The North Bend Central Football Team won 34-16 at home against David City Friday night to clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2008 and only the 5th time in school history.
The Tigers opened the game with a 71-yard scoring drive, capped by a 9-yard TD run by Jacob Ray. Later in the 1st quarter Austin Endorf hit Cody Prohaska on a TD throw before David City kicked a field goal, making it 13-3 at the half. David City had a long kick return to begin the 2nd half but North Bend Central turned them over on downs and took the ball right down the field and Ray scored on a 24-yard run. After David City scored, the Tigers had a 92-yard scoring drive as Endorf hit Prohaska again for a 2-yard TD throw. David City scored on a 2-yard run and then recovered an onside kick. North Bend Central turned them over on downs and finished the game's scoring with a 20-yard touchdown catch by John Emanuel from Endorf.
Ray finished with 135 yards rushing on 26 carries. Endorf was 24-31 for 209 yards and 2 TD's throwing. John Emanuel had 8 catches for 115 yards and a TD. Defensively, the Tigers were led by Ben Rolenc who had 2 sacks. Sam Buckingham also had an interception for North Bend Central.
The Tigers had 391 yards of total offense, including 209 through the air.
Head Coach Ryan Stieren says his team did what they needed to do to win. "We played our most complete game of the year against a tough David City team who does not usually beat themselves. Coming into this game, I felt that we needed to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and we did with 184 yards rushing and giving up only 83 yards. Also, we have had penalty issues but this game we only had 5 penalties for 45 yards. My only concern was our kickoff team as we gave up way too many yards on returns tonight. Proud of our kids and we are excited to be in the playoffs."
North Bend Central (6-3) travels to Wilber-Clatonia Friday night to take on the Wolverines (8-1).
Wilber-Clatonia appears to be the real deal. The Wolverines won 38-0 at home over Malcolm in Friday night's regular season finale.
All of Wilber-Clatonia's wins have come by double digits, and they have posted five shutouts.
It's a big deal for the Tigers to just be in the playoffs.
North Bend Central has come a long ways in the last few years, and to make the playoffs when only 16 teams are taken is really saying something.
The Tigers ought to be mighty proud of themselves and what they've accomplished this season.
Everyone deserves a pat on the back.
With that said, the season isn't over yet, and North Bend Central has to gear themselves up to try and win a Football Game.
I'm sure lots of excitement and jubilation has come with this playoff berth, as it should, but it's time for the Tigers to get down to business and gear up for the Wolverines.
North Bend Central is going to need to play a great Football Game to come away with the win.
Wilber-Clatonia Quarterback Mike Pulliam is the one for the Tigers to try and slow down.
The Wolverines are very balanced too so stopping the run and the pass both figures to be a definite challenge for North Bend Central.
I think being balanced offensively again is key for the Tigers.
The Tigers just have to go in there and play their best game and give it their best shot.
If North Bend Central can play like they did against the Scouts and shore things up on special teams they should put themselves in a position to win Friday night, or at least be in the game in the 4th quarter with an opportunity to win.
The Tigers have to come out amped, jacked, psyched, and fired up.
It's not often that North Bend Central makes the playoffs in Football, but here the Tigers are...in the playoffs.
Anything can happen in the playoffs too so North Bend Central has to play for keeps and believe they can win.
Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
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