Pack scored the next 10 points to take a 43-31 lead.Pueblo was still ahead 50-43 entering the fourth quarter, but back-to-back baskets by Petersen allowed the Eagles to cut the margin to three points with 8 ½ minutes remaining. However, Chadron State did not score in the next five minutes while Pueblo went on a 14-0 run to seal the outcome.Sweetwine scored half of her team's points during the fateful rally. The senior guard and classmate Sweeney-Spitzeck, who also grabbed a game-high nine rebounds, were among the three ThunderWolves to share team scoring honors with 15 points. The other was freshman post Jada Bobb. Petersen led CSC in rebounding with eight. While the Eagles shot the ball well and made the visitors work for their points, there were a couple of areas where the Eagles did not fare so well. They turned the ball over 29 times, 11 more than Pueblo, and they were just two of three at the free throw line while the visitors went 12 of 16 at the charity stripe. The Eagles will be back home to take on UCCS at 1 p.m. Saturday. CSU-Pueblo—Jada Bobb 15. Genesis Sweetwine 15, Ruby Sweeney-Spitzeck 15, Anyla Owens 9, Seneya Martinez 7, Wynter Jones 4, Dasani Nesbit 1. Totals: 22-61 FG (10-33 3PT) 12-16 FT. 66 points, 33 rebounds, 13 assists, 18 turnovers.Chadron State—Ella Moser 17, McKenzi Petersen 13, Bianca Bindzus 6, Jordyn Stokes 6, Kenna Wagner 6, Amya Winfrey 4, Audrey Quintana 2. Totals: 22-48 FG (8-17 3PT) 2-3 FT. 54 points, 34 rebounds, 13 assists, 29 turnovers.

Freshman pours in 17 points for CSC in defeat to CSU-Pueblo

In this week's edition of the Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show, brought to you by Harris Sales in Alliance, Jake Schrantz discusses the boys basketball season with head coach Jordan Mills.

Then, North Platte broadcaster, Paxton Mills, joins the show to breakdown the matchups on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 between Alliance and North Platte High School.

By Jake Schrantz<div><iframe title="Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show - 12/10/25 (Boys Basketball & Paxton Gordon)" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=dk4hk-19e9512-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>In this week's edition of the Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show, brought to you by Harris Sales in Alliance, Jake Schrantz discusses the boys basketball season with head coach Jordan Mills.Then, North Platte broadcaster, Paxton Mills, joins the show to breakdown the matchups on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 between Alliance and North Platte High School.

Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show - 12/10/25 (Boy's Basketball & Paxton Gordon)

🏀 Nebraska Prep Basketball Scoreboard - Tuesday, December 9

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641743273540.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>🏀 Nebraska Prep Basketball Scoreboard - Tuesday, December 9Girls GamesArthur County 35, Creek Valley 20Banner County 36, Minatare 35Bridgeport 57, Gering 43Crawford 40, Gordon-Rushville 21Hay Springs 63, Morrill 35Kimball 48, Garden County 34Sedgwick County, CO 52, South Platte 25Boys GamesArthur County 39, Creek Valley 28Bridgeport 50, Gering 35Hay Springs 63, Morrill 16Minatare 34 , Banner County 24Sedgwick County, CO 54, South Platte 28

🏀 Nebraska Prep Basketball Scoreboard - Tuesday, December 9

KEARNEY, Neb. – Chadron State men's wrestling had a great showing against No. 1-ranked Nebraska-Kearney, winning four of 10 matches but ultimately falling 22-13 in a road dual against the Lopers from Kearney High School on Friday night. 

Chadron State, ranked No. 25/No. 24 as a team, falls to 2-1 in duals this season. The Eagles remain winless against UNK in eight dual matchups since 2013.

The Eagles earned victories at 125 pounds with Quade Smith, 141 pounds with Caleb Chaves, 149 pounds with true freshman Aidan Callahan and at 184 pounds as No. 1-ranked Keegan Gehlhausen returned to the mat with an emphatic major decision win for CSC's only bonus point victory of the day. 

Smith and Callahan each defeated higher-ranked opponents while Brandon Paredes, Tayten Gillette and Mason Villwok all lost decisions with no bonus points awarded against opponents ranked within the top 10. 

Chadron State took an early 9-3 lead on Friday night. Quade Smith, ranked No. 15 in this week's Open Mat rankings, used two third-period takedowns to come from behind against No. 11 Caleb Coyle for an 8-2 win and put the Eagles on top. 

After a major-decision win by UNK at 133, Caleb Chaves earned a 10-3 decision over Connor Ritonya, who was wrestling instead of UNK's No. 4/5-ranked 141-pounder Joe Airola. Chaves led 3-2 after two periods but pulled away with a reversal, two-point near fall and takedown in period three.

Just two weeks after winning the Amateur division at 149 pounds at the UNK Open, freshman Aidan Callahan tallied another win in Kearney by defeating No. 18 Open Mat-ranked Brady Collins via a 4-3 decision. Again, the third period loomed large, with Callahan breaking a 1-1 deadlock with a takedown and holding on to win despite giving up an escape plus a stall point. Callahan was the only unranked wrestler on other team to win a match during Friday's dual. 

UNK took control in the middle weights, winning at 157, 165 and 174 with consensus top 10 wrestlers. The three victories (two decisions plus a major decision) put Kearney up 14-9. 

Top-ranked Keegan Gehlhausen then took the mat competitively for the first time since CSC's season-opening competition. Facing No. 17 Open Mat-ranked Kaden Hart, Gehlhausen showed no signs of rust with two first-period takedowns before outscoring Hart 9-0 in the third period to secure the bonus point. 

Sophomore Mason Villwok, ranked No. 18 by The Open Mat at 197 pounds, faced the biggest challenge of his young career by facing consensus No. 1-ranked Jackson Kinsella. Villwok performed well, with Kinsella landing only one first-period takedown and prevailing with a 5-1 decision, meaning UNK's No. 1-ranked wrestler did not score bonus points while CSC's did. 

At heavyweight, No. 2-ranked Crew Howard put the finishing touches on the home team's winning margin with a tech fall win at heavyweight, the only five-pointer of the night for either team. 

Chadron State's next competition will be at the Midwest Classic in Indianapolis on December 13-14.

