Cougars Took on Fifth Ranked Flyers

The Northeast Cougars took on fifth ranked Humphrey Saint Francis in their second game of the season.  The young team was not up to the big challenge as the perennial power, Flyers, ripped them 70-14.

JJ Oltmer played a major role in the rout as he scored three times.  Last season he carried 35 time for 198 yards and score three TDs as the Cougars suffered their only district loss to the Flyers.  Last Friday, Oltmer needed only eight carries to gain 132 yards.

Northeast found themselves down 32-0 after one quarter.  HSF opened with two drives with 6 and 9 yard scoring runs. The Flyers’ Damien Baumgart returned a punt 43 yards and Oltmer broke loose for 31 yards.

The Cougars gave up three more scores before halftime.  Oltmer broke a forty yard run.  A Flyer interception gave Colton Engle a 42 yard return.  HSF’s final score came on a three yard run by Kyle Wemhoff.

After intermission the Cougars regrouped and  mounted a drive.  Chevy Henneman hooked up with Dylan Hardeman for a 30 yard scoring pass.  The duo clicked again on the PAT.

In the fourth quarter, Chevy Henneman took the ball over from three yards out.

Coach Maresh was pleased to have Chevy Henneman backing the lineup. The senior was cleared for play after missing the first game because of mononucleosis.  “Chevy played real well for us against such a good opponent.  His passing was really sharp.  He completed 14 of 18 passes.”

Besides passing for 120 yards and a TD Henneman ran for 69 yards on14 carries.  Jon Christiansen continued his role as the running back.  The sophomore carried 21 times and gained 93 yards.  Montana Riecken had one carry for 6 yards.

Dylan Hardeman was the Cougars’ most productive receiver.  He had 8 catches and gained 98 yards.  He had 8 of the team’s points.  Jacob Whittaker had 4 catches for 7 yards and Jayden Vetick caught 2 and gained 15 yards.

The defense found defensive back Dylan Hardeman as their top tackler.    The senior recorded four solo and three assisted tackles.  Jon Christiansen had five total tackles from his line backer slot.  Tyler Hardeman continued to be the top lineman with three solo and one assisted tackles.  Others listed on the tackle chart were Jayden Vetick with 4, Montana Riecken with 3, Joey O’Connor with 2, and Chas Webb with 1 stop.

The Cougars take to the road again this week.  They will take a 1-1 record into a contest against  Osmond.  The Tigers are coming off a 44-12 win over Winside.  Last season was a disaster for Osmond as injuries and youth cost tem in a 1-7 season.  They should be a tough challenge for Northeast this year.

LDNE              0          0          8          6          -14

HSF                 32        24        8          6          -70

John Christensen takes off for the Cougars. Photo Credit/Pat Sharp LDNE.

Charles Webb, 29 and Cole Christoffersen, 99, block for ball carrier Montana Riecken. Photo Credit/Pat Sharp LDNE.