Pender falls at Neligh-Oakdale

The Pender Pendragons suffered a tough loss Friday night, losing 59-8 at Neligh-Oakdale.

The Warriors led 6-0 at the end of the first quarter before erupting for 40 second quarter points to lead 46-0 at halftime.

Neligh-Oakdale won the third quarter 6-0 to go up 52-0 at the end of three.

Pender put up 8 fourth quarter points compared to 7 for the Warriors.

Dylan Roth was 12-28 passing for 85 yards with two interceptions.

The Pendragons racked up 133 yards of total offense, 95 coming through the air.

The defense gave up 398 yards of total offense, including 299 passing.

This was no doubt a difficult loss for Pender. I thought the game would be closer.

The Pendragons (3-3) host Omaha Nation (2-5) Friday night.

The Chiefs lost 78-36 at Winnebago this past Friday night.

Omaha Nation gave up 475 yards of total offense to the Indians, and I think Pender's offense can certainly get back on track against the Chiefs.

I look for the Pendragons to have a big night on offense and a solid night on defense.

Omaha Nation's offense has been inconsistent to say the least, although they are capable of putting up a lot of points.

I don't see Pender having much trouble in this game. The Pendragons should be able to win fairly easily.

Pender can't have a letdown though. The Pendragons have to be over the loss to the Warriors, and can't be looking ahead to next week's showdown against Guardian Angels Central Catholic.

Pender has to be focused on the Chiefs solely. The Pendragons can't be thinking about any other opponent at this point.

It's the last home game of the season for Pender, and I'm sure it would mean a lot to these seniors to win their final home game.

The Pendragons appear to be safely in the playoffs as long as they take care of business against Omaha Nation so Pender has to seal a playoff spot with a win Friday night.

Roth has to have a good game throwing the ball, and James Bensen has to be effective in the run game for the Pendragons.

Pender has to be physical at the line of scrimmage, and create holes in the run game as well as protect Roth.

Roth's ability to scramble and make plays with his arm and legs is going to be a big factor too, in my opinion.

The Pendragons really need to have a good game heading into the GACC game. A loss heading into that game would not be good for momentum purposes for Pender.

The good news for the Pendragons is that they are still in the district race. Pender controls their own destiny in these last two games.