Longhorns drop game at Chase County, falling 28-7

Kimball once again played tough against a ranked Chase County squad last Friday, but ultimately fell 28-7 in a chilly road contest in Imperial.

“I thought the kids played really hard against a really tough team,” said Longhorn football coach Nick Kuxhausen. “We had some positives to take from the game and we also have a lot we can work on this week to get better. We are looking forward to preparing for Bayard this week and working hard to get our first win of the year.”

Kimball (0-4) received the opening kickoff to start the game. After neither team got things going on their first drive, the Longhorns had about a six minute drive into Chase County territory. Ethan Long snagged a long pass that kept the drive going, but the drive ultimately stalled at the Chase County 25-yard line. The home team put together its own long drive for the game’s first score, getting a touchdown and two-point conversion for an 8-0 first quarter lead.

The Longhorns began the second quarter with control of the ball, and gained 11 yards when Dakota Flores rushed for a first down. Tyler Magninie was up next on the carry, but nearly fumbled and lost two yards. A flag moved Kimball back, before Magninie threw an incomplete pass to Trent Rutledge that almost resulted in an interception. Another incompletion was thrown and the Longhorns were forced to punt. The 33-yard punt rolled out at the 29-yard line, and Chase County took control.

Chase County (4-0) gained 15 yards on its first rush before the ball carrier was brought down by Magninie. The home team passed for a first down, and continued its drive into Kimball territory. The Longhorns took control as Byron Rowley intercepted a pass to force a turnover.

Kimball took over at its own 22-yard line. Magninie opened the drive with an 8-yard run. After carries by Flores and Magninie, a penalty gave the Horns a first down. Kimball moved the ball to near midfield before being forced to punt, which rolled out of bounds at the 11-yard line.

The Longhorns forced Chase County to punt on their next drive. Kimball took over and Flores had gains of five and six yards, before Magninie was intercepted.

Chase County ran a pair of plays before calling a time out, and then scored a touchdown on the next play. The two-point attempt was unsuccessful and the home team led 14-0 at halftime.

The home team came out of the gate quickly in the second half and soon built a 28-0 lead.

Kimball got its lone score in the fourth quarter. The Horns recovered a Chase County fumble and went to work. Flores started things with a 7-yard run, and Magninie found Land for a pass completion of seven yards. Magninie hit Flores for a 16-yard reception, and then Flores carried the ball four a gain of four yards. The drive ended on a pass from Magninie to Land for a touchdown to make it a 28-7 game.

Magninie was 11-of-23 for 140 yards passing on the night with one touchdown and one interception. Flores rushed for a team-high 30 yards. Land had a solid game with six catches for 86 yards, including a touchdown. Angel Flores caught two passes for 26 yards, and Rutledge had two receptions for 16 yards. Dakota Flores also caught a pass for 12 yards.

Defensively, Rowley and Rutledge led the team with eight tackles each while Creg Barker added seven tackles. Rutledge also led the way with three tackles for a loss, followed with Derrick Soto with two.

Rowley had an interception defensively and also recovered a fumble.

The Longhorns are back in action Friday with a home contest against Bayard (1-3) at 7 p.m. The Tigers opened with losses to Mitchell, Gibbon and Southeast (Wyo.). Their lone win was last week against Southern Valley at home, winning 20-14.