Broncos move into Class D-1 quarterfinals

Grant Strunk/McCook Daily Gazette Wauneta-Palisade's Jake Smith runs 7 yards for a touchdown after catching a pass as the Broncos defeated Axtell 19-16 Wednesday in Wauneta. The Broncos advanced to the Nebraska Class D-1 quarterfinals Monday at Loomis (9-1). Kickoff is 5 p.m.

WAUNETA -- Trevor Ridlen threw for 252 yards and 3 touchdowns to win over an unbeaten Axtell in the second round of the Class D1 playoffs Wednesday 19-16.

Ridlen hit Jake Smith with a 37-yard pass to set up the first Bronco score in the first quarter. In the next series Ridlen connected with Smith again for a 7-yard score.

Axtell answered in the second quarter with a 27-yard field goal and a 8-yard run, taking the lead a halftime 9-6.

Trevor Ridlen threw to Andrew Isom for a 14-yard touchdown and the only score in the third quarter.

In the fourth, Chris Crowell grabbed a 40-yard pass from Ridlen for a TD. Axtell came back with a 66-yard TD pass with 3:40 left in the game to end the scoring.

Trevor Ridlen completed 16 of 27 passes with 1 interception. Russell Ridlen caught 5 passes for 81 yards. Isom caught 5 for 64 yards. Taylor Dixon carried 25 times for 60 yards.

The Broncos improved their record to 8-2 and will meet 9-1 Loomis for the quarterfinal game Monday. Kickoff at Loomis is 5 p.m.

WP -- Smith 7 pass from T. Ridlen (PAT failed)

A -- 27 field goal

A -- 8 run

WP -- Isom 14 pass from T. Ridlen (R. Ridlen kick)

WP -- Crowell 40 pass from T. Ridlen (PAT failed)

A - 66 pass (kick good)