KEARNEY – The Bearcats opened their pregame with fireworks, and as the Homecoming celebration kicked off at the conclusion of Friday night’s win more fireworks erupted outside Foster Field as Kearney dominated Lincoln Northeast – cementing their playoff spot with a 48-0 win over the Rockets. Click here to listen to the broadcast replay.
Kearney entered the contest at 5-2 on the season after suffering back-to-back losses at home against Grand Island and on the road the week prior to Omaha Westside. Their homecoming opponent was Lincoln Northeast, as the Rockets under the guidance of first year head coach Javonta Boyd held a winless mark to start the season 0-7.
As pregame festivities and senior night introductions concluded at Foster Field, the Bearcats looked to get to work early against the Rockets. Northeast won the kickoff and deferred to the second half, allowing Kearney’s offense to get to work first.
Treyven Beckman began the contest with rifling passes mixed with strong runs from Ethan Kowalek and Able Molina as the Bearcats worked down the field in 9 plays for a 69 yard scoring drive ended with a one yard touchdown plunge by sophomore Sawyer Schilke. Kearney converted big plays on the drive to move the chains often, leading 7-0 with 8:13 left in the first quarter.
Lincoln Northeast would go three-and-out on their opening possession, giving Kearney a chance to open up their attack. The Bearcats big strikes down the field were set up by another solid first down by Kowalek, then proceeded by a 46 yard touchdown strike to junior Karter Lee. Lee hauled in his sixth touchdown on the season on the play, completing a 4 play, 75 yard scoring drive. Kearney led 14-0 with 4:15 remaining in the first.
After a first down reception for Lincoln Northeast, the Bearcats defense bowed up and forced back-to-back incompletions after a tackle for loss to bring up another Rocket punt. The Bearcats would make it three drives ending in touchdowns as Kearney would work 64 yards in 7 plays, concluding with a 26 yard touchdown pass to Zander Reuling with ten seconds remaining in the quarter. Kearney ballooned their lead 21-0.
Northeast would begin their longest drive of the game, going 10 plays starting at their own 21 yard line. Backwards plays and excellent pass defense resulted in the Rockets attempting a fake punt that would only go for two yards and a turnover on downs.
Starting at their own 45 yard line, the Bearcats marched six plays and 55 yards for another passing touchdown from Beckman to Reuling. The pass tied Beckman for the single-season record in Kearney Football history at 19 on the season. The 29 yard strike resulted in a 28-0 lead with 4:10 remaining in the first half.
Another Rocket three-and-out gave Beckman and the Bearcat offense a short field to operate a more efficient running attack as Eli Randolph received the bulk of the carries, finally crossing the plane for his first touchdown on the night from five yards out to give Kearney the running clock and a 35-0 lead entering halftime.
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Northeast would run four plays then punt, as Kearney’s reserves saw more action in the second half led by quarterbacks Lincoln Phillips and Griffin Novacek. The Bearcats would have a turnover on downs inside the Rocket red zone, but would get the ball back on a Kaleb Larson interception on the ensuing drive. Senior Zach Watson rumbled from 42 yards out to break the game open further, as Kearney led 42-0 in the fourth.
Another touchdown by Kearney late in the contest by Alex Teichmeier gave them a 48-0 lead, as the Bearcats closed the contest with a Cayden John interception and return.
Fireworks ran loud and long at Foster Field, as the Bearcats improved to 6-2 on the season with their 48-0 win over Lincoln Northeast.
The Bearcats travel to Norfolk on Friday night to close out the regular season as the Panthers playoff hopes are likely on the line.
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