Longhorns fall to state-ranked North Platte St. Pat's

The state-ranked North Platte St. Pat's football team made things tough for Kimball last Friday, as the visiting team rolled to a 49-0 win at Keith Staehr Field.

"There's not much else to say except that we ran into a really good football team," said Longhorn football coach Nick Kuxhausen. "They are one of the best in the state in Class C, and I thought our kids gave a good effort we were really just outmanned. We look forward to getting to work this week and focusing on Hershey."

The game started with the Longhorns receiving the opening kickoff for the night, and Ethan Land took it to the 20-yard line. The Longhorns were soon pushed back and forced to punt.

It was not long before the Irish put themselves up on the scoreboard as James Schroll ran for 2 yards into the end zone after North Platte pushed its way up the field and scoring a touchdown. The point after kick by Gabe Vyzourek was good and St. Pat's had a 7-0 lead over Kimball.

Kimball turned things over quickly as the visiting Irish intercepted the ball to take control once again. St. Pat's scored again after a 32 yard run by Schroll. The extra point by Vyzourek was good and North Platte extended its lead to 14-0.

The kickoff to Kimball was received by Land at the 21- yard line. A run pushed back the Horns a couple yards, before they gained some after a good run by Kyle Spicer. The Horns did not score, however, and were forced to turn over the ball.

North Platte St. Pat's soon scored again with only 46 seconds left in the quarter with a 14-yard run by Lane Knisley. St. Pat's Vyzourek again kicked the extra point for a 21-0 lead.

The opening of the second quarter saw Land again receiving the kickoff, however Kimball was unable to score and gave the ball back to St. Pat's. Kimball did not score during the second quarter.

North Platte scored three touchdowns during the second quarter with runs by Schroll and Bryce Byrn and the visiting team held a 42-0 lead at halftime.

The second half of the game showcased some good defense from the Kimball Longhorns with a multitude of tackles as they held of North Platte for most of the third quarter and all of the fourth.

North Platte did score at the end of the third with only 13 seconds left on the clock, giving the Irish a final score of 49-0.

For the Longhorns, Tyler Magninie completed four of seven passes for 31 yards.

Spicer was the leader in rushing with 39 yards. Dakota Flores was behind him with 14 yards, and Byron Rowley was next with 10 yards.

Leading in receiving was Trent Rutledge with a total of two receptions for 18 yards, Ethan Land with one reception for nine yards, and Angel Flores with one catch for six yards.

Rutledge had a total of 9.5 tackles, the leader for the Longhorns. Creg Barker was close behind him with 8.5. Next was Sam Tussing with 6 and Kody Kirby with 5. Byron Rowley had a total of 4. Angel Flores had 2.5 and Kole Bush was right behind him with a total of 2. Dakota Flores had 1.5. Derrick Solo also had 1.5. Corey Travis, Aroon Flores, Ethan Land, Izaac Glanz, and Paycen Harroun all had a single tackle during the game. Tyler Magninie, Ryan Soper and Jake Jenkins all had one assist.

The Horns are back in action Friday with a 6 p.m. home contest against Hershey.