COZAD – It was the first time at home in the 2024 season for the Cozad football team, and they kicked it off the right way with a 47-6 dominating victory over Ogallala.
Cozad started out hot on offense, scoring on five of their six first half offensive possessions with their one drive that didn’t score still going all the way to the Ogallala four yard line. Senior quarterback Noah Shoemaker accounted for four of the first half touchdowns, with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Boston Irish, 17-yard touchdown pass to Olliver Davis, an 11-yard touchdown pass to Braiton Snider, and an 11-yard touchdown rush. Ethan Atchison also punched in a one-yard rushing touchdown. The Cozad defense shut down a potent Ogallala offense in the first half, forcing four punts, a turnover on downs, and a fumble to help the Haymakers lead 34-0 at halftime.
Cozad would score quickly in the second half thanks to the fifth total touchdown from Shoemaker to make it running clock for the rest of the game. Both teams played a lot of their backups late in the game, with both teams scoring one more time, thanks to a 40-yard rushing touchdown from Osiel Ramirez for Cozad, and a late three yard rushing touchdown from Gavin Peters. Cozad cruised to the 47-6 victory.
Cozad had a balanced attack, with 362 total yards, 173 of those yards through the air with 189 on the ground. Shoemaker was 11-19 with 173 yards and three touchdowns with seven carries for 82 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Davis was his leading receiver, catching three passes for 84 yards and a touchdowns, while Atchison had a nice day on the ground with nine carries for 67 yards and a touchdown. Ogallala had 188 total yards of offense, 170 of those coming on the ground. Kolby Nowak had a nice second half, with 14 carries for 67 yards.
Listen to the game here.
Listen to KRVN’s Jon Willis talk with head coach Jayce Dueland postgame.
Cozad improves to 2-1 and will take on Chase County next week, while Ogallala falls to 1-2 and will host Gering next week.
