Seward football couldn’t overcome an early deficit Sept. 2 and suffered its first defeat, falling 21-14 to Lincoln Pius X.
“I’m really proud of how the guys played,” SHS Coach Jamie Opfer said. “They made a good comeback. Penalties just went against us.”
The Jays played Pius, which dropped to Class B this season, within a touchdown despite four turnovers – three interceptions and a fumble.
“It’s a challenge when you struggle to move the ball with your base plays,” Opfer said. “You have to do things you’re not as comfortable with.”
The Thunderbolt defense made Seward throw the ball more than it wanted to. Quarterback Kalen Knott finished the night 16-28 for 203 yards and a touchdown pass.
Opfer said one of the challenges was maintaining pass protection, which he thought the Jays did a good job of.
Luke Wegman led the defense with four solo tackles and 15 assists. Nolan Hill added three solo tackles and 15 assists.
Opfer said Dustin Hurley continues to play well. The senior recorded seven tackle assists in the game. AJ Frazey and Noah Brumm also had good games up front, he said.
In addition to his solid play on defense, Hill picked up 49 yards on eight carries and caught five passes for 56 yards.
“He never wants a break,” Opfer said, adding that the senior shows both mental and physical toughness.
The Jays (1-1) are on the road Friday, Sept. 9, against Grand Island Northwest. The game will be played in Hastings because Northwest’s field is under construction.
Opfer said the Vikings are talented all over the field.
“We will have our hands extremely full,” he said.
Seward will have to focus on what it does best and not do anything crazy, he said.
