McCook Bison eighth grade football team falls to Ogallala

The McCook Bison eighth grade football team lost its first game of the season to the Ogallala Indians 46-6 Tuesday, giving them a 1-1 record on the season.

The Bison had a good first quarter, completing some big plays and keeping Ogallala's oversized offense out of the end zone. In the second quarter Ogallala was able to power and pass their way through the Bison defense for four touchdowns.

"This was a big, strong, and fast Ogallala team we faced tonight, several early-bloomers," coach Tim Garcia said. "We never gave up -- there was no quit in our kids and that is the most important aspect of this game for us."

In the second half the Bison found the end zone when Manuel Mendoza found a gap in the defense and sprinted for a 75 yard touchdown.

Offensively Mendoza led the team in rushing with 81 yards on 13 carries and the only Bison score. Justin Terry had 8 carries for 16 yards. Matt Chitwood completed one pass to Logan Koetter for 15 yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, Keagan Haarberg had 8 tackles and led McCook in tackles for the second week in a row. Terry, Mendoza, and Nick Alberts each had 6. Gabe Ware had an interception and two tackles from his safety position.

"Right now Ogallala is bigger, faster, and stronger, but our kids will continue to grow and improve through hard work on the field and in the weight room," Garcia said. "By the time this class is in their junior and senior years, I'm sure things will be evened out physically."

The McCook seventh and eighth grade teams travel to Holdrege on Tuesday, with the seventh grade playing at 5 p.m. and the eighth grade playing at 6:30 p.m.. Both games will have a fifth quarter this week.

"Our focus is on Holdrege," Garcia said. "All week we have been focusing on being 2-1 after the Holdrege game. These kids have it in their hearts to improve every day and I like our chances on Tuesday."

The Bison had three players leave the game due to injury on Tuesday, but all will play in the Holdrege game.