125: #13/#15 Quade Smith (CSC) def. NR/#11 Caleb Coyle, Dec. 8-2

133: #3/#11 Zach Ourada (UNK) def. Hunter Jacobsen, MD 12-0

141: #15/NR Caleb Chaves (CSC) def. Connor Ritonya, Dec. 10-3

149: Aidan Callahan (CSC) def. NR/#18 Brady Collins, Dec. 4-3

157: #9/#6 Cael Robb (UNK) def. Brandon Paredes, Dec. 4-2

165: #7/#5 Trenton Munoz (UNK) def. Tayten Gillette, Dec. 5-1

174: #9/#11 Otgonbayar Batsuuri (UNK) def. Logan Berger (CSC), MD 12-3

184: #1/#1 Keegan Gehlhausen def. NR/#17 Kaden Hart, MD 15-2 

197: #1/#1 Jackson Kinsella (UNK) def. NR/#18 Mason Villwok, Dec. 5-1

285: #2/#2 Crew Howard (UNK) def. Eli Reese, TF 16-1 7:00

By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information DirectorKEARNEY, Neb. – Chadron State men's wrestling had a great showing against No. 1-ranked Nebraska-Kearney, winning four of 10 matches but ultimately falling 22-13 in a road dual against the Lopers from Kearney High School on Friday night. Chadron State, ranked No. 25/No. 24 as a team, falls to 2-1 in duals this season. The Eagles remain winless against UNK in eight dual matchups since 2013.The Eagles earned victories at 125 pounds with Quade Smith, 141 pounds with Caleb Chaves, 149 pounds with true freshman Aidan Callahan and at 184 pounds as No. 1-ranked Keegan Gehlhausen returned to the mat with an emphatic major decision win for CSC's only bonus point victory of the day. Smith and Callahan each defeated higher-ranked opponents while Brandon Paredes, Tayten Gillette and Mason Villwok all lost decisions with no bonus points awarded against opponents ranked within the top 10. Chadron State took an early 9-3 lead on Friday night. Quade Smith, ranked No. 15 in this week's Open Mat rankings, used two third-period takedowns to come from behind against No. 11 Caleb Coyle for an 8-2 win and put the Eagles on top. After a major-decision win by UNK at 133, Caleb Chaves earned a 10-3 decision over Connor Ritonya, who was wrestling instead of UNK's No. 4/5-ranked 141-pounder Joe Airola. Chaves led 3-2 after two periods but pulled away with a reversal, two-point near fall and takedown in period three.Just two weeks after winning the Amateur division at 149 pounds at the UNK Open, freshman Aidan Callahan tallied another win in Kearney by defeating No. 18 Open Mat-ranked Brady Collins via a 4-3 decision. Again, the third period loomed large, with Callahan breaking a 1-1 deadlock with a takedown and holding on to win despite giving up an escape plus a stall point. Callahan was the only unranked wrestler on other team to win a match during Friday's dual. UNK took control in the middle weights, winning at 157, 165 and 174 with consensus top 10 wrestlers. The three victories (two decisions plus a major decision) put Kearney up 14-9. Top-ranked Keegan Gehlhausen then took the mat competitively for the first time since CSC's season-opening competition. Facing No. 17 Open Mat-ranked Kaden Hart, Gehlhausen showed no signs of rust with two first-period takedowns before outscoring Hart 9-0 in the third period to secure the bonus point. Sophomore Mason Villwok, ranked No. 18 by The Open Mat at 197 pounds, faced the biggest challenge of his young career by facing consensus No. 1-ranked Jackson Kinsella. Villwok performed well, with Kinsella landing only one first-period takedown and prevailing with a 5-1 decision, meaning UNK's No. 1-ranked wrestler did not score bonus points while CSC's did. At heavyweight, No. 2-ranked Crew Howard put the finishing touches on the home team's winning margin with a tech fall win at heavyweight, the only five-pointer of the night for either team. Chadron State's next competition will be at the Midwest Classic in Indianapolis on December 13-14.Dual Results: 125: #13/#15 Quade Smith (CSC) def. NR/#11 Caleb Coyle, Dec. 8-2133: #3/#11 Zach Ourada (UNK) def. Hunter Jacobsen, MD 12-0141: #15/NR Caleb Chaves (CSC) def. Connor Ritonya, Dec. 10-3149: Aidan Callahan (CSC) def. NR/#18 Brady Collins, Dec. 4-3157: #9/#6 Cael Robb (UNK) def. Brandon Paredes, Dec. 4-2165: #7/#5 Trenton Munoz (UNK) def. Tayten Gillette, Dec. 5-1174: #9/#11 Otgonbayar Batsuuri (UNK) def. Logan Berger (CSC), MD 12-3184: #1/#1 Keegan Gehlhausen def. NR/#17 Kaden Hart, MD 15-2 197: #1/#1 Jackson Kinsella (UNK) def. NR/#18 Mason Villwok, Dec. 5-1285: #2/#2 Crew Howard (UNK) def. Eli Reese, TF 16-1 7:00

CSC wins four matches against #1 Nebraska-Kearney

🏀 High School Basketball Scoreboard - December 5

Thursday Hemingford 45, Hyannis 33

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629461621684.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>🏀 High School Basketball Scoreboard - December 5Boys Games FridayBayard 46, Crawford 43Bridgeport 70, Perkins County 34Chadron 63, Sidney 43Creek Valley 53, Wauneta-Palisade 29Garden County 68, Brady 29Gering 79, Alliance 64Hemingford 54, Gordon-Rushville 53Hyannis 64, Banner County 11Kimball 67, Leyton 51Potter-Dix 63, Morrill 13Scottsbluff 80, South Sioux City 59South Platte 66, Minatare 44Thursday Hemingford 45, Hyannis 33Leyton 66, Morrill 17Mitchell 64, Bayard 28Girls Games FridayBrady 61, Garden County 37Bridgeport 60, Perkins County 34Crawford 37,&nbsp; Bayard 17Gering 46, Alliance 32Gordon-Rushville 47, Hemingford 42Hyannis 57, Banner County 18Kimball 55, Leyton 17Morrill 48, Potter-Dix 19Sidney 56, Chadron 32South Platte 56, Minatare 22Wauneta-Palisade 54, Creek Valley 23

By Anthony Gorges JC/Little Apple Post

Kansas State Athletics announced on Wednesday that head football coach Chris Klieman was retiring. Klieman, who has spent seven years with the school and is 58 years old, stated that for the first time, he’s putting his family first and looks forward to spending more time with them moving forward. K-State held a press conference at the Vanier Family Football Complex on Wednesday afternoon where Klieman and Athletics Director Gene Taylor spoke about Klieman’s decision.

A full room of media and K-State staff gave Coach Klieman a round of applause as he made his way to the podium. Klieman began his press conference by thanking everyone for being there. “It just goes to show me that the good guys win,” Kansas State head football coach Chris Klieman said. “Doing things the right way, doing it with class and doing it with integrity is the right way. Guys, that’s the K-State way.”

Klieman said despite it being an emotional day, “I am at peace.” He noted that colleagues, former players, and parents of current players reached out to him and congratulated him and his wife, Rhonda. Klieman stated one of the reasons he was in the business of coaching was to have that kind of impact.

Chris Klieman previously served as head coach at North Dakota State before coming to Kansas State to lead the Wildcats. He held many other coaching positions after spending more than thirty years as a coach. “I am one of the lucky ones,” Klieman said. He pointed out that he spent fifteen years at his last two stops and noted that is very rare in the coaching profession. Current Kansas State Athletic Director (AD) Gene Taylor previously served as AD at North Dakota State and was the one who hired Klieman to be a head coach at both schools. Klieman expressed his thanks and gratitude to Taylor at the press conference.

Speaking about his twelve years as a head coach (five at NDSU and seven at K-State), Klieman said, “I am damn proud of the body of work that all of us put together.” He stated that he was up for the challenge of following in the footsteps of legendary K-State coach Bill Snyder, and said, “I think we did a pretty damn good job here.” Klieman closed out the press conference by thanking everyone “for allowing the Kliemans to come into Manhattan and build something here.” As Klieman left the press conference, he and Director of Athletics Gene Taylor shared a hug.

*Highlights for Klieman at K-State include winning the 2022 Big 12 Championship, winning eight or more games for four straight years, and qualifying for a bowl game in six out of seven years. (The only year KSU did not make a bowl game was during the 2020 COVID season.)

K-State Athletic Director Gene Taylor spoke after Klieman officially announced his retirement. Taylor was passionate that changes need to be made in the current era of college athletics. Taylor, a very close friend of Klieman, was very emotional when speaking to the media. “You just saw one of the greatest guys in this industry walk out of this room and retire from coaching, from the business that he loves,” Taylor said. He continued, “What really pisses me off is he is doing it because of where we are in this industry.” Taylor is referring to the new era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal, among other issues as well. “If we don’t get this thing fixed, and I am a part of that, as is every other AD in the country and conference commissioners, more really, really good guys like Chris Klieman are going to walk away from this business.”

When asked about the timeline of events and when he knew Klieman would retire, Gene Taylor said they met on Monday, where Klieman expressed he needed a few days to think about what he wanted to do. Taylor admitted he was somewhat caught off guard by the retirement talks because he thought they were meeting to discuss the bowl game and potential coaching/staffing changes.

Klieman told Taylor Wednesday morning he was going to retire, and Taylor admitted he had been emotional all day since their discussion. When asked about if Klieman would coach the bowl game, he said it is still being determined. He said he plans to meet with the players on Thursday and discuss it.

As for the rumors and speculation about a new head coach being named, Gene Taylor said at the press conference that he had not had any conversations prior to that moment. He said with the current landscape, the process will certainly move fast, but he wanted to wait and be respectful to Coach Klieman and let him announce his retirement before anything was officially done.

