Football Recap: Ainsworth Falls Despite Big Games from Chris Fernandez and Zaine Evans

Bulldogs

Team Score (Highest)

09/19/25 @ Neligh-Oakdale	28
09/12/25 vs West Holt	27
08/29/25 vs Hartington-Newcastle	26
09/04/25 @ Sandhills/Thedford	24

Ainsworth extended their losing streak (dating back to last season) to five on Friday, dropping them down to 0-4. They took a 40-28 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Neligh-Oakdale Warriors. On the bright side, the 28- point performance marked the Bulldogs' highest-scoring match to date.

Ainsworth's loss came despite strong showings from Zaine Evans and Chris Fernandez. Evans picked up 77 receiving yards and a pair of scores, while Fernandez threw for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Jacob Ortner got in on the action too, returning a kick for a touchdown.

As for Neligh-Oakdale, the win keeps them at an undefeated 4-0. Those victories came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they've averaged 47.5 points this season.

Cooper Arehart continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines, rushing for 138 yards and five TDs, while also throwing for 67 yards and one touchdown. Those five rushing touchdowns gave him a new career-high. Corbin Hoefer was another key player, rushing for 101 yards.

We've got plenty of inter-district action coming up soon. Ainsworth is set to face off against their familiar foe St. Mary's at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, Neligh-Oakdale will challenge rival North Central on Friday.