Otte's late 2nd Quarter Touchdown dash keys York win over McCook

The McCook defense prepares for the next York offensive play *(photo by Bobby Mills)

Otte's late 2nd Quarter Touchdown dash keys York win over McCook

York four year starter Simon Otte waited until 19 seconds left before halftime before he touched the ball for the first time. Then like a flash, the multi-talented senior gathered in a screen pass, followed a picture perfect wall of blocking, and proceeded to weave his way 51 yards for a Duke touchdown.

The blocking could be a highlight reel for those crisp blocking York O-Linemen and Dancing With the Stars may be calling Mr. Otte after the moves he pulled off on that TD dance.

That late 2nd quarter score propelled York to a 20-11 win over McCook in a match-up of two of Class B's finest programs.

The opening half was a defensive display by both Class B powers. The Bison managed to score their only points of the 1st half when junior Trae Koetter booted a 26 yard field goal with 54 seconds left in the 1st quarter. That capped off a 54 yard drive.

McCook, who alternated quarterbacks in the first half, with Zach Schlager and Easton Gillen taking turns, just couldn't get things jelling in that 2nd stanza due to very poor field position.

York punter Mayson Conner would twice pin the Bison inside their 10 with booming punts, one missile landing on the one yard line. Another pinned the visitors back on their own three.

It was after the drive that began on the 3, that York seized the opportunity to score before halftime. After forcing a McCook punt, the Dukes drove to their own 49, where the perfectly executed screen play unfolded, giving York that 7-3 halftime advantage.

I'm not certain what York coach Glen Snodgrass said to his team at halftime, but the opening drive of the 3rd quarter nearly about took the sails out of McCook's rock hard, stingy defense.

The Dukes came out firing, moving 80 yards in 14 plays before fullback Alex Kowalski crushed into the end zone from 2 yards out, giving the Dukes a 14-3 advantage. The killer drive consumed 5 minutes 37 seconds and left the McCook defense with hands on their hips.

The lengthy drive could have done great damage to 2nd rated (Class B) McCook, but Jeff Gross and his staff have those Bison trained better than that.

Buoyed by some nice running and passing by quarterback Zach Schlager, McCook fashioned a terrific drive that began with a 1:44 remaining in the 3rd quarter. Schlager drove his team down the East Hills field all the way from his own 9, ripping off 3 nice power dashes, then eventually found 5-9, 140 pound WR Hunter Potthoff for a 16 yard TD strike.

The talented QB Schlager, who apparently learned everything from his father Russ Schlager, a long time Bison assistant coach, then swept his right side for the two point conversion and McCook was back in business, trailing only 14-11 with 8:07 left in the game.

What followed was another long York drive, highlighted by some powerful running by Alex Kowalski and Simon Otte, and a nice reception by sophomore standout Garrett Snodgrass.

The Dukes drive drained the clock all the way down to the 1:14 mark. Otte then took a pitch from QB Damon Kaliff, sprinted to his right where the York line had sealed off McCook defenders, and bolted 16 yards for the clinching touchdown.

Rugged Alex Kowalski led the York ground attack with 92 yards on 19 carries and a score. Simon Otte, who had NO first half rushes, added 76 yards on 16 totes and 2 TDs.

Duke QB Damon Kaliff connected on 6 off his 11 throws on the night for 116 yards and a touchdown.

McCook's Zach Schlager led all rushers with an even-steven 100 yards on just 11 carries.

Next week 4-1 and York makes the long trip to face Sidney, while McCook return to the friendly confines to face rival Scottsbluff in a battle for Western Nebraska supremecy.

.................................1........2........3........4..........F

(4-1) McCook..........3........0........0........8.........11

(4-1) York................0........7........7........6.........20

1st Quarter:

McCook - Trae Koetter 26 Field Goal

2nd Quarter:

York - Simon Otte 51 Screen pass from Damon Kaliff....(Jorre Luther kick)

3rd Quarter:

York - Alex Kowalski 2 Run...................................................(Luther kick)

4th Quarter:

McCook - Hunter Potthoff 16 pass from Zach Schlager...(Schlager run)

York - Simon Otte 16 Run.....................................................(kick blocked)