Lastly, Gene Taylor was very complimentary of Klieman’s seven-year run leading the Wildcats and thanked him for what he gave to the Kansas State program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764815483798.jpeg" alt="Chris Klieman officially announcing his retirement at a press conference on Wednesday in the Vanier Family Football Complex.-photo photo" />
 <figcaption>Chris Klieman officially announcing his retirement at a press conference on Wednesday in the Vanier Family Football Complex.-photo photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony Gorges JC/Little Apple PostKansas State Athletics announced on Wednesday that head football coach Chris Klieman was retiring. Klieman, who has spent seven years with the school and is 58 years old, stated that for the first time, he’s putting his family first and looks forward to spending more time with them moving forward. K-State held a press conference at the Vanier Family Football Complex on Wednesday afternoon where Klieman and Athletics Director Gene Taylor spoke about Klieman’s decision.A full room of media and K-State staff gave Coach Klieman a round of applause as he made his way to the podium. Klieman began his press conference by thanking everyone for being there. “It just goes to show me that the good guys win,” Kansas State head football coach Chris Klieman said. “Doing things the right way, doing it with class and doing it with integrity is the right way. Guys, that’s the K-State way.”Klieman said despite it being an emotional day, “I am at peace.” He noted that colleagues, former players, and parents of current players reached out to him and congratulated him and his wife, Rhonda. Klieman stated one of the reasons he was in the business of coaching was to have that kind of impact.Chris Klieman previously served as head coach at North Dakota State before coming to Kansas State to lead the Wildcats. He held many other coaching positions after spending more than thirty years as a coach. “I am one of the lucky ones,” Klieman said. He pointed out that he spent fifteen years at his last two stops and noted that is very rare in the coaching profession. Current Kansas State Athletic Director (AD) Gene Taylor previously served as AD at North Dakota State and was the one who hired Klieman to be a head coach at both schools. Klieman expressed his thanks and gratitude to Taylor at the press conference.Speaking about his twelve years as a head coach (five at NDSU and seven at K-State), Klieman said, “I am damn proud of the body of work that all of us put together.” He stated that he was up for the challenge of following in the footsteps of legendary K-State coach Bill Snyder, and said, “I think we did a pretty damn good job here.” Klieman closed out the press conference by thanking everyone “for allowing the Kliemans to come into Manhattan and build something here.” As Klieman left the press conference, he and Director of Athletics Gene Taylor shared a hug.*Highlights for Klieman at K-State include winning the 2022 Big 12 Championship, winning eight or more games for four straight years, and qualifying for a bowl game in six out of seven years. (The only year KSU did not make a bowl game was during the 2020 COVID season.)<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764817709243.jpeg" alt="Gene Taylor speaking at Klieman's retirement press conference.-Post photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Gene Taylor speaking at Klieman's retirement press conference.-Post photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Athletic Director Gene Taylor spoke after Klieman officially announced his retirement. Taylor was passionate that changes need to be made in the current era of college athletics. Taylor, a very close friend of Klieman, was very emotional when speaking to the media. “You just saw one of the greatest guys in this industry walk out of this room and retire from coaching, from the business that he loves,” Taylor said. He continued, “What really pisses me off is he is doing it because of where we are in this industry.” Taylor is referring to the new era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal, among other issues as well. “If we don’t get this thing fixed, and I am a part of that, as is every other AD in the country and conference commissioners, more really, really good guys like Chris Klieman are going to walk away from this business.”When asked about the timeline of events and when he knew Klieman would retire, Gene Taylor said they met on Monday, where Klieman expressed he needed a few days to think about what he wanted to do. Taylor admitted he was somewhat caught off guard by the retirement talks because he thought they were meeting to discuss the bowl game and potential coaching/staffing changes.Klieman told Taylor Wednesday morning he was going to retire, and Taylor admitted he had been emotional all day since their discussion. When asked about if Klieman would coach the bowl game, he said it is still being determined. He said he plans to meet with the players on Thursday and discuss it.As for the rumors and speculation about a new head coach being named, Gene Taylor said at the press conference that he had not had any conversations prior to that moment. He said with the current landscape, the process will certainly move fast, but he wanted to wait and be respectful to Coach Klieman and let him announce his retirement before anything was officially done.Lastly, Gene Taylor was very complimentary of Klieman’s seven-year run leading the Wildcats and thanked him for what he gave to the Kansas State program.

K-State’s Chris Klieman and AD Gene Taylor discuss Klieman's decision to retire

ALLIANCE, Neb. - In this week's episode of the Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show, brought to you by Harris Sales in Alliance, Jake Schrantz talks with head coach of Alliance Boys Varsity Basketball, Jordan Mills.

They discuss last week's jamboree against Kimball, and look ahead to the regular season openers against Gering and Mitchell this weekend.

By Jake Schrantz<div><iframe title="Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show - 12/03/25 (Boys Basketball)" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=yfwhc-19de8d7-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>ALLIANCE, Neb. - In this week's episode of the Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show, brought to you by Harris Sales in Alliance, Jake Schrantz talks with head coach of Alliance Boys Varsity Basketball, Jordan Mills.They discuss last week's jamboree against Kimball, and look ahead to the regular season openers against Gering and Mitchell this weekend.

Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show - 12/03/25 (Boys Basketball)

CHADRON, Neb. — After squeezing out a pair of one-point victories in their first two home games this season, the Chadron State College men's basketball team was involved in another nail-biter in its third contest in the Chicoine Center on Sunday afternoon, but the Eagles couldn't quite pull this one out and lost to Colorado Christian 61-57.

​The result means the Eagles will open their Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schedule with a 2-5 record when they visit Black Hills State on Thursday, December 4. CSC will play at home two days later against South Dakota Mines.

​Chadron State got off to an extremely slow start Sunday, making just two of its first 13 field goal attempts while falling behind 14-6. The Eagles were still trailing 20-9 with 11 minutes gone off the clock. 

​All nine of the Eagles' points had been scored by junior guard Jadon Cool, who finished with a game-high 22 points.  As things turned out, just five CSC players scored with freshman forward Luka Djurovic getting 10, Isaiah Randolph nine and Blessing Adesipe and Mack Keighran eight apiece.

​After their long scoring drought, the Eagles finally got rolling offensively. They outscored the Cougars 14-4 during a four-and-a-half minute stretch to cut the visitors' lead to a single point at 24-23 with four minutes left in the opening half.  

​During the surge, both Djurovic and Randolph nailed a 3-pointer and made a layup while Keighran sank a pair of free throws and also drove for a layup.

​After Chadron State nearly caught up, the teams traded baskets before the Cougars took a 31-27 lead to the dressing room at halftime.

The Eagles came out of the locker room hot, a rally which spurred them to their  first lead at 32-31. Cool hit his first two shots—a trey and a jumper—to open the second half. Keighran then stole the ball and drove for a layup, putting Chadron State on top 34-31.  

Soon afterwards, however, Colorado Christian sank three of their five three-pointers on the day and went on to take a 51-40 advantage in the middle of the half. ​But even with the double digit deficit, the Eagles didn't quit scrapping and cut the difference to two points—55-53—when Adesipe drove to the basket and earned a hard-driving layup with backspin off the glass and rim as he was landing on the floor with 1:21 left to play. The 6-foot-6 grad student from Houston was awarded a free throw on the play, but missed that shot.

​After each team then turned the ball over, the game was a free throw shooting contest the rest of the way. 

​The Eagles initially stopped the clock by fouling Zachery Reed with 21 seconds left and he made both shots for the visitors. When Cool drove the basket a few seconds later, he was fouled and sank both shots. CSC then fouled Christian's Pierce Bazil as soon as he touched ensuing in-bounds pass and he canned those charity shots. A few ticks later, Adesipe was on a fast break to the basket when he was clobbered and hit both shots. 

​As soon as Pierce Bazil caught the final pass from out of bounds, he was sent to the free throw line and made both shots again to clinch his team's four-point verdict, which improved the Cougars' record to 3-3. 

​Bazil, a 6-2 senior, was Christian's top scorer with 20 points. His brother, Porter, a 6-7 junior, was their team's only other double-figure scorer with 13 points and led the visitors with six assists and seven rebounds. Both were standout hoops players at Lincoln Northeast High School and played basketball at Houston Christian University before joining Colorado Christian this season.

​Each team made five 3-pointers and eight free throws. The scoring difference was because Colorado Christian finished with 24 total field goals, two more than the Eagles. The visitors out-rebounded CSC 33-25, but turned the ball over 17 times, compared to the hosts' 10. ​Both Cool and Randolph were credited with four steals.  

​Colorado Christian—Pierce Bazil 20, Porter Bazil 13, Schafer Reichart 7, Joshua Reid 6. Andrew Reichart 6, Zachery Reid 4, Jared Reed Jr. 3, Bobby McWard 2. Totals: 24-46 FG (5-15 3 PT) 8-9 FT 61 points, 33 rebounds, 12 assists, 17 turnovers.

