North Bend Central picks up big win at GICC

The North Bend Central Tigers won a wild one at Grand Island Central Catholic Friday night, downing the Crusaders 41-37.

The game was tied at 13 at the end of one before North Bend Central won the 2nd quarter 14-10 to lead 27-23 at halftime.

The Crusaders won the 3rd quarter 7-0 to go up 30-27 at the end of three.

The Tigers doubled up GICC 14-7 in the 4th quarter to earn the win.

North Bend Central had 582 yards of total offense and GICC had 448 total yards. The Tigers rushed for 223 yards on 41 carries -- Jacob Ray had 122 yards 1 TD and Ethan Mullally rushed for 109 yards. Austin Endorf was 24-41 for 359 yards passing with 5 TDs and 3 ints. John Emanuel caught 6 passes for 105 yards 2 TDs and Cody Pospisil caught 6 passes for 103 yards and 1 TD.

Defensively, North Bend Central was led by Mullally who had 6 tackles, 2 sacks, and a fumble recovery. John Emanuel and Sam Buckingham also had 7 tackles.

Head Coach Ryan Stieren says it was a crazy game. "This was a great high school football game between two teams that fought hard for 4 quarters. Offensively, penalties and poor execution created a lot of 2nd and 3rd and longs but our guys made plays and converted. We also converted a couple huge 4th downs. Defensively, we had a lot of blown coverages and mental errors. It was great to see us overcome all that adversity plus a long road trip to get to 4-0."

The Tigers (4-0) host Twin River (2-2) Friday night.

The Titans won 39-19 at home over Crofton last week.

It was a slow start to the season for Twin River, but the Titans have come on nicely their last couple of ball games.

This is kind of a danger, trap game for North Bend Central, in my opinion.

Reason being the Tigers are coming off a huge emotional win last week and have defending C-2 runner-up Centennial at home next week.

I fully expect North Bend Central to play well and win, but the Tigers have to be wary of the upset potential.

North Bend Central has to gear up for this game and perform well given the next 3 games on the schedule for the Tigers.

North Bend Central has some tough games on the horizon, but all the Tigers can do right now is worry about Twin River and focus on beating the Titans and moving to 5-0.

I can't honestly remember the last time North Bend Central started a season 5-0, and I'm sure this is so exciting and thrilling for these players, coaches, parents, fans, and community members.

The Tigers have to keep their magnificent season going, and pick up another big win Friday night.

North Bend Central is having a great season so far, but the work and job is not done yet.

There's still a lot of football to be played, and a lot for the Tigers to achieve yet.

North Bend Central is in a tough district so the Tigers have to get district play started off on the right foot.

The GICC win was very big, and I only look for that win to help set the stage for future big games for North Bend Central.

The Tigers have to go out there Friday night ready to take care of business.

North Bend Central knows what's expected of them, and has to go out there and execute.

The Tigers also need to resolve any defensive issues this week before the real big boys come calling over the next few weeks.