Broncos top Raiders to stay unbeaten

Monday, September 10, 2018

R.B. Headley

Wauneta-Palisade tacklers Austin Rozelle (7) and Joel Maris (17) surround a Medicine Valley running back during the Broncos’ 36-16 win at Wauneta Friday evening in this early-season showdown of 2-0 teams.

Diane Stamm/Wauneta Breeze

WAUNETA, Neb. — Undefeated Wauneta-Palisade continues to play better and better football every week.

The Broncos’ latest victory was their most impressive so far as they stunned returning state semifinalist Medicine Valley, 36-16, Friday evening.

Med Valley (2-1 record) suffered its first regular-season defeat since 2016.

The Broncos (3-0) took charge with different players scoring touchdowns.

Austin Rozelle’s seven -yard run and ensuing two-point conversion made it 8-0. The Broncos actually would never relinquish this advantage.

They made it 16-0 on senior Dennis Cavanaugh’s three-yard rumble followed by a second Rozelle PAT.

Medicine Valley pulled within 16-8 at halftime only to see Dalton Harchelorad unleash a 68-yard jaunt into six-point paradise.

The Broncos missed their PAT attempt but still led 22-8.

Medicine Valley answered to close the amrgin again at 22-16.

However, Wauneta-Palisade delivred a powerful finish.

Duncan Rector connected with Caid Doetker on an eight-yard TD pass.

Now trailing 30-16, the Raiders needed to pass and Doetker added a final victory-clinching “pick six” interception return.

Ben Anderjaska’s two-point run finished the 36-16 Bronco triumph.

Wauneta-Palisade owns wins over a rapidly improving 2-1 Hitchcock County team, Dundy County-Stratton on the Tigers’ home turf in Benkelman and now Med Valley.