Norfolk– The North Platte Bulldogs began the 2013 season with a 63-14 loss to the Norfolk Panthers in Norfolk Friday night.

The Panthers (1-0) wasted no time jumping out to an early lead with a 52-yard touchdown pass from Taylor Reedy to Blake Bauer on the seventh play of the game. Norfolk scored six touchdowns in the first quarter, including a pick six to take a commanding 42-0 lead. North Platte (0-1) scored its first touchdown late in the second quarter with a 10-yard pass from Shane Mauch to Alec Wesslund. The pass was intended for Drew Callaghan but was knocked down by the Norfolk defensive backs. Wesslund made a great play by sliding in on his knees to make the catch in the end zone. The play was set up by a 29-yard pass from Mauch to Callaghan. The Panthers led 56-6 at the half after the PAT by the Bulldogs failed due to a low snap.

The 35-point rule came in to effect to start the second half, meaning the clock ran continuously except for during timeouts, between quarters and after scores. With the time running down quickly the Panthers only had one possession in the third quarter and used it to add to their lead to make the score 63-6 after the third quarter. The Bulldogs responded by scoring seven seconds in to the fourth quarter with a 13-yard pass from Mauch to Callaghan. Mauch then connected with Dustin Horton to convert on the two-point conversion to make the final tally 63-14. The drive by North Platte was their best of the night as they marched 80 yards down the field in 12 plays.

The Bulldogs next game is Friday, September 6 against Lincoln Pius X. The game will be played at Bauer Field in Memorial Stadium at North Platte High School. It’s Parents Night for the Bulldogs and the game can be heard on ESPN Radio 1410 AM and online at northplattepost.com with Robert Lovell and Scott Carlson on the call.