Pender drops close game to Mead

The Pender Football Team fell 34-30 at home to Mead Friday night.

The Raiders led 8-7 after one before winning the 2nd quarter 20-17 to take a 28-24 lead into the locker room.

Both teams scored 6 points in the 3rd quarter, and no one scored in the 4th.

Caleb Trimble had 102 yards on 17 carries, including two touchdowns. Dylan Vogt had 102 yards on 25 carries, and one score.

Larry McManigal had 8 tackles while Jaxon Maise and Jaxon Mrsny each totaled 7.

The Pendragons totaled 295 yards of total offense while Mead had 322 yards of total offense, including 266 through the air.

Heartbreaking and crushing defeat for Pender no doubt.

The Pendragons (2-4) take on Emerson-Hubbard (2-4) on the road Friday night.

The Pirates won 78-24 at Omaha Christian Academy last week.

This is a win or go home type deal and situation for Pender.

The Pendragons must win or their playoff chances are doomed.

Pender still may not even make it at 4-4, but the Pendragons have to find a way to win out and hope for the best.

Now is not the time to feel sorry for yourself if you are Pender.

The Pendragons have to be tough minded and have to be ready to take on a rival Friday night.

Pender has to get ready to hit hard, and must make plays on both sides of the ball.

The Pendragons need to break some big runs and create some turnovers as well.

Tackling and field position will be big too I feel.

Tackling in open space more specifically could be big with as much talent as both teams have in the offensive backfield.

Pender also needs to win the battle up front.

I feel this game will be a shootout and has a chance to come down to the final minutes or even seconds.

Huge game with playoff implications for both teams for sure so we'll see who can win and who can come out in front and on top.

Should be a great game, and I'm excited to see who wins.

I think the Pendragons have a shot to go up to Emerson and come home happy campers, but I could see the Pirates breaking Pender's hearts as well.

It's do or die time as if the Pendragons lose there will be no tomorrow after next Thursday's regular season finale.

Pender has to play with extreme confidence and urgency Friday night.

Everything is on the line, and the Pendragons have to step up and play well.