By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
FAUCETT - Quarterback Colton Kirkham found receiver Jaxson Carpenter wide open on a pass down field in the fourth quarter, and Carpenter took it 66 yards to the house, helping North Platte (5-1) to seal the deal in a 30-26 at Mid-Buchanan on Friday night.
The Panthers, who beat Mid-Buchanan for the first time since 2017 Friday and spoiled the Dragons' homecoming, led 30-20 after the Carpenter touchdown with just over six minutes to go.
Mid-Buchanan (4-2) punched in a score with just over three minutes left, but North Platte picked up the ensuing onside kick attempt and were able to run out the remaining time.
The Dragons got the scoring started on the game's opening drive, as quarterback Raife Smith put up a six-yard touchdown run to give Mid-Buchanan a 7-0 lead with 6:43 left in the first.
North Platte had the answer on its first offensive series, as senior Liam Servaes took off on a 47-yard touchdown run, getting the Panthers on the board at 7-6 with 4:12 to go in the first.
The Dragons had another long drive going at the start of the second quarter, but a 14-play series ended with a turnover-on-downs less than 10 yards from the end zone.
North Platte took its first lead on their ensuing possession, driving 91 yards on nine plays. Servaes scored for a second time, this one from six yards out, and a successful two-point try put the Panthers ahead 14-7 with 6:14 left in the second.
North Platte never trailed again.
Leading 14-7 at halftime, the Panthers got the ball to start the third quarter. Gifted with a short field due to a personal foul on Mid-Buchanan, North Platte went up 22-7 after a two-yard touchdown run and successful two-point conversuion from Dylan Armstrong with 8:43 left in the third.
Mid-Buchanan got back into the game with an 11-play, 60-yard drive which was capped with a four-yard touchdown run by Ian Wagenka.
The Dragons trailed 22-14 with 2:37 left in the third, but picked up an onside kick near midfield to get the ball right back.
Eleven plays later, Mid-Buch scored again - this time on a one-yard run from Wagenka. The tying two-point try failed, and North Platte still led 22-20 with 10:29 to go in the game.
Backed up on their own nine-yard line, North Platte ran off over four minutes of clock, and delivered the key 66-yard score with 6:19 remaining.
Kirkham completed 4-of-6 passes for 98 yards. He had a touchdown and two interceptions - both in the second quarter. Kirkham also gained 148 yards rushing on 13 attempts.
Servaes finished with 97 yards rushing on 14 carries and two touchdowns. Dylan Armstrong had six carries for 48 yards and a score. Carpenter had two catches for 73 yards and the score.
North Platte unofficially piled up 293 rushing yards and were able to overcome 13 penalties.
Wegenka toted the rock 31 times for Mid-Buchanan, finishing 120 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Smith completed 11-of-21 passes for 109 yards and a pick. He also ran the ball 14 times for 48 yards and a TD.
The Dragons rushed for 216 yards themselves.
The Panthers are back home next week to face Lawson. Mid-Buchanan is on the road next week to face Penney/Hamilton.
Full game broadcast
Interview with North Platte Head Coach Jared Quigley
Pictures by Matt Pike
You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.