Nazareth’s Nathaniel Van Dijk makes a catch against Happy in a game earlier this season. [Mackenzie Teal/Press Pass Sports]
Happy fumbles district lead
The Cowboys went into Petersburg Friday night with a chance to claim the district title, but the Buffaloes had other plans. Petersburg held a 26-20 lead going into the fourth quarter before the Cowboys were able to score twice and take the lead. After a Petersburg score that gave them the eventual game-winning score of, 38-36, the Cowboys had one more chance. However, Happy was held out a of the endzone failing to convert a fourth and goal with only seconds left on the clock.
Top teams roll
White Deer and McLean came into the week as two of the best teams in the area, and their games on Friday echoed that. McLean clinched a share of the District 1-1 Division I title beating Valley, 60-14. The Bucks asserted themselves quickly over Miami as they ended the game in the first half 61-0.
Wildorado drops first game of season
With a depleted roster, the Mustangs were still able to remain competitive against a good White Deer JV squad. The Bucks took the win 35-32. With only one week left in the season, the Mustangs will look to bounce back at Claude on Thursday..
Nazareth gets win over rival Hart
The Swifts are tied for second place after the Happy loss, and getting a win over long time rival Hart. The Swift defense was huge in this matchup as Nathaniel Van Dijk was able to return two interceptions for touchdowns. Luke Schulte led the way for the Swifts on the offensive end going 9 of 12 through the air with 182 yards and three touchdowns.
The streak…. is over
Follett’s run of eight straight district champions and run to the playoffs came to an end at the hands of Groom on Friday. The Panthers gave the Tigers all they could handle through three quarters, but eventually the talented Tigers were too much in the end, pulling away for a 60-23 win.
A tip of the cap to Follett’s football program for its great run.
District placings
As of Friday night, three teams have clinched playoff spots… McLean, Groom, and Lefors.
This week has two games in Division 1 with major playoff implications. The first comes from District 1, where Valley travels to White Deer to take on the Bucks. The winner of this matchup will take second place in the district and earns the final playoff spot. In District 2, Nazareth will host Petersburg. Petersburg currently sits on top of the district standings, but if the Swifts were to win, they would force a three way tie for first place with Happy.