N-O Warriors Defeat EPPJ 30 to 16

NELIGH — With a possible D-1 state playoff berth going to the winner, Neligh-Oakdale scored a late touchdown to seal a 30 to 16 victory over Elgin Public-Pope John Thursday night. The loss denied the Wolfpack a chance to defend the state championship they had won the past two years. For the Warriors, the victory celebration marked a turn-around making the team eligible for the state playoffs for the first time in years. Neligh-Oakdale (4-4) will face top-seed BDS in the opening round this week.
But, on Thursday night, it was all about the rivalry between the schools, separated by just 11 miles.
The Warriors capitalized on Wolfpack mistakes to take the early lead. Garrrett Jacobsen got the Warriors on the scoreboard in the first quarter with a three-yard run. In the second quarter the Warriors added another touchdown run to take a 12 to 0 lead.
Alex Pelster delivered a big play for the Wolfpack to get the team within striking distance before halftime. The quarterback darted through the Warriors’ defense for a 36-yard touchdown run. The two-point conversion was good, making the score 12 to 8 at halftime.

For the complete story, see the print edition of The Elgin Review