​Chadron State –Jadon Cool 22, Luka Djurovic 10, Isaiah Randolph 9, Mack Keighran 8, Blessing Adesipe 8. Totals: 22-56 FG (5-24 3PT) 8-10 FT 57 points, 25 rebounds, 11 assists, 10 turnovers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764629755469.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By: Con Marshall CSC Sports InformationCHADRON, Neb. — After squeezing out a pair of one-point victories in their first two home games this season, the Chadron State College men's basketball team was involved in another nail-biter in its third contest in the Chicoine Center on Sunday afternoon, but the Eagles couldn't quite pull this one out and lost to Colorado Christian 61-57.​The result means the Eagles will open their Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schedule with a 2-5 record when they visit Black Hills State on Thursday, December 4. CSC will play at home two days later against South Dakota Mines.​Chadron State got off to an extremely slow start Sunday, making just two of its first 13 field goal attempts while falling behind 14-6. The Eagles were still trailing 20-9 with 11 minutes gone off the clock. ​All nine of the Eagles' points had been scored by junior guard Jadon Cool, who finished with a game-high 22 points. As things turned out, just five CSC players scored with freshman forward Luka Djurovic getting 10, Isaiah Randolph nine and Blessing Adesipe and Mack Keighran eight apiece.​After their long scoring drought, the Eagles finally got rolling offensively. They outscored the Cougars 14-4 during a four-and-a-half minute stretch to cut the visitors' lead to a single point at 24-23 with four minutes left in the opening half. ​During the surge, both Djurovic and Randolph nailed a 3-pointer and made a layup while Keighran sank a pair of free throws and also drove for a layup.​After Chadron State nearly caught up, the teams traded baskets before the Cougars took a 31-27 lead to the dressing room at halftime.The Eagles came out of the locker room hot, a rally which spurred them to their first lead at 32-31. Cool hit his first two shots—a trey and a jumper—to open the second half. Keighran then stole the ball and drove for a layup, putting Chadron State on top 34-31. Soon afterwards, however, Colorado Christian sank three of their five three-pointers on the day and went on to take a 51-40 advantage in the middle of the half. ​But even with the double digit deficit, the Eagles didn't quit scrapping and cut the difference to two points—55-53—when Adesipe drove to the basket and earned a hard-driving layup with backspin off the glass and rim as he was landing on the floor with 1:21 left to play. The 6-foot-6 grad student from Houston was awarded a free throw on the play, but missed that shot.​After each team then turned the ball over, the game was a free throw shooting contest the rest of the way. ​The Eagles initially stopped the clock by fouling Zachery Reed with 21 seconds left and he made both shots for the visitors. When Cool drove the basket a few seconds later, he was fouled and sank both shots. CSC then fouled Christian's Pierce Bazil as soon as he touched ensuing in-bounds pass and he canned those charity shots. A few ticks later, Adesipe was on a fast break to the basket when he was clobbered and hit both shots. ​As soon as Pierce Bazil caught the final pass from out of bounds, he was sent to the free throw line and made both shots again to clinch his team's four-point verdict, which improved the Cougars' record to 3-3. ​Bazil, a 6-2 senior, was Christian's top scorer with 20 points. His brother, Porter, a 6-7 junior, was their team's only other double-figure scorer with 13 points and led the visitors with six assists and seven rebounds. Both were standout hoops players at Lincoln Northeast High School and played basketball at Houston Christian University before joining Colorado Christian this season.​Each team made five 3-pointers and eight free throws. The scoring difference was because Colorado Christian finished with 24 total field goals, two more than the Eagles. The visitors out-rebounded CSC 33-25, but turned the ball over 17 times, compared to the hosts' 10. ​Both Cool and Randolph were credited with four steals. ​Colorado Christian—Pierce Bazil 20, Porter Bazil 13, Schafer Reichart 7, Joshua Reid 6. Andrew Reichart 6, Zachery Reid 4, Jared Reed Jr. 3, Bobby McWard 2. Totals: 24-46 FG (5-15 3 PT) 8-9 FT 61 points, 33 rebounds, 12 assists, 17 turnovers.​Chadron State –Jadon Cool 22, Luka Djurovic 10, Isaiah Randolph 9, Mack Keighran 8, Blessing Adesipe 8. Totals: 22-56 FG (5-24 3PT) 8-10 FT 57 points, 25 rebounds, 11 assists, 10 turnovers.

CCU squeaks past Chadron State to end holiday week

CSC Head Coach Jay Long breaks down the playoff game at Pitt State, highlights an all-time SR class and RMAC award winners, and discusses the new realities of life in D2 college football among the transfer portal and finances.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666116284028.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>CSC Head Coach Jay Long breaks down the playoff game at Pitt State, highlights an all-time SR class and RMAC award winners, and discusses the new realities of life in D2 college football among the transfer portal and finances.<div><iframe title="Jay Long Show - 11/25/25" 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=dg34e-19d11f7-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 - 11/25/25

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Chadron State men's basketball endured a difficult afternoon against the 2023-24 Division II national champions, falling to Minnesota State by an 81-52 score to conclude play at the University of Sioux Falls Classic.

The Eagles received 13 points and eight rebounds from Blessing Adesipe, but shot 31.6 percent from the field overall, making just two of 16 three-point attempts. An exception was at the free throw line, where they sank 14 of 15. 

Chadron State got off to a solid start, tying the score 12-12 on a pair of free throws by Adesipe midway in the first half.  But the Mavericks outscored the Eagles 18-4 in the next seven minutes to take a 30-16 lead. Minnesota State led 39-24 at halftime, then outscored the Eagles 42-28 in the second half.

The Mavericks, now 5-2, didn't burn the nets, shooting 41.2% overall from the field, but helped pull away from their opponent by making 12 of 31 shots from behind the arc. The winners also out-rebounded CSC 48-34.

Behind Adesipe, point guard Mack Keighran added 12 points while going 8-of-9 at the free throw line. Senior Zach Smith, who hit the winning 3-pointer with less than 10 second remaining earlier in the week when the Eagles nipped the Mary Marauders from Bismarck 83-82, added 11 points.

Arhman Lewis, also a senior guard, paced the Minnesota team with 16 points while making 4-of-5 treys and all four of his free shots.  Malcolm Jones contributed 13 points, Traijan Sain 11 and Colton Benson 10.  

Caden Kirkman added eight points and grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds. Jones came away with nine caroms.  Both Kirkman and Jones are 6-8. 

Now 1-4 for the season, the Eagles will be busy next weekend.  They'll host Northern State of Aberdeen, S.D., at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 and Colorado Christian at 1:30 the next day.         

Minnesota State—Arhman Lewis 16, Malcolm Jones 13, Traijan Sain 11, Colton Benson 10, Caden Kirkman 8, Dave Harmon 7, Will Opsahl 6. Carson Schweim 5, Joe Buchanan 3, Chase Bartlett 2. Totals: 26-68 FG (12-31 3PT) 13-18 FT. 81 points, 48 rebounds, 15 assists, 8 turnovers.

Chadron State—Blessing Adesipe 13, Mack Keighran 12, Zach Smith 11, Luka Djurovic 8, Ethan Russell 4, Isaiah Randolph 4. Totals: 18-57 FG (2-16 3PT) 14-15 FT. 52 points, 34 rebounds, 7 assists, 13 turnovers.

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports InformationSIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Chadron State men's basketball endured a difficult afternoon against the 2023-24 Division II national champions, falling to Minnesota State by an 81-52 score to conclude play at the University of Sioux Falls Classic.The Eagles received 13 points and eight rebounds from Blessing Adesipe, but shot 31.6 percent from the field overall, making just two of 16 three-point attempts. An exception was at the free throw line, where they sank 14 of 15. Chadron State got off to a solid start, tying the score 12-12 on a pair of free throws by Adesipe midway in the first half. But the Mavericks outscored the Eagles 18-4 in the next seven minutes to take a 30-16 lead. Minnesota State led 39-24 at halftime, then outscored the Eagles 42-28 in the second half.The Mavericks, now 5-2, didn't burn the nets, shooting 41.2% overall from the field, but helped pull away from their opponent by making 12 of 31 shots from behind the arc. The winners also out-rebounded CSC 48-34.Behind Adesipe, point guard Mack Keighran added 12 points while going 8-of-9 at the free throw line. Senior Zach Smith, who hit the winning 3-pointer with less than 10 second remaining earlier in the week when the Eagles nipped the Mary Marauders from Bismarck 83-82, added 11 points.Arhman Lewis, also a senior guard, paced the Minnesota team with 16 points while making 4-of-5 treys and all four of his free shots. Malcolm Jones contributed 13 points, Traijan Sain 11 and Colton Benson 10. Caden Kirkman added eight points and grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds. Jones came away with nine caroms. Both Kirkman and Jones are 6-8. Now 1-4 for the season, the Eagles will be busy next weekend. They'll host Northern State of Aberdeen, S.D., at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 and Colorado Christian at 1:30 the next day. Minnesota State—Arhman Lewis 16, Malcolm Jones 13, Traijan Sain 11, Colton Benson 10, Caden Kirkman 8, Dave Harmon 7, Will Opsahl 6. Carson Schweim 5, Joe Buchanan 3, Chase Bartlett 2. Totals: 26-68 FG (12-31 3PT) 13-18 FT. 81 points, 48 rebounds, 15 assists, 8 turnovers.Chadron State—Blessing Adesipe 13, Mack Keighran 12, Zach Smith 11, Luka Djurovic 8, Ethan Russell 4, Isaiah Randolph 4. Totals: 18-57 FG (2-16 3PT) 14-15 FT. 52 points, 34 rebounds, 7 assists, 13 turnovers.

