Football Game Preview: Hastings Tigers vs. Scottsbluff Bearcats

Hastings hasn't had much luck against Scottsbluff recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Tigers are taking a road trip to challenge the Bearcats. Hastings has given up an average of 31 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Hastings' offense might be in the hot seat on Friday considering what happened against McCook on Friday. They were outmatched by the Bison and fell 33-0. While losing is never fun, the Tigers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Nebraska football rankings (they are ranked 91st, while the Bison are ranked 22nd).

Meanwhile, Scottsbluff really took it to Gering for the full four quarters, racking up a 34-7 victory. The result was nothing new for the Bearcats, who have now won five contests by 22 points or more so far this season.

Hastings better keep an eye on Nate Kelley. He was instrumental in Scottsbluff's win, rushing for 176 yards and three scores while picking up 7.7 yards per carry, and also throwing for 75 yards and one touchdown. Kelley was no stranger to the big play, turning on the jets for a run that went for 52 yards. Scottsbluff also got a significant boost from Jorden McCarty, who ran away from the competition to the tune of 100 yards.

Scottsbluff was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 336 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Gering only rushed for 105.

The win made it two in a row for Scottsbluff and bumps their season record up to 5-1. Those victories came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 45.0 points over those games. As for Hastings, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-5.

Hastings was dealt a bruising 41-6 loss at the hands of Scottsbluff in their previous matchup back in October of 2024. Can the Tigers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.