Med Valley sees D-2 state football playoff dreams end at Sargent

SARGENT, Neb. -- Medicine Valley had a fairly strong first quarter in its Class D-2 (Eight-man) state playoff quarterfinal game at Sargent Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Unfortunately, the hosts were much better.

Sargent used a strong first half and a potent rushing attack to end Medicine Valley's season with a 58-13 decision.

The two teams combined for 43 points in a wild opening period Tuesday. Unfortunately for the Raiders, Sargent scored four touchdowns to just two for Med Valley, as the hosts built a 30-13 lead.

More unfortunate for the Raiders, they did not score again the rest of the game.

Sargent took an 8-0 lead early in the contest on a 45-yard run by Guy Fenske. Fenske added a 34-yard touchdown run with 4:39 left in the first quarter to help put the hosts ahead 16-0.

Seesaw scoring

Things got very wild in the next two minutes.

Sargent got the ball back, and Jed Fenske ripped off a 50-yard TD run to increase the Bulldogs' lead to 22-0. About a minute later, Med Valley got on the board when quarterback Riley Garey connected with Josh Leas for a 34-yard touchdown pass play, and Brendan Johnsen's conversion kick pulled the Raiders within 22-7.

On the ensuing kickoff, Tanner Balfour returned the ball 50 yards for a Sargent touchdown and a 30-7 advantage.

On the next play from scrimmage, Garey hit Lucas Gleisberg on a 65-yard touchdown pass to get Med Valley within 30-13 with just over two minutes remaining in the opening quarter.

Sargent took control in the second quarter with three touchdowns. Tyke Kozeal ran 21 yards for a touchdown early in the period. Guy Fenske added a 17-yard TD run, and Fenske threw a 51-yard scoring pass to Kirby Pomplum to put Sargent ahead 52-13 at halftime.

Sargent added a 60-yard TD run by Guy Fenske midway through the third quarter.

Med Valley rush shut down

The Bulldogs shut down Med Valley's rushing attack. The Raiders had 18 rushing attempts for a net of minus-12 yards.

Garey completed 14 of 31 passes for 200 yards. Gleisberg led Med Valley receivers with 132 yards on seven catches. Hunter Timmons had six receptions for 34 yards, and Josh Leas caught one pass for 34 yards.

Sargent totaled 375 rushing yards and 51 more through the air. Guy Fenske led the Bulldogs with 192 yards on 15 carries, and Jed Fenske added 128 yards on 14 attempts.

Sargent, 11-0, will host Loomis next Monday in the D-2 playoff semifinals. The Bulldogs advanced to the 2010 D-2 state championship game with a perfect 12-0 record. But Howells beat Sargent, 46-7, for the D-2 state title.

Medicine Valley started the season with a pair of losses before building an eight-game streak entering Tuesday's playoff contest. The Raiders, seeded ninth in the D-2 playoff West bracket, end the season with an 8-3 record.

CLASS D-2 (EIGHT-MAN) STATE

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

Quarterfinals Tuesday, Nov. 8 at Sargent

Medicine Valley (8-3) 13 0 0 0 -- 13

Sargent (11-0) 30 22 6 0 -- 58

SAR -- Guy Fenske 45 run (Jed Fenske run)

SAR -- Guy Fenske 34 run (Jed Fenske run)

SAR -- Jed Fenske 50 run (pass failed)

MV -- Josh Leas 34 pass from Riley Garey (Brendan Johnsen kick)

SAR -- Tanner Balfour 65 kickoff return (Jed Fenske run)

MV -- Lucas Gleisberg 65 pass from Garey (kick blocked)

SAR -- Tyke Kozeal 21 run (Guy Fenske run)

SAR -- Guy Fenske 16 run (run failed)

SAR -- Kirby Pomplum 51 pass from Guy Fenske (Jed Fenske run)

SAR -- Guy Fenske 60 run (pass failed)