For the first time since 2012, the North Platte football team returned from Gower victorious on Sept. 25 after defeating East Buchanan 51-21.
The Panthers, entering the game with a 1-3 win-loss record, quickly proved their record doesn’t reflect their true identity. A second-half shutout helped the Panthers run away with their first conference win of the season to uproot Penney’s homecoming celebrations.
East Buchanan struck first to take an early 7-0 lead. North Platte’s offense eventually settled in and found some rhythm, taking a 16-15 lead early in the second quarter.
Junior Caden Rogers came up big for the Panthers time and again for the Panthers, ending the night with 154 yards rushing and a pair of two-point conversions. Among his big plays was a 53-yard touchdown reception, continuing his route through the middle of the field, where sophomore quarterback Camden Colburn saw Rogers wide open for a big score to make it 30-15 in the second quarter.
The hosts got back in the game before halftime, but North Platte maintained a two-score lead with a 30-21 advantage.
The second half was dominated by North Platte’s physical defense, which held East Buchanan scoreless in the second half. The Panthers totaled for three sacks on the night, with Gunner Lockard getting one, Nick Horsley getting credit for half of one and Lane Richardson taking credit for 1.5 sacks on the night.
The Panthers were also boosted by Johnny McCracken on both sides of the ball. While rushing for 100 yards on 13 rushes with three touchdowns, he also led the way with 11 tackles and a pair of tackles for loss.
After taking a 38-21 lead, senior Logan Manville ran it in to put North Platte ahead 44-21 early in the fourth quarter.
Colburn used his legs for one final score in the fourth quarter. After some trickery on fourth-and-5, Colburn nonchalantly ran through the middle, broke several tackles, and ran it in for a 46-yard touchdown.
North Platte’s offense tallied a total of 533 yards, 417 of which came on the ground. They also converted four two-point conversions before sophomore Jason Stone hit an extra point.
Colburn finished the night 5-for-11, throwing for 116 yards and a touchdown. He tallied 44 yards rushing, including two fumbles and a touchdown.
North Platte improved to 2-3 on the season, 1-2 in conference play. They return home for another conference clash this week, welcoming Penney to town on Oct. 2.