Chase County, Ogallala rekindle Cattle Trail rivalry Friday night

Thursday, September 21, 2017

IMPERIAL, Neb. -- It is hard not to see the similarities between Chase County and Ogallala.

Both schools have put together successful football programs that rely on fundamentals and physicality. Both teams also sport an orange and black color scheme and are currently 2-2 heading into Week 5.

That and there’s the connection both communities had to the Great Western Cattle Trail.

It makes sense that the two schools might view this game as a rivalry.

Chase County and Ogallala will do battle once again Friday night in Ogallala. This Week 5 contest will mark the third time in the last year that these two meet.

Last season, Chase County won the regular season match 33-14 before Ogallala got revenge by beating the Longhorns in the first round of the Class C1 playoffs by the same score of 33-14.

Defense continues to be a Longhorn staple. Through four games, Chase County has allowed an average of 11 points per contest and shut out two opponents. Last week saw the Longhorn offense ignite with 39 points, led by Kadin Vrbas’ 81 rushing yards and three scores.

Ogallala counters with two young running backs in Dylon Zink and Luke Paloucek. The two have combined for 685 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. The Indians average 230 yards on the ground.

Both teams are part of the same C1-8 district, which goes into Week 5 as the only group without a losing record. A chance to go 1-0 in the group will be a big incentive for both squads.

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. central time.

sports1@mccookgazette.com

@gabegauthier1

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