Longhorns close season with loss to Gordon-Rushville

    After missing their last two games due to COVID-19 cancellations, the Longhorns traveled to Gordon-Rushville Friday night in hopes of capturing their only win of the season.
    For the Longhorns, the second play of the game proved to be a harbinger of what was to follow.
    Gordon-Rushville returned the opening kickoff to the Longhorn 45 and picked up eight yards on their first play.
    Then, on a zone option read, their quarterback kept the ball and went untouched for a 47-yard touchdown, eluding several Longhorns at the 20.
    After a three-and-out by the Longhorns, G-R put their second score on the board in the first quarter. They drove 60 yards in 10 plays for a 13-0 lead  with 4:36 left in the first.
    By the middle of the second quarter, G-R led 27-0.
    The Longhorn’s only score came in the late in the first half, set up by an interception by Kade Anderson. He took a tipped passed in stride, returning it 35 yards to the G-R 12.
    Quarterback Ryan Bernhardt took the ball over from a yard out. He added the conversion to make the score 27-8.
    G-R added a score in each of the final two quarters, making the final score 39-8.
    Coach Nathan Gaswick noted the Longhorns went into the game short two starters due to injury and sickness. It didn’t get any better, losing three more starters to injuries during the game.
    The good thing about that, Gaswick said, is that some of his younger players got varsity experience.
    He said those younger players have stepped up during the season and will help strengthen the foundation as Gaswick works to rebuild the program that finished the season 0-7.