The North Platte Bulldogs punt team came up with a fumble recovery on the Lincoln High 29-yard line with just over three minutes left, leading to the game-winning touchdown in the Dawgs 28-21 win.
North Platte jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on its opening drive when senior quarterback Shane Mauch carried the ball into the endzone from inside the 1-yard line. Mauch would add two more 1-yard touchdown runs in the game to lead North Platte.
Lincoln High tied the game on its ensuing drive highlighted by a 56-yard run from Marcus Haynes. The drive was capped off by a two yard touchdown run by Tyren Baker.
The second quarter began with North Platte fumbling the kick return and giving the Links the ball at the NP 18-yard line. The North Platte defense stepped up and got a big stop on third down by tackling Haynes four yards in the backfield. Dawgs junior linebacker Ricky Sandoval led the charge. Lincoln High was forced to kick a field goal and Jose Perez-Blanco was true on the 33-yard attempt to give the Links a 10-7 lead.
North Platte’s next drive stalled near midfield and they were forced to punt. The Dawgs defense forced a Lincoln High three-and-out and North Platte took over at their own 49-yard line. The Dawgs then took the lead on the second one-yard touchdown run from Mauch, 14-10. North Platte took the four-point lead into halftime.
The third quarter began with North Platte being forced to punt and Mauch pinned the Links deep as they ball was touched down at the Lincoln High 3-yard line. The Links though were undeterred as they drove down the field and Perez-Blanco kicked a 36-yard field goal to make it 14-13.
North Platte turned the ball over on downs as the fourth quarter started, but Lincoln gave it back quickly with a fumble on the third play of its drive. The Dawgs took over at the Lincoln High 33-yard line and a six-play drive was capped by the third one-yard Mauch touchdown run.
Lincoln was given a gift on its next drive. The North Platte defense had the Links pinned deep but a roughing-the-kicker penalty on fourth-and-19 gave Lincoln the automatic first down. Three plays later quarterback Anthony Evans connected with Jamie Davis for a 61-yard touchdown pass. The Links went for two and running back Terry Jones converted it for Lincoln to tie the game at 21 with just under five minutes to go.
The Dawgs were forced to punt on their ensuing drive, but the Links returned the favor with a roughing-the-kicker penalty and also as the ball hit the ground it hit a Lincoln player and North Platte recovered it. The Dawgs declined the penalty and took over with 3:06 left at the Lincoln High 29-yard line. Five plays later Mauch threw a bullet that threaded the needle to junior wide receiver Grant Pavelka for a 14-yard touchdown pass to give North Platte the 28-21 lead with 53 seconds left.
The Dawgs defense held Lincoln High for the final minute and North Platte improved to 2-0 on the season.
North Platte finished with 239 yards of total offense and gave up 302 yards to Lincoln High. The Links were able to pound the ball up the middle in the first half and had 116 yards rushing after the first two quarters. The Dawgs’ defense tightened up and only allowed 55 rushing yards in the second half.
Mauch finished the game 12/19 for 117 yards passing with a touchdown. He also rushed for 81 yards and three touchdowns. Pavelka had five receptions for 50 yards, including the game-winning touchdown.
North Platte’s next game is Friday, September 12 at home against rival Kearney. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm at Bauer Field and the game can be heard on ESPN Radio 1410 with the pregame show starting at 6:30 pm.