Dundy County Stratton Moves on in the Class D1 Playoffs

On Friday afternoon, #2-seeded Dundy County Stratton hosted #15-seeded McCool Junction. DCS captured the win and advanced to the next round of the Class D1 playoffs, 52-8.

Before we get into the results, a couple of things about yesterday. I chatted with the Head Coach of the Mustangs, Jarrod Weiss. I've known Coach Weiss for years, and became acquainted with him when I worked in radio in York. We chatted before the game, and I asked, "How was the trip down?" Well, that was a loaded question. The Mustangs had some bus trouble, and it took longer to get to Benkelman than they had hoped.

So kudos to the coaching staff, the players, etc. for handling that adversity. He then told me that DCS would help them get a ride back to McCool Junction. I love that. Schools helping each other out. So good on both parties. That's what it is all about, helping each other.

Now for the game.

McCool Junction got things started on a pick-six by Carson McDonald that he returned for 35 yards. The Mustangs led 8-0 with 9:48 to go in the first. DCS scored later in the period, Ethan Latta on a two-yard run, and it was 8-6 then. That score carried into the second period.

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In the second quarter, DCS opened things up as they scored four times: A nine-yard touchdown run from Dante Horner, a 15-yard run by Latta, a 25-yard touchdown pass from D. Horner to his brother, Breck Horner, and an 18-yard pass from D. Horner to Latta just before the half.

The Tigers took control and led 38-8 heading to halftime.

In the second half, the Tigers scored twice more, both in the third quarter, as Brock Bailey had a 33-yard run and Latta, a 65-yard rush.

We chatted with Brock Bailey of the Tigers, who had a big game. Including a rushing touchdown, an interception, and a sack. Interview brought to you by Acme Printing Company.

Official Stats for McCool Junction

Carson McDonald had 50 yards passing, threw one pick, and had 24 yards rushing. He had an interception returned for a touchdown. Jaxon McDonald had 37 yards rushing, Colby Yates totaled 18 yards rushing and 20 yards receiving. Ja Soukup had 23 yards receiving. Jameson Weiss had 10 tackles for the Mustangs.

Unofficial Stats for Dundy County Stratton

The Tigers totaled 324 yards rushing and 117 yards passing. Dante Horner had 117 yards passing and two touchdowns, and threw one interception. Ethan Latta had 52 yards receiving and a score, August Shaw had 31 yards receiving, and Breck Horner had 25 yards and a score.

On the ground, Latta had 191 yards and three touchdowns, D. Horner had 51 yards and a touchdown, and Brock Bailey had 44 yards and a touchdown. Bailey also had an interception and a sack in the game.

McCool Junction closes the season with a record of 7-3. DCS is now 10-0 and will play Plainview at home on Friday, November 7th. At the time of this article, kickoff is TBD.