Lyons-Decatur Northeast and Anselmo-Merna squared off in some playoff action on Thursday, but Lyons-Decatur Northeast had to settle for second. They were outmatched by the Coyotes and fell 58-22. While losing is never fun, the Cougars can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Nebraska football rankings (they are ranked 89th, while the Coyotes are ranked eighth).
Defeat or not, Lyons-Decatur Northeast got some senior leadership from Kaden Knaak and Brady Hayes. Knaak picked up 139 receiving yards and two scores, while Hayes threw for 161 yards and a pair of TDs. Hayes also put in work on the defensive side of the ball, picking up a sack, forcing one fumble, and making 11 total tackles (2.0 for loss).
Dane Duryea produced another solid effort rushing for 209 yards and three touchdowns while picking up 8.7 yards per carry, and also throwing for 103 yards and a pair of TDs on perfect 6-for-6 passing for Anselmo-Merna. Duryea's rushing production has been exceptional as that marked his fifth straight game with at least 125 rushing yards. Another player making a difference was Timmy Myers, who gained 131 total yards and two touchdowns.
Lyons-Decatur Northeast now has a losing record of 4-5. As for Anselmo-Merna, the victory was the fifth in a row for them, bringing their record up to 8-1.
Lyons-Decatur Northeast does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Anselmo-Merna, they will face off against Sandhills/Thedford on Friday. The Coyotes will need to watch out since the Knights have now posted at least 31 points every time they've taken the field this season.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