Defending D2 Nat'l Champs top Chadron State at Sioux Falls Classic

PITTSBURG, Kan. – Chadron State briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter, but Pittsburg State scored with seven-and-a-half minutes remaining and held off the Eagles by a 21-17 score in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Division II playoffs. 

Wide receiver and First Team All-RMAC selection Tommy Thomas caught five passes for 87 yards, including his 15th receiving touchdown of the 2025 season, to give the Fort Collins native 195 career receptions and break the program's all-time record, which formerly was 192 and held by CSC alum Cole Thurness. 

The result ends the Eagles' season at 8-4 overall, with the program's first trip to the postseason since 2012. The matchup with Pitt State was CSC's third consecutive game against an opponent ranked in the top five in one or both major Division II voting polls, and all three games were decided by one score. 

"I am so proud of our guys," head coach Jay Long said. "This year, we played eight road games, two overtime games and four games against nationally ranked opponents. Our kids never flinched and played their hearts out for one another. They will forever be Eagles."

The Gorillas ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown and led 14-3 at halftime, but the Eagles were once again resilient. Timely stops, big plays in the pass game and three missed field goals by Pitt State helped ensure the Eagles would not go away quietly.

A pair of CSC touchdowns, one late in the third quarter and one midway through the fourth, gave the Eagles the lead for the first time at 17-14 with 10:10 left in the game. Pitt State re-took the lead on its next possession, however, and the Eagles' final two drives ended in fourth-down interceptions – one by the punter on an attempted trick play and one by the quarterback on a desperation attempt in the final seconds. 

Chadron State narrowly outgained Pitt State, 308 to 306, on the same number of plays (60). The Eagles outpaced Pitt State through the air, collecting 233 passing yards to PSU's 177, while the home team outrushed the Eagles 129-75.

Quarterback DJ Ralph, making his third consecutive start, completed 15 of 24 passes for 233 yards, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions. The bulk of those yards went to Thomas, who hauled in a seven-yard touchdown pass and broke the receptions record on a 66-yard deep ball over the top, and Devon Sundgren, who caught two passes for 64 yards.

Daytuawn Pearson was the team's leading rusher with 32 yards on eight carries while reigning RMAC Special Teams Player of the Week Chase Nelson added 47 yards of kick returns, highlighted by a 39-yard runback. 

Defensively, Cooper Walton spearheaded the Eagle effort with 15 tackles (five solo) while senior safety Dax Yeradi had 10 (seven solo). CSC had two sacks, one by Walton and one by Ryder True and Logan O'Brien, and forced one fumble that Pitt State was able to recover.

The home team started the game as well as possible, with TyJuan Atkins, Jr. taking the opening kickoff at the one-yard line and racing down the left side line for a 99-yard return touchdown to give the Gorillas an instant lead. 

Chadron State's offense responded, with Ralph hitting Garet Schlabs and Rollin George III for 13-yard gains and using four Ryker carries for 19 yards to set up a 47-yard field goal from Wilson Yee to cut the deficit to 7-3. 

Pitt State's next two drives ended in missed field goals, with MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year Austin Schmitt missing from 36 yards and then from 54 yards after a Pitt State interception. 

The Gorillas took up much of the second quarter on a 14-play, 94-yard drive that took 6:52 off the clock and ended in a four-yard rushing TD for Cleo Chandler, Jr. as the home team took a 14-3 lead into the halftime locker room. 

Chadron State, which managed 107 total yards in the first half, swung the momentum in an instant with a long pass to Thomas, who fought through a pass interference penalty against him to make the catch and race down the sideline for a 66-yard gain. 

A 10-yard pass to Garet Schlabs gave the Eagles first-and-goal from the Pitt State two. It took the Eagles until fourth-and-goal to score, but Ralph threw to the back corner pylon for Thomas, who made a lunging, contesting catch that was ruled inbounds on the field and upheld after a replay challenge by Pitt State. CSC went for two in the hopes of cutting the deficit to three points, but Ralph's pass intended for Rollin George III was incomplete.

Chadron State got a big stop on the other end when the Gorillas attempted to fake a punt with an end-around rush that was snuffed out by Evan Cherry. The Eagles immediately hit for a big play when Ralph connected with Devon Sundgren on a deep ball to put the Eagles down to the PSU 16-yard line. Six rushing plays later, Daytuawn Pearson punched it in from two yards out, and Ralph found tight end Koye Gilbert for the two-point conversion to give CSC a 17-14 lead.

Pitt State went down the field and re-took the lead on two deep passes, the first of which was a pass interference call against CSC and the second of which was a 28-yard touchdown. 

On its next possession, Chadron State found itself in 4th-and-5 from their own 25 yard line, and tried to have punter Brodie Eisenbraun throw a pass, which was intercepted. The score remained a four-point margin after Schmitt missed his third kick of the day, this time from only 24 yards out, setting the stage for CSC's final possession with the Eagles out of timeouts. 

After a 25-yard throw to Sundgren, the Eagles threw two incomplete passes and a four-yard rush to set up a do-or-die 4th-and-6. Ralph bought time and rolled to his right, but his pass thrown 25 yards down the field was picked off, allowing Pitt State to kneel it out.

Pittsburg State, which improves to 10-2, will advance to face No. 1 regional seed Harding in the second round. Harding defeated Northwest Missouri State 38-16 on Saturday. 

While both Harding and Pitt State won as higher seeds, the other Super Region Four second-round matchup will feature a pair of teams who toppled their higher-seeded opponents in UT Permian Basin (who defeated region No. 3 CSU Pueblo 37-24) and Western Colorado (who defeated region No. 2 Central Washington 27-20).

