Big Red Fans Hope Exciting Win Leads To More Success
Did we just watch a signature grid victory by our Big Red this past weekend?
Was that a galvanizing performance that just might be the spark to drive this team to further heights of success?
This much is for sure – it was one of the most exciting wins fans around here have witnessed in a while.
Oh, yeah, that Husker win was great too, but I’m talking about the thriller pulled off by our Boone Central Cardinals Friday night.
Wow, what a doozy!
Boone Central entered 2010 with a very inexperienced team whose fortunes few could predict. Even Cardinal coaches were unsure what to expect, especially in the early going. A turnover and penalty-marred opening loss to Battle Creek seemed to underline the growing pains such a youthful squad was sure to endure.
Well, we watched those youngsters grow up right before our eyes with Friday’s dramatic last-minute rally.
Even a veteran team might have been a bit shell-shocked to see three quarters of dominance and a 20-0 lead turn into a 21-20 deficit with mere minutes to play.
What followed, directed by sophomore QB Tanner Mazour, was near flawless poise and execution.
Just over two minutes. Ninety-five yards. Seven plays. Six pass attempts. Six completions. Touchdown. Game.
Just about as good as it gets.
Now we’ll see if the Cardinals can use this victory as a foundation, a stepping stone to build a successful season.
Boone Central still has to face perennial power Pierce, currently ranked 2nd in Class C1. District foes St. Paul and O’Neill are also 2-1. The Wildcats defeated pre-season top five Broken Bow and the Eagles have outscored their past two opponents 71-12.
Plenty of challenges, for sure.
But Friday’s victory brings a shot of confidence to the Cardinal camp. And, you know these foes will get BC’s best shot.
Like Cardinal squads before it, this undersized group gives everything in its tank for 60 minutes. From a sideline view, I can attest that these players leave every ounce of effort, sweat and blood on the field.
Those Friday night thrillers don’t happen by accident.
As for the Huskers, Holy Moly! I’m not sure even the most ardent and optimistic Nebraska fan expected a performance quite like that.
The most amazing thing? There’s still plenty of room for improvement!
For now, however, some questions have been answered and the hopes and dreams of a truly memorable season seem more tangible.
Oh, the toughest challenges are certainly still ahead for the Huskers. However, you have to figure some Wildcats, Longhorns, Tigers and Aggies took notice this weekend and got just a bit more nervous.
A weekend to enjoy. A weekend to remember. And we’re only just getting started!
Go Big Reds!
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