Football Recap: Ponca Falls to Tekamah-Herman in First Game of Season

Ponca had to start their season on the road on Friday, and it wasn't the start they were hoping for. They were just a hair shy of victory and fell 22-21 to the Tekamah-Herman Tigers. Sadly, the defeat continues a streak the team started last season, making it nine in a row.

Despite the loss, Ponca saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Caden Cleveland rushed for 129 yards and a pair of touchdowns on only 14 carries.

Don't try to pin the team's loss on the defense: they kept the trenches locked down and allowed a mere 1.8 yards per carry. The team can thank Cleveland for the heroic effort on defense: he. Ponca's ground attack was stronger, having averaged 4.4.

Ponca didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Cleveland and Mickenon Peterson.

Tekamah-Herman can attribute much of their success to Roger Wright, who picked up 115 receiving yards and one TD.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Ponca will be defending their home field for the first time this season when they go up against Bergan Catholic at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Tekamah-Herman, they will challenge West Point-Beemer at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.