By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information DirectorPITTSBURG, Kan. – Chadron State briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter, but Pittsburg State scored with seven-and-a-half minutes remaining and held off the Eagles by a 21-17 score in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Division II playoffs. Wide receiver and First Team All-RMAC selection Tommy Thomas caught five passes for 87 yards, including his 15th receiving touchdown of the 2025 season, to give the Fort Collins native 195 career receptions and break the program's all-time record, which formerly was 192 and held by CSC alum Cole Thurness. The result ends the Eagles' season at 8-4 overall, with the program's first trip to the postseason since 2012. The matchup with Pitt State was CSC's third consecutive game against an opponent ranked in the top five in one or both major Division II voting polls, and all three games were decided by one score. "I am so proud of our guys," head coach Jay Long said. "This year, we played eight road games, two overtime games and four games against nationally ranked opponents. Our kids never flinched and played their hearts out for one another. They will forever be Eagles."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763949089786.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Gorillas ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown and led 14-3 at halftime, but the Eagles were once again resilient. Timely stops, big plays in the pass game and three missed field goals by Pitt State helped ensure the Eagles would not go away quietly.A pair of CSC touchdowns, one late in the third quarter and one midway through the fourth, gave the Eagles the lead for the first time at 17-14 with 10:10 left in the game. Pitt State re-took the lead on its next possession, however, and the Eagles' final two drives ended in fourth-down interceptions – one by the punter on an attempted trick play and one by the quarterback on a desperation attempt in the final seconds. Chadron State narrowly outgained Pitt State, 308 to 306, on the same number of plays (60). The Eagles outpaced Pitt State through the air, collecting 233 passing yards to PSU's 177, while the home team outrushed the Eagles 129-75.Quarterback DJ Ralph, making his third consecutive start, completed 15 of 24 passes for 233 yards, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions. The bulk of those yards went to Thomas, who hauled in a seven-yard touchdown pass and broke the receptions record on a 66-yard deep ball over the top, and Devon Sundgren, who caught two passes for 64 yards.Daytuawn Pearson was the team's leading rusher with 32 yards on eight carries while reigning RMAC Special Teams Player of the Week Chase Nelson added 47 yards of kick returns, highlighted by a 39-yard runback. Defensively, Cooper Walton spearheaded the Eagle effort with 15 tackles (five solo) while senior safety Dax Yeradi had 10 (seven solo). CSC had two sacks, one by Walton and one by Ryder True and Logan O'Brien, and forced one fumble that Pitt State was able to recover.The home team started the game as well as possible, with TyJuan Atkins, Jr. taking the opening kickoff at the one-yard line and racing down the left side line for a 99-yard return touchdown to give the Gorillas an instant lead. Chadron State's offense responded, with Ralph hitting Garet Schlabs and Rollin George III for 13-yard gains and using four Ryker carries for 19 yards to set up a 47-yard field goal from Wilson Yee to cut the deficit to 7-3. Pitt State's next two drives ended in missed field goals, with MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year Austin Schmitt missing from 36 yards and then from 54 yards after a Pitt State interception. The Gorillas took up much of the second quarter on a 14-play, 94-yard drive that took 6:52 off the clock and ended in a four-yard rushing TD for Cleo Chandler, Jr. as the home team took a 14-3 lead into the halftime locker room. Chadron State, which managed 107 total yards in the first half, swung the momentum in an instant with a long pass to Thomas, who fought through a pass interference penalty against him to make the catch and race down the sideline for a 66-yard gain. A 10-yard pass to Garet Schlabs gave the Eagles first-and-goal from the Pitt State two. It took the Eagles until fourth-and-goal to score, but Ralph threw to the back corner pylon for Thomas, who made a lunging, contesting catch that was ruled inbounds on the field and upheld after a replay challenge by Pitt State. CSC went for two in the hopes of cutting the deficit to three points, but Ralph's pass intended for Rollin George III was incomplete.Chadron State got a big stop on the other end when the Gorillas attempted to fake a punt with an end-around rush that was snuffed out by Evan Cherry. The Eagles immediately hit for a big play when Ralph connected with Devon Sundgren on a deep ball to put the Eagles down to the PSU 16-yard line. Six rushing plays later, Daytuawn Pearson punched it in from two yards out, and Ralph found tight end Koye Gilbert for the two-point conversion to give CSC a 17-14 lead.Pitt State went down the field and re-took the lead on two deep passes, the first of which was a pass interference call against CSC and the second of which was a 28-yard touchdown. On its next possession, Chadron State found itself in 4th-and-5 from their own 25 yard line, and tried to have punter Brodie Eisenbraun throw a pass, which was intercepted. The score remained a four-point margin after Schmitt missed his third kick of the day, this time from only 24 yards out, setting the stage for CSC's final possession with the Eagles out of timeouts. After a 25-yard throw to Sundgren, the Eagles threw two incomplete passes and a four-yard rush to set up a do-or-die 4th-and-6. Ralph bought time and rolled to his right, but his pass thrown 25 yards down the field was picked off, allowing Pitt State to kneel it out.Pittsburg State, which improves to 10-2, will advance to face No. 1 regional seed Harding in the second round. Harding defeated Northwest Missouri State 38-16 on Saturday. While both Harding and Pitt State won as higher seeds, the other Super Region Four second-round matchup will feature a pair of teams who toppled their higher-seeded opponents in UT Permian Basin (who defeated region No. 3 CSU Pueblo 37-24) and Western Colorado (who defeated region No. 2 Central Washington 27-20).

(4) Pitt State overcomes Chadron State in 4th quarter to advance in NCAA D2 playoffs

By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information

CHADRON, Neb. – Zach Smith nailed a go-ahead three-pointer with 9.5 seconds remaining and Chadron State's defense blocked two shots in the final seconds to emerge with an 83-82 win over the University of Mary in CSC's home opener Wednesday afternoon at the Chicoine Center. 

A raucous Education Day crowd of over 850 local elementary and middle schoolers were treated to a show, as the Eagles and Marauders combined for 12 ties and 16 lead changes with neither team ever leading by more than seven points.

Jadon Cool poured in a season-high 22 points on 8 of 15 shooting to lead the Eagles offensively, while Smith provided the timely bucket on just his second field goal attempt of the contest. Cool, Jovan Jovanovic and Smith hit two three-pointers apiece.  

Freshman Luka Djurovic scored 13 points and 14 rebounds (both career-highs) for his first college double-double while Blessing Adesipe had 11 rebounds, including four offensive boards. 

The entire game felt as though it was building to the climactic moment that Smith delivered, as there was little to separate the two teams all afternoon. 

Chadron State and UMary finished with the same number of rebounds (42-42) and were within one on assists (CSC 14, Mary 13), turnovers (Mary 13, CSC 12) and free throws (Mary 13-19, CSC 12-18). Chadron State had two more made field goals than the Marauders (31 to 29), but the visitors hit two more three-pointers (11 to 9). 

Overall, the Eagles shot 47 percent from the field (31-66), 37.5 percent from three (9-24) and 66.7 percent from the line (12-18). Mary was 41.4 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from deep and 68.4 percent from the stripe. 

The largest lead of the day for either team came midway through the first half. Out of a 16-16 tie, Smith hit his first of two threes on the night before Ethan Russell and Blessing Adesipe both converted in the paint to put CSC up seven, 23-16. Mary took less than three minutes to erase that lead as back-to-back Marauder threes tied the score at 27-27 with 8:43 until halftime.

Neither team led by more than a basket the rest of the first half, as Mary shot just 5-for-9 from the line in the opening frame to lead by just one at halftime, 38-37. Ethan Russell (nine points) and Jovan Jovanovic (eight points) were CSC's leading scorers at the break, but neither one scored in the second half. 

Instead, the ball gravitated towards Cool, who scored 15 of his 22 points in the second half, as well as Djurovic (11 of 13 points in second half) and Adesipe (7 of 9). The Eagles also got to the free throw line far more as a team, attempting only two foul shots in the first half but shooting 10 of 16 in the second half. 

While the lead seesawed through much of the first and the early second half, UMary held the lead for nearly all of the final 10 minutes. A Relja Nagulic three-pointer gave the visitors a 64-62 lead with 9:18 to go and although CSC tied it twice, the Eagles did not retake the lead until Smith's shot. 

With the Marauders up six with five minutes to go, the Eagles got a three-pointer from Mack Keighran and a Collin Nick layup to cut the deficit to one. Blessing Adesipe went 3-for-4 from the line to eventually tie things up at 78-78 with just over two minutes to play. 

Djurovic, a freshman from Montenegro, came up with three defensive rebounds in the game's final minute and hit a jumper on the other end after the first to pull CSC within a point at 81-80. UMary's Kelton Coleman went 1-for-2 from the line with 23 seconds to play and Djurovic grabbed the miss, setting the stage for Smith's big shot. 

With Chadron State clinging to a one-point lead, Adesipe blocked a drive by Coleman. Nagulic picked up the loose ball for UMary and hoisted a three just before the buzzer, but Cool leaped to catch a piece of the desperation shot in mid-air, and it never reached the hoop.

Chadron State hits the road to face two more NSIC foes, taking on Sioux Falls this Friday and Minnesota State this Mankato, both in Sioux Falls.

​Chadron State—Jadon Cool 22, Luka Djurovic 13, Collin Nick 10, Ethan Russell 9, Blessing Adesipe 9, Jovan Jovanovic 8, Zach Smith 7, Mack Keighran 5. Totals: 31-66 FG (9-24 3PT) 12-18 FT. 83 points, 42 rebounds, 14 assists, 12 turnovers.

