The Anselmo-Merna Coyotes advanced to the round of 16 in the Class D1 football playoffs Thursday with a 36-6 win over Summerland (Clearwater, Orchard, Ewing). A suffocating defense helped lead the Coyotes to victory. AM’s defense had three interceptions in the game, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Garrett Porter and Quinten Myers each returned interceptions for touchdowns. Carter Johnson and Bryce Schmidt had touchdown runs in the second half as AM pulled away for the win. AM advances to the second round where they will host Stanton on Friday (10/29). In other D1 action, Arcadia/Loup City and Nebraska Christian went back and forth in a game that went down to the wire. After kicking a short field goal, ALC took a 15-14 lead in the fourth quarter. Nebraska Christian would respond though with a touchdown and 2 point conversion to retake the lead 22-15 with 3:36 remaining in the game. ALC was forced to punt on the following possession. Nebraska Christian was then able to convert on 4th down and short in their own territory to run out the clock and preserve a 22-15 victory. Arcadia/Loup City ends the season at 6-3. Top ranked Burwell had no problem in their opening round game rolling over Amherst 60-24. Burwell will host Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family in the second round.
In Class D2, the Sandhills/Thedford Knights rolled over Lawrence Nelson 60-20 in the opening round of the Class D2 playoffs. S/T jumped out early and never looked back as the Knights advance to the round of 16. Sandhills/Thedford is the top seed in the re-seeded Class D2 bracket for the second round of the playoffs. The Knights will host Mead on Friday (10/29). Also advancing in Class D2 was Mullen. The Broncos ran over Loomis 58-12 to advance. The Ansley/Litchfield Spartans were impressive in a dominating win over Pleasanton. The Spartans led 38-0 at halftime and went on to win by a final of 74-8. Mullen and Ansley/Litchfield will now face each other in the second round of the Class D2 playoffs. The game will be played in Mullen. In other area D2 action, Riverside defeated Sandhills Valley (Stapleton/McPherson County) 74-20.
CLASS D1 (ROUND OF 16) BRACKET
CLASS D2 (ROUND OF 16) BRACKET
