The Lyons-Decatur Northeast Cougars lost 52-36 at Wynot in their regular season finale on Thursday.
The Blue Devils went up 32-6 at the end of one and shutout Lyons-Decatur Northeast 20-0 in the second quarter to take a 52-6 lead into the locker room.
The Cougars scored 8 third quarter points to make it a 52-14 game at the end of three and tacked on 22 fourth quarter points to make up the final score.
Benny Estrada had 11 carries for 143 yards, including two touchdowns. Montana Riecken carried the ball 21 times for 123 yards, and scored twice.
Bren Shatto and Marcus Hegy made 13 tackles each while Riecken and Tyler Kroger had 11 and 8, respectively.
Lyons-Decatur Northeast racked up 335 yards of offense, including 309 on the ground.
The defense gave up 398 yards, 258 coming on the ground.
I was surprised this game was so lopsided in the first half. I thought the Cougars would challenge Wynot throughout the game, and perhaps pull out the win. Credit Lyons-Decatur Northeast for not quitting and playing well in the second half though.
The Cougars (5-3) travel to Lawrence-Nelson (7-1) on Thursday for the first round of the playoffs.
The Raiders defeated Giltner 34-14 in their regular season finale, and their only loss this year is against Exeter-Milligan.
This will be a tough game for Lyons-Decatur Northeast, especially with it being such a long road trip.
However, it's the playoffs and certainly anything can happen.
The Cougars have to play optimistic football and believe they can win.
Lyons-Decatur Northeast has to start strong and finish even stronger. The Cougars need to play a complete, four quarter game to have a chance.
The winner gets either Wynot or Palmer, and I'm sure Lyons-Decatur Northeast would like another crack at the Blue Devils, especially at home.
It's great the Cougars get to extend their season for one more game, but I'm sure Lyons-Decatur Northeast doesn't want this to be their final game as Lyons-Decatur Northeast.
I think the Cougars want to hang around in the playoffs for a little while before reality strikes that the Lyons-Decatur Northeast Cougars are no more in football.
There's nothing better than playoff football in Nebraska, and Lyons-Decatur Northeast has to play for keeps.
The Cougars must have some luck go their way and must come up with a few trick plays to spring the upset in my mind.
Lyons-Decatur Northeast shouldn't change much from what they have done all year, but throwing in a wrinkle or two couldn't hurt.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 on Thursday.
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