Leigh Topples Clarkson in Emotional Game
Ladies and gentlemen, the football game everyone had been waiting for is now over and the Panther nation came out on top against the Clarkson Coyotes with a 20-6 score.
Senior running back Blake Loseke, who had a phenomenal game, said, “Looking back, it was a really cool game to be able to play. Not only did we get to play in another rain game, but it was also the first time we've played Clarkson in a long time. It was cool to be able to see the guys I used to play with, too. I think it's one of those things that I won't ever forget. It was great to be able to go out and get another win for sure, but it was definitely much more than just a game for me.”
Like Blake just said, this game was nothing more than hard work, determination, and intensity from both sides. There was also sadness and love after the game from both sides after being matched up again with the people they were teammates with just a year ago. While both sides wanted to get the win that night, both sides played a very hard physical game and still came together at the end with lots of emotion reuniting with one another.
Coach Bazata said “It was a hard fought, fun game with lots of emotions. I am so proud of how our boys played and gutted out a win while keeping all emotions in check. It shows the grittiness and character of this football team. We proved that we can win tough, hard-fought battles against a quality opponent.”
Even though it had been raining just hours before the game and still sprinkling during the game, the boys still showed up and showed out and they were not going to let the sloppy, messy field conditions get in their way of wanting to get the win on the season.
Senior offensive and defensive lineman Wyatt Langhorst, who had himself a game, said “It was a tough game; it was kind of hard to go out there and play some of my old teammates, but I'm glad we were able to show up and get the win for the community starting off this rivalry right.”
This is one of those rivalries no one will ever forget. Over 1,000 people attended the game with over 10 different news outlets. For many of the reporters, it was their first-ever 8-man football game. That shows how many people wanted to come down to Leigh, Nebraska, to watch this first-year rivalry. This was the first time Leigh had played Clarkson in 11 years and although it was a rivalry back then, but this time both teams came with more fire to win this time around, knowing that so much changed in one year but both teams still came with love in their hearts for one another.
We wish nothing but the best for both teams for the rest of their season. Go Panthers!
Game Stats
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Final
Leigh 6 0 0 14 20
Clarkson 6 0 0 0 6