NORFOLK – The Kearney Bearcats closed out the regular season with a dominating performance at Norfolk’s Memorial Field, crushing the Panthers 34-10. Click here to listen to the broadcast replay.
Kearney entered the contest at 6-2 on the season and aiming to continue their short winning streak to ride a wave of momentum into the postseason. Norfolk was on the cusp of the playoff picture, appearing to be secured but a win would confirm the rebuild generated by Head Coach Chris Koozer. The 5-3 Panthers held Senior Night activities as well, making for an emotional evening regardless of the outcome.
Norfolk won the toss and deferred to the second half, giving Kearney the opportunity to show case their arial attack that has been lethal all season. After a few short runs, senior quarterback Treyven Beckman lofted a toss down the middle of the defense to Zander Reuling, who accelerated for a huge gain into Norfolk territory. The pass cemented Beckman into the record books, crushing the single-season passing record for yards in a year. After more successful plays down field, Kearney rushed inside with senior Bryton Taubenheim for a one yard plunge to take a 6-0 lead after a PAT miss.
Norfolk would respond with a long drive heading into the teeth of the Bearcat defense, but as the Panthers pushed into Kearney territory Aidan Poppe would sack the Panther quarterback Kaden Ternus for a big loss, resulting in a 37 yard field goal by Jake Licking to cut the lead to 6-3.
Kearney would respond with a short drive in terms of plays, but a successful drive nonetheless as Beckman looked for a hook route to senior Jack Dahlgren, evading one oncoming defender and sprinting down the Kearney sideline for an 80 yard touchdown catch-and-run. Kearney connected on the PAT to lead 13-0.
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After another unsuccessful drive by Norfolk ended by the stout Kearney defense, the Bearcats offense looked for the quick strike again. Set up at their own 2 yard line, Kearney plowed ahead for breathing room from senior running back Ethan Kowalek. After another short gain, Beckman unloaded down the field for his second 80 yard touchdown strike to junior Zander Reuling. Bearcats had the momentum and the lead at 20-3.
Norfolk was unable to find any success on their proceeding drive, once again giving the ball off a punt form Licking to the red-hot Kearney attack. With a more methodical approach, Kearney mixed run and pass down the field finishing their fourth consecutive scoring drive with a 24 yard touchdown pass to junior Karter Lee. The rout was on in Norfolk, as it was all Bearcats leading 27-3.
Kearney would take their lead into halftime, adding in Beckman’s fourth touchdown pass of the day to junior tight end Beau Skala in the third quarter.
Into the fourth quarter, Norfolk would score late to bring the game closer but Kearney would close out the win 34-10.
The Bearcats finish the regular season 7-2 and await their official playoff opponent once Class A’s powerpoints are settled. The Bearcats will host their first round contest at Ron & Carol Cope Stadium regardless of opponent.
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