Ryan Bernhardt broke loose for 23 yards early in the third but an ankle injury suffered earlier forced him out of the game. (Johnson Publications photo)
Logan Jussel pulls down a perfect strike from quarterback Bennett Bauerle to score the Longhorns’ lone touchdown of the first half. (Johnson Publications photo)
Longhorns back in the playoffs
The Chase County Longhorns’ 5-4 record, buoyed by wildcard points, earned them a spot in the Class C1 playoffs for the first time since 2016.
The Longhorns will travel to Pierce Friday to renew a playoff rivalry that dates back to 1998 and 1999.
The Longhorns come into the playoffs as the 13th seed. Pierce comes in as the No. 4 seed with a 9-0 record.
It was the Longhorns’ strength of schedule that earned them their playoff slot. In the final point standings, the Longhorns were tied at 13th with 40.0 points.
Five of the nine teams the Longhorns played this season are in postseason play—Gothenburg, Ogallala, Cozad, Alliance and North Platte St. Pat’s. All four of the Longhorns’ loses came those playoff qualifiers.
Friday’s game time is set for 3 p.m. MT.
Head Coach Dan Lenners said the coaches and players have been watching a lot of film preparing for Pierce.
Like most games this season,the Longhorns will go up against a much bigger line.
Lenners said their line is deep with big players.
As a result, Pierce likes to use that size up front to establish a strong run game.
They’re a good team, no doubt about that, Lenners said.
Ogallala
Making the playoffs give his team a chance to redeem themselves after losing to Ogallala 42-14 Friday to end the regular season. That was not the way the boys would have wanted to finish the season, Lenners said.
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