​UMary—Kelton Coleman 13, Relja Nagulic 13, Tshawn Bois 13, Tamarrein Henderson 11, Jackson Ware 11, Andre Austin 10, Cayden Redfield 4, Kenny Gonzalez 3, Amare Jackson 2, Noah Thomas 2. Totals: 29-70 FG (11-33 3PT) 13-19 FT. 82 points, 42 rebounds, 13 assists, 13 turnovers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763652656545.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports InformationCHADRON, Neb. – Zach Smith nailed a go-ahead three-pointer with 9.5 seconds remaining and Chadron State's defense blocked two shots in the final seconds to emerge with an 83-82 win over the University of Mary in CSC's home opener Wednesday afternoon at the Chicoine Center. A raucous Education Day crowd of over 850 local elementary and middle schoolers were treated to a show, as the Eagles and Marauders combined for 12 ties and 16 lead changes with neither team ever leading by more than seven points.Jadon Cool poured in a season-high 22 points on 8 of 15 shooting to lead the Eagles offensively, while Smith provided the timely bucket on just his second field goal attempt of the contest. Cool, Jovan Jovanovic and Smith hit two three-pointers apiece. Freshman Luka Djurovic scored 13 points and 14 rebounds (both career-highs) for his first college double-double while Blessing Adesipe had 11 rebounds, including four offensive boards. The entire game felt as though it was building to the climactic moment that Smith delivered, as there was little to separate the two teams all afternoon. Chadron State and UMary finished with the same number of rebounds (42-42) and were within one on assists (CSC 14, Mary 13), turnovers (Mary 13, CSC 12) and free throws (Mary 13-19, CSC 12-18). Chadron State had two more made field goals than the Marauders (31 to 29), but the visitors hit two more three-pointers (11 to 9). Overall, the Eagles shot 47 percent from the field (31-66), 37.5 percent from three (9-24) and 66.7 percent from the line (12-18). Mary was 41.4 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from deep and 68.4 percent from the stripe. The largest lead of the day for either team came midway through the first half. Out of a 16-16 tie, Smith hit his first of two threes on the night before Ethan Russell and Blessing Adesipe both converted in the paint to put CSC up seven, 23-16. Mary took less than three minutes to erase that lead as back-to-back Marauder threes tied the score at 27-27 with 8:43 until halftime.Neither team led by more than a basket the rest of the first half, as Mary shot just 5-for-9 from the line in the opening frame to lead by just one at halftime, 38-37. Ethan Russell (nine points) and Jovan Jovanovic (eight points) were CSC's leading scorers at the break, but neither one scored in the second half. Instead, the ball gravitated towards Cool, who scored 15 of his 22 points in the second half, as well as Djurovic (11 of 13 points in second half) and Adesipe (7 of 9). The Eagles also got to the free throw line far more as a team, attempting only two foul shots in the first half but shooting 10 of 16 in the second half. While the lead seesawed through much of the first and the early second half, UMary held the lead for nearly all of the final 10 minutes. A Relja Nagulic three-pointer gave the visitors a 64-62 lead with 9:18 to go and although CSC tied it twice, the Eagles did not retake the lead until Smith's shot. With the Marauders up six with five minutes to go, the Eagles got a three-pointer from Mack Keighran and a Collin Nick layup to cut the deficit to one. Blessing Adesipe went 3-for-4 from the line to eventually tie things up at 78-78 with just over two minutes to play. Djurovic, a freshman from Montenegro, came up with three defensive rebounds in the game's final minute and hit a jumper on the other end after the first to pull CSC within a point at 81-80. UMary's Kelton Coleman went 1-for-2 from the line with 23 seconds to play and Djurovic grabbed the miss, setting the stage for Smith's big shot. With Chadron State clinging to a one-point lead, Adesipe blocked a drive by Coleman. Nagulic picked up the loose ball for UMary and hoisted a three just before the buzzer, but Cool leaped to catch a piece of the desperation shot in mid-air, and it never reached the hoop.Chadron State hits the road to face two more NSIC foes, taking on Sioux Falls this Friday and Minnesota State this Mankato, both in Sioux Falls.​Chadron State—Jadon Cool 22, Luka Djurovic 13, Collin Nick 10, Ethan Russell 9, Blessing Adesipe 9, Jovan Jovanovic 8, Zach Smith 7, Mack Keighran 5. Totals: 31-66 FG (9-24 3PT) 12-18 FT. 83 points, 42 rebounds, 14 assists, 12 turnovers.​UMary—Kelton Coleman 13, Relja Nagulic 13, Tshawn Bois 13, Tamarrein Henderson 11, Jackson Ware 11, Andre Austin 10, Cayden Redfield 4, Kenny Gonzalez 3, Amare Jackson 2, Noah Thomas 2. Totals: 29-70 FG (11-33 3PT) 13-19 FT. 82 points, 42 rebounds, 13 assists, 13 turnovers.

🏀Smith's three in late seconds sends CSC to win over UMary Wednesday

On this week's edition of the Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show, brought to you by Harris Sales in Alliance, Jake Schrantz talks with Mike Glesinger.

Gles spent over 30 years as the voice of the Bulldogs, and has plenty of entertaining stories regarding Alliance basketball, and the Bulldogs athletics program as a whole.

By Jake Schrantz<div><iframe title="Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show - 11/19/25 (talking with Mike Glesinger)" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=hvu6j-19c8431-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this week's edition of the Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show, brought to you by Harris Sales in Alliance, Jake Schrantz talks with Mike Glesinger.Gles spent over 30 years as the voice of the Bulldogs, and has plenty of entertaining stories regarding Alliance basketball, and the Bulldogs athletics program as a whole.

Alliance Bulldogs Coach's Show - 11/19/25 (talking with Mike Glesinger)

Chadron State Football Coach Jay Long takes us through a wild RMAC Championship game, breaking down several key plays and moments, as well as looks ahead to the Eagles playoff match-up with Pitt State!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666116284028.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Chadron State Football Coach Jay Long takes us through a wild RMAC Championship game, breaking down several key plays and moments, as well as looks ahead to the Eagles playoff match-up with Pitt State!<div><iframe title="Jay Long Show - 11/18/25" 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=6gwrn-19c7c69-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 - 11/18/25

PUEBLO, Colo. – In an instant classic befitting a title decider, the CSU Pueblo ThunderWolves scored touchdowns on both of their overtime possessions to defeat Chadron State 30-27 in double overtime on Saturday in Pueblo.

After both teams squeezed out wins in overtime the previous Saturday to remain undefeated in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and set up Saturday's winner-take-all showdown, Chadron State (now 8-3, 8-1 RMAC) and CSU Pueblo (now 10-1, 9-0 RMAC) battled tooth and nail to decide the conference championship during the regular season finale.

With the win, Pueblo wins its second straight conference championship and automatically advances to the NCAA Division II playoffs, but the Eagles are convinced that after reeling off wins in eight consecutive conference games and battling the champions to nearly a draw, they also deserve the privilege of being selected for the postseason. They will find out if their wishes come true Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. Mountain time.  

CSU ​Pueblo came into the game averaging 40 points a game, but managed only 17 through the first four quarters against the stingy Eagles defense, which forced two turnovers. Wilson Yee, the hero last Saturday against Western Colorado, made two more field goals, including a season-long 58-yarder that was the senior's longest kick since setting a school record with a 61-yarder back in 2023. 

​The game featured gobs of exceptional plays and suspense. In some ways, the ThunderWolves dominated – they ran 109 plays compared to Chadron State's 60 and outgained the Eagles 541 to 242 from the line of scrimmage – but time and time again, the Eagles came up with huge plays to halt the ThunderWolves' momentum.

Sophomore Chase Nelson turned in the game's biggest play by racing 92 yards with a kickoff return through the middle of the field for the game's opening touchdown. The Eagles' cause also benefited when Pueblo missed three of its four field goal attempts, none of them more than 36 yards long.

With the score tied and time winding down in regulation, the ThunderWolves had the ball at the Eagles' 29-yard line and pushed a throw towards the end zone with eight seconds remaining, only for cornerback AJ Scurlock to make his first interception of the season at the goal line to send the time to overtime.

​The score was knotted at 17-17 at the end of regulation. Each team scored a touchdown and added the extra point in the first overtime. The Eagles had the ball first in the second extra session and settled for Wilson Yee's 40-yard field goal. ​A pass interference call against the Eagles helped keep Pueblo's ensuing possession alive and on third down quarterback Roman Fuller hit wide receiver Marcellius Honeycut with a 19-yard pass for the touchdown and the three-point victory. 

​More than three hours earlier when the game kicked off, Pueblo scored first when kicker Jackson Smith, who struggled the rest of the day, hit a 32-yard field goal late in the opening quarter. Nelson responded immediately with his dynamic 92-yard gallop that put the Eagles ahead 7-3 after Yee added the extra point.  

​It was only the 11th time an Eagle has romped 90 or more yards with a kickoff for a touchdown.

The Eagles went ahead 14-3 with 3:32 left in the second quarter by putting together a 15-play, 80-yard drive that lasted 8 minutes and 38 seconds and netted five of CSC's 12 first downs. The march's longest play was a 29-yard pass from Ralph to wide receiver Rollin George III, which saw the Eagles beat a Pueblo blitz with a perfectly-timed screen pass. It also included a fourth-down conversion on a fullback handoff to 300-pound nose tackle Tanner True before alternate quarterback Wyatt Sprague went the final three yards on a quarterback draw to the goal line for the touchdown..

​Pueblo answered back in short order by going 75 yards in nine plays in just two-and-a-half minutes and scoring on a 10-yard pass from Fuller to reigning RMAC Player of the Year Reggie Retzlaff to cut CSC's halftime lead to 14-10. ​

The ThunderWolves moved ahead 17-14 by scoring the only points in the third period by going a 70 yards in 13 plays that concluded on running back Kiahn Martinez's one-yard plunge. The Eagles tied the count at 17 just 73 seconds into the fourth period when Yee booted his 58-yarder, which used the wind to hook inside the right upright. ​

Aided by both roughing the passer and pass interference penalties against the Eagles, Pueblo threatened to score on their ensuing possession, but the ThunderWolves went for it on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, only for the ball carrier to be stuffed by True and linebacker Jarred Marquez. 

