L-N Raider Football season ends in 2nd Playoff Round

November 2, 2023

The Callaway Courier

The Lawrence-Nelson Raider offense depended a lot on the 'running game' this season, but the South Loop defense did a pretty good job of stopping the Raiders. In this picture, Connor Janda approaches the line of scrimmage and is greeted by South Loop's defense that refuses to be blocked out of the play. Several of the players are not identified, but (12) is Cody Brockman. (Photo courtesy of The Callaway Courier).

The 2023 football season for the L-N High School Raiders came to an end Friday night in Callaway, Nebraska. The Raiders played one of the six undefeated class D-2 schools left in the Playoff system, South Loop (record 9-0).

The result of the game was a 62 to 12 loss for the Raiders and the end of the season. L-N has a 7-3 won-loss record for the 2023 season.

South Loop (SL) is a combined sports program for Callaway and Arnold schools and was one of six undefeated class D-2 schools in the playoffs. They advance in the playoffs as one of five undefeated schools. They were seeded as the number four seed for the 2023 Playoffs.

The game started with L-N kicking and the Raiders put up a stout defense until the first of a series of mishaps began. SL put together a ten play drive, but L-N seemed to have them stopped when a Raider defender slipped on the grass allowing SL to complete a long pass for the first TD of the game. From there things went from bad to worse.

On the following kickoff, L-N failed to secure the ball and a fumble game the ball right back to SL. It took only two plays to cover those 14 yards and SL soon led by a score of 16 to 0.

The Raiders did not crumble and put together a 17 play drive over the end of the 1st period and into the 2nd quarter. The drive featured running by Jack Williams and Connor Janda and pass receptions by Nolan Ostdiek. However, it ended on the SL five yard line.

SL took just one play to cover 75 yards to score and after a Raider punt, scored again after a six play drive. The end of the 2nd period saw two more SL interceptions of Raider passes and one more TD to record a half time lead of 40 to 0.

The turnover bug continued to bite the Raiders as the opening kickoff by SL was not controlled and SL scored, covering 14 yards with just one play.

However, in spite of the heavy load the Raiders were carrying at this point in the game, they never gave up. Following the SL kick off, L-N scored on a 3rd and 12 play situation when Jack Williams found a seam in the SL defensive line and raced 52 yards down the center of the field to score. The PAT failed and the score was 6 to 48.

The end of the 3rd quarter saw each team turn the ball over twice and the period ended 6 to 54.

The 4th period started with both teams unable to generate an offensive threat until SL managed to score as the period was drawing to a close.

Coach Blevins noted several times over the season how proud he was of this year's group and how they battled all season, and the end of the game was just one of the reasons for that pride. With the clock running out on the game (and the season) L-N received the final SL kickoff following their last TD. Aidan Zikmund received the kick and raced 66 yards to the SL end zone for the final points of the game and the season. The PAT failed and the game ended: 12 to 62.

It goes without saying nobody likes to end a season like that, but the 2023 Raider football team, this reporter suspects, played a lot better than a lot of folks thought they would two or three months ago. The 7-3 record follows the 2022 8-2 record and gives the team a proud base to build on.

Offensive stats: The SL defense dominated the game resulting in the lowest offensive output of the season for L-N.

The Callaway Courier

"The one that never got away." Roy Davidson fights to keep a firm grip on this South Loop runner in the second round of games for the Class D-2 playoffs. Teammates have the area surrounded if they need to help. (Photo courtesy of The Callaway Courier).

Total offense: L-N 116 yards; SL 322 yards.

L-N Rushing: Connor Janda 21 yards; Jack Williams 68 yards; Passing: Janda 4 of 8 for 34 yards; Receiving: Nolan Ostdiek 3 for 22 yards; Jack Williams 1 for 12 yards.

Defense: (Tackles A-Assisted; U-Unassisted) Caden Culbertson 5A, 1U and 1 for a loss; Carter Griffis 1A; Clay Williams 1A; Roy Davidson 4A, 2U and 1 for a loss; Connor Janda 4A, 2U and one fumble recovery; Jack Williams 6A, 1U; Nolan Ostdiek 4A, 3U; Aidan Zikmund 5A, 4U, and one fumble recovery; Rocky Miller 3A, 2 U; Jacob Kathman 1A, Nathan Elledge 1A; Ace Wulf 1A; Cody Brockman 1A, Jayce Hoelting 1A, Caleb Griffis 1A.

The Raider fans are proud of and sorry to lose the services of eight senior boys this year. They have all contributed greatly to the success of the teams. Missing from next year's roster will be: Clay Williams, Bayln Bargen, Roy Davidson, Connor Janda, Nolan Ostdiek, Rocky Miller, Jacob Kathman and Nathan Elledge.