SIDNEY – The Sidney Red Raiders football team opened the season Friday night against the Cozad Haymakers, dominating time of possession in the second half to down the Haymakers 22-13 on opening night.
Sidney got off to a nice start in the first half, scoring on their first possession on a 11-yard receiving touchdown on a jet sweep to Landon Riddle. After two more three and outs from Cozad, Sidney would score again on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Alek Doty to Riddle as he toe tapped the back of the end zone for the score and Sidney went up 14-0 early in the second quarter.
After four straight three and out drives for Cozad to start the game, the Haymakers went on a 15-play, six and a half minute drive capped off by a one-yard rushing touchdown from quarterback Noah Shoemaker. Sidney led Cozad 14-7 at the half, with time of possession being almost equal.
That would not continue in the second half. Sidney went on a nine-play drive to kick off the second half that was ended by a 16-yard receiving touchdown from Reid Fiscus. Sidney converted a two point play as well to go up 22-7. Cozad would have a turnover on downs on their first possession of the second half, and from there Sidney controlled the clock. They ran a 13-play drive that took five and a half minutes off the clock, and took the game into the fourth quarter.
Cozad would score midway through the fourth on a 69-yard touchdown pass from Shoemaker to Olliver Davis to cut the lead to nine. The Haymakers faked a PAT to try and go for two, failed to convert, and trailed 22-13 with eight and a half minutes left. From there, Sidney ran a 12-play dominating eight and a half minute drive to wind down the rest of the clock and won the game 22-13.
Doty finished 13-22 with 196 yards and three touchdowns through the air. Owen Gillham ran 14 times for 54 yards, and Riddle had two touchdown receptions. Cozad struggled to run the ball, with their leading rusher having only 11 yards. Shoemaker threw for 174 yards with a passing and rushing touchdown.
Listen to the game here.
Cozad starts the year 0-1 and will travel to Central City next week, while Sidney will start the year 1-0 and will head to Minden next week.
