Playoff Preview: DCS travels to Arnold to play unbeaten South Loup

Thursday, October 26, 2017
DCS' Phalen Sanford calls his own number during a game at Cambridge earlier this season. The Tigers travel to Custer County to take on No. 3 South Loup.
Gabe Gauthier/McCook Gazette

BENKELMAN, Neb. -- No area team has had a roller coaster season quite like Dundy County-Stratton.

The Tigers lost two games by one possession -- one to Southwest in double overtime and another to Perkins County in the final seconds of regulation -- but also beat playoff-bound Cambridge by 40 points.

“It’s been a very emotional year for us,” DCS head coach Mike Spargo said. “We’ve had big highs and lows.”

Now, Spargo’s 4-4 Tigers head to Arnold to take on an unbeaten South Loup squad that’s beating opponents by an average score of 54-13. Spargo said the Bobcats are well-deserving of their unbeaten record.

“They are very, very good. They’re fast, physical and aggressive, which are all things you want in a football team.”

Quarterback Jack Rush has been dynamite for South Loup this season. The senior has thrown for 1,020 yards and rushed for another 1,039. Both stats rank in the D1 top-10. His 45 touchdowns ranks number one in the class.

Despite the difference in records, Spargo sees similarities between the team teams.

“They’re pretty similar to us. They like to spread you out on offense and have speed across the board.”

Spargo said his team will need to put together a four-quarter game if the Tigers want to upset the applecart tonight.

“We think we’re a pretty tough matchup for anyone. We can score in bunches and have athletes who can present problems. It’s gonna come down to whether we can play consistent for four quarters.”

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