Cody-Kilgore Too Much For Coyotes In D6 Final

The historic season that the Potter-Dix Coyote football team enjoyed came to a disappointing end Friday night in Ron and Carol Cope Stadium at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, as they fell to the Cody-Kilgore Cowboys by a final score of 65-37.

The Coyotes' run fell just short of a state championship as the Cody-Kilgore running attack proved to be too much for the Coyotes to stop for four quarters. The Potter-Dix team ended the season with an 11-1 record, a runner-up trophy, and a host of team and league records reflecting on their successful season.

The accomplishment this team has achieved cannot be understated, considering the players who are seniors endured two one-win campaigns before the team turned itself around and had a breakthrough season last year, ending with a playoff quarterfinal appearance. After last year's disappointing loss to Cody-Kilgore in the quarterfinals, the team was immediately back to the weight room and training for the next year, determined to take the next step to the championship game. They made it there Friday night, with one last hurdle in the Cody-Kilgore Cowboys to overcome.

The weather conditions were favorable at kickoff, with mild temperatures and a slight breeze, and Potter-Dix elected to kick off after winning the coin toss. Senior Thomas Muldoon attempted an onside kick, but the Cowboys were able to recover with good field position. Cody-Kilgore immediately started with its rushing attack and drove the ball, but on fourth down, Muldoon was able to get into the backfield and tackle senior Cactus Millar for a loss causing a turnover on downs. Potter-Dix opened with a pass by junior Luke Kasten to sophomore Caden McConnell, who took a group of Cowboy defenders for a ride and a Coyote first down. The next play saw the Coyotes give the gain right back as Kasten was sacked for a 20-yard loss. But on the next play, Kasten was able to scramble and find a hole then cut through the defense for 50 yards and a touchdown, and with a good extra point kick by Muldoon, the Coyotes led 8-0.

Cody Kilgore responded immediately with a big run for a touchdown by senior Peyton Sterkel, but a missed kick kept Potter-Dix ahead, 8-6. Potter-Dix took over and had trouble moving the ball, then on third down sophomore Brayden Kasten was intercepted to stop the Coyote drive. A few plays later, the Cowboys scored on a play action pass to senior Gage Davis, one of two passes the Cowboys attempted the entire game, and took a 13-8 lead. 

The Coyotes knew they would have to respond to every score to keep in the game, and were able to successfully convert on their next drive with a touchdown catch by junior Zach Rotert to retake the lead at 16-13.

Cody-Kilgore needed just three runs, then a fourth up the middle by Sterkel for a touchdown to take a 21-16 lead – and start a 32-point unanswered scoring stretch from the end of the second period through the third period to effectively put the game away for the Cowboys.

Potter-Dix finally broke the scoreless streak with 1:04 left in the third quarter, when Muldoon reeled in a short touchdown pass from Luke Kasten.

Cody-Kilgore scored on seven of eight red zone chances, forced three interceptions and returned a fumble during a kickoff for a touchdown. Peyton Sterkel led their rushing attack with 240 yards and five touchdowns. The Cowboys had 464 total yards with 444 yards rushing.

Potter-Dix was held to 60 yards rushing and turned the ball over four times. Brayden Kasten went 11-for-17 for 141 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Luke Kasten went 8-for-11 for 93 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Thomas Muldoon had 8 receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns, plus15 tackles on defense.