May 01, 2024

Panther freshmen suffer first loss; Harlan JV rolls to victory

By LARRY PETERSON

Hayden Green of Creston/O-M tackles Harlan's Joseph Devine for a loss during Monday's junior varsity game at Panther Field. Moments later Green blocked a punt and recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown for the final scoring play in a 50-14 loss to the Cyclones. (CNA photo)

Freshmen

HARLAN — The Creston/O-M freshmen suffered their first defeat as a class since seventh-grade when the Harlan Cyclones took a 34-20 victory Friday night.

Cael Kralik carried 10 times for 139 rushing yards for the Panthers, now 2-1. Cole Strider completed 10 passes including touchdowns to Brace Baker and Kralik. Kralik also returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Baker led the defense with 12 tackles.

“Tonight was a really close game for our freshman team,” said Creston/O-M coach Kevin Cooper. “We had a 14-12 lead at halftime. Harlan came out and scored a touchdown and a two-point conversion in the third quarter to take the lead. We were right there with them late in the game, but we were unable to fight our way back to get the win.”

Rushing — Cael Kralik 10-139 Cole Strider 5-30, Kadon Bolton 1-(-2).

Passing — Cole Strider 10-18-4 for 129 yards, 1 TD.

Receiving — Brance Baker 1-42, 1 TD; Kralik 4-39, 1 TD; Colby Burg 3-33; Bolton 1-12; Brodie Wallace 1-3.

Tackles — Baker 12, Kralik 6, Strider 5, Britain Miller 5, Andy Weis 4, Gavin Shawler 4, Tyson Stuart 3.

PAT — Kralik 2.

Sacks — Jackson Kinsella 1.

Fumble recovery — Andy Weis 1.

Kickoff return — Kralik 80-yard TD.

Junior varsity

Harlan junior varsity defeated Creston/O-M Monday night, 50-14.

Cole Strider threw a touchdown pass to Matthew Borha for 83 yards. Also, Hayden Green blocked a punt late in the game and recovered it in the Harlan end zone for a touchdown.

Eli Hartman led the defense with 10 tackles. Brayton Chesnut had a pass interception.

“Tonight was a really tough night for our JV team,” said Kevin Cooper, who coaches the team along with Jon Thomson. “We really struggled to make plays in the first half and gain any momentum. Hopefully we can heal a little bit, and get a few kids back for our game next week.”

Rushing — Matthew Borha 9-38; Cole Strider 2-7; Garron Wurster 1-(-1).

Passing — Strider 4-10 for 93 yards, 1 TD.

Receiving — Borha 2-86, 1TD; Luke Latham 1-5; Brayton Chesnut 1-2.

Tackles — Eli Hartman 10, Walker Patterson 6, Chesnut 6, Wurster 5.

Blocked punt — Hayden Green, 1TD.

Interceptions — Brayton Chesnut 1.