Personal foul and face mask penalties against Pueblo helped the Eagles get away from their own goal line and cross midfield, but Ralph was intercepted by CSUP safety Peyton Shaw. Again, the Eagle defense answered the bell, sacking Fuller on back-to-back plays to force a punt.

​Chadron State also had to punt with just 1:45 left to play. Senior standout Brodie Eisenbraun boomed a 55-yarder that the Pack returner muffed while attempting an over-the-shoulder catch running backwards, but a Pueblo teammate recovered it at the CSUP 16-yard line before the Eagles could claim it.

The ThunderWolves quickly picked up a pair of first downs and Fuller connected on a 30-yard toss that Zack Rakowsky caught at the Eagles' 29. But on the next play, Fuller's pass towards the end zone was intercepted by Scurlock, who returned it 24 yards as the fourth period was ending. 

​Pueblo's first overtime score came on a one-yard pass to from Fuller to Retzlaff. Chadron State responded on a five-yard run burst by Jake Marschall after quarterback DJ Ralph had raced 20 yards on the Eagles' first snap in OT.  

The Eagles couldn't pick up a first down in the second overtime period and got three points from Yee, opening the door for Pueblo to win with a touchdown. Facing 3rd-and-4 from the 14-yard line, Pueblo appeared to have made a signifcant mistake by taking a delay of game penalty that backed the Pack up to the 19, but Fuller found Honeycutt on a slant over the middle for the walk-off score.

​Counting overtime, Fuller completed 40 of 66 passes for 442 yards. Retzlaff caught 14 passes for 166 yards while Zack Rakowsky grabbed 11 for 118 yards and Honeycutt four for 81.

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports InformationPUEBLO, Colo. – In an instant classic befitting a title decider, the CSU Pueblo ThunderWolves scored touchdowns on both of their overtime possessions to defeat Chadron State 30-27 in double overtime on Saturday in Pueblo.After both teams squeezed out wins in overtime the previous Saturday to remain undefeated in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and set up Saturday's winner-take-all showdown, Chadron State (now 8-3, 8-1 RMAC) and CSU Pueblo (now 10-1, 9-0 RMAC) battled tooth and nail to decide the conference championship during the regular season finale.With the win, Pueblo wins its second straight conference championship and automatically advances to the NCAA Division II playoffs, but the Eagles are convinced that after reeling off wins in eight consecutive conference games and battling the champions to nearly a draw, they also deserve the privilege of being selected for the postseason. They will find out if their wishes come true Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. Mountain time. CSU ​Pueblo came into the game averaging 40 points a game, but managed only 17 through the first four quarters against the stingy Eagles defense, which forced two turnovers. Wilson Yee, the hero last Saturday against Western Colorado, made two more field goals, including a season-long 58-yarder that was the senior's longest kick since setting a school record with a 61-yarder back in 2023. ​The game featured gobs of exceptional plays and suspense. In some ways, the ThunderWolves dominated – they ran 109 plays compared to Chadron State's 60 and outgained the Eagles 541 to 242 from the line of scrimmage – but time and time again, the Eagles came up with huge plays to halt the ThunderWolves' momentum.Sophomore Chase Nelson turned in the game's biggest play by racing 92 yards with a kickoff return through the middle of the field for the game's opening touchdown. The Eagles' cause also benefited when Pueblo missed three of its four field goal attempts, none of them more than 36 yards long.With the score tied and time winding down in regulation, the ThunderWolves had the ball at the Eagles' 29-yard line and pushed a throw towards the end zone with eight seconds remaining, only for cornerback AJ Scurlock to make his first interception of the season at the goal line to send the time to overtime.​The score was knotted at 17-17 at the end of regulation. Each team scored a touchdown and added the extra point in the first overtime. The Eagles had the ball first in the second extra session and settled for Wilson Yee's 40-yard field goal. ​A pass interference call against the Eagles helped keep Pueblo's ensuing possession alive and on third down quarterback Roman Fuller hit wide receiver Marcellius Honeycut with a 19-yard pass for the touchdown and the three-point victory. ​More than three hours earlier when the game kicked off, Pueblo scored first when kicker Jackson Smith, who struggled the rest of the day, hit a 32-yard field goal late in the opening quarter. Nelson responded immediately with his dynamic 92-yard gallop that put the Eagles ahead 7-3 after Yee added the extra point. ​It was only the 11th time an Eagle has romped 90 or more yards with a kickoff for a touchdown.The Eagles went ahead 14-3 with 3:32 left in the second quarter by putting together a 15-play, 80-yard drive that lasted 8 minutes and 38 seconds and netted five of CSC's 12 first downs. The march's longest play was a 29-yard pass from Ralph to wide receiver Rollin George III, which saw the Eagles beat a Pueblo blitz with a perfectly-timed screen pass. It also included a fourth-down conversion on a fullback handoff to 300-pound nose tackle Tanner True before alternate quarterback Wyatt Sprague went the final three yards on a quarterback draw to the goal line for the touchdown..​Pueblo answered back in short order by going 75 yards in nine plays in just two-and-a-half minutes and scoring on a 10-yard pass from Fuller to reigning RMAC Player of the Year Reggie Retzlaff to cut CSC's halftime lead to 14-10. ​The ThunderWolves moved ahead 17-14 by scoring the only points in the third period by going a 70 yards in 13 plays that concluded on running back Kiahn Martinez's one-yard plunge. The Eagles tied the count at 17 just 73 seconds into the fourth period when Yee booted his 58-yarder, which used the wind to hook inside the right upright. ​Aided by both roughing the passer and pass interference penalties against the Eagles, Pueblo threatened to score on their ensuing possession, but the ThunderWolves went for it on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, only for the ball carrier to be stuffed by True and linebacker Jarred Marquez. Personal foul and face mask penalties against Pueblo helped the Eagles get away from their own goal line and cross midfield, but Ralph was intercepted by CSUP safety Peyton Shaw. Again, the Eagle defense answered the bell, sacking Fuller on back-to-back plays to force a punt.​Chadron State also had to punt with just 1:45 left to play. Senior standout Brodie Eisenbraun boomed a 55-yarder that the Pack returner muffed while attempting an over-the-shoulder catch running backwards, but a Pueblo teammate recovered it at the CSUP 16-yard line before the Eagles could claim it.The ThunderWolves quickly picked up a pair of first downs and Fuller connected on a 30-yard toss that Zack Rakowsky caught at the Eagles' 29. But on the next play, Fuller's pass towards the end zone was intercepted by Scurlock, who returned it 24 yards as the fourth period was ending. ​Pueblo's first overtime score came on a one-yard pass to from Fuller to Retzlaff. Chadron State responded on a five-yard run burst by Jake Marschall after quarterback DJ Ralph had raced 20 yards on the Eagles' first snap in OT. The Eagles couldn't pick up a first down in the second overtime period and got three points from Yee, opening the door for Pueblo to win with a touchdown. Facing 3rd-and-4 from the 14-yard line, Pueblo appeared to have made a signifcant mistake by taking a delay of game penalty that backed the Pack up to the 19, but Fuller found Honeycutt on a slant over the middle for the walk-off score.​Counting overtime, Fuller completed 40 of 66 passes for 442 yards. Retzlaff caught 14 passes for 166 yards while Zack Rakowsky grabbed 11 for 118 yards and Honeycutt four for 81.​Martinez led the hosts with 23 carries for 73 yards while Marschall paced the Eagles with 18 rushes for 66 yards. ​Because of injuries, the Eagles were forced to play without Aidan Thompson, their starting quarterback during five straight victories in the middle of the season, their two leading running backs, Quincey Ryker and Daytuawn Pearson, safety Tucker Peterson and also lost another standout safety, Dax Yeradi, in the first quarter.​During the postgame radio show, Head Coach Jay Long said he was "super proud" of how the Eagles took up the slack while filling in for the missing players and made so many crucial plays. He insisted that the Eagles definitely deserve to be among the playoff teams, ​Linebackers Cooper Walton and O'Brien paced the Eagles in tackles with 10 and nine while Stemler made eight and Jadon Bowen and Liam Blaser seven apiece. Stemler forced a fumble in the first half which O'Brien recovered. DJ Ralph completed 6 of 19 passes for 91 yards for Chadron State. Tommy Thomas had a season-low two receptions, which went for 50 yards. The Eagles will learn their playoff fate on Sunday afternoon. If they are selected, the Eagles will have a game this upcoming weekend.