Longhorns at 2-3 after 21-37 loss to Alliance

    Two key plays early in the third quarter proved to be backbreakers in the Chase County Longhorns’ 21-37 loss to the Alliance Bulldogs Friday.
    After trailing 21-7 early in the second quarter, the Longhorns answered with a strong defensive stand to end a 10-play Bulldog drive at the Longhorn 23.
    Two plays later, they pulled back within a touchdown on a 76-yard pass from quarterback Bennett Bauerle to wide receiver Logan Jussel.
    Jussel and an Alliance defender jostled for the ball. Jussel reeled in the tipped ball, the defender went to the ground and Jussel went in untouched for the score.
    A Hayden Bahler kick brought the Longhorns within a touchdown before half, 14-21.
    Head Coach Dan Lenners said they made some defensive adjustments at half. In addition, the light rain that fell much of the first half ended.
     On the opening possession of the second half, the Longhorns held the Bulldogs to just 15 yards, forcing a punt at the Longhorn 45.
    Lenners said they fully anticipated a fake by the Bulldogs in this situation and were ready for it. However, the ball carrier sidestepped a couple of tackles, picked up the first down and more to the Longhorn 19.

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