On Friday, Oct. 27, the Lawrence-Nelson Raiders traveled to Callaway to play in the second round of the NSAA State Playoffs against the undefeated South Loup Bobcats.

The coin flip went in favor of the Raiders, resulting in the Bobcats receiving the ball to start the game. In the opening possession, the Bobcats marched down the field, with the help of Connor Paulson catching a 20-yard pass from Trey Connell to put them in Raider territory, as well as scoring position.

A few plays later, Cache Gracey of the Bobcats would lose his defender, connecting with Connell on a 25-yard touchdown completion. After the 2-point conversion, the Bobcats had an early 8-0 over the Raiders.

On the ensuing kickoff, junior Ethan Furne laid a huge hit on Lawrence-Nelson's returner, forcing a fumble which was recovered by Paulson. With the Bobcats in scoring position again, the offensive line continued their dominance, allowing Connell to run in for the team’s second touchdown of the first quarter. The Bobcats would control the first, up 16-0.

To begin the second quarter the Raiders got into South Loup territory knocking on the door to score. On fourth and goal on the 8-yard line, Furne made another big play, coming up with an interception and running it back for a pick-six. However, the play would get called back for pass interference setting up 4th and goal from the 4-yard line.

The Bobcats came up with a huge stop and took the ball over on their 4-yard line. The very next play the Bobcats would take it to the house, with Connell running for a 76-yard touchdown. The Bobcat defense and offense both would continue dominating for the remainder of the first half. The first half would conclude with Furne, Connell, and Gracey all racking up interceptions of their own, as the Bobcats continued to rack up points. The first half would end with South Loup 40, Lawrence-Nelson 0.

The second half would be a continuation of the first. Lawrence-Nelson did get on the board in the third quarter, but would not go on to get the 2-point conversion on another score.

The offense for the Bobcats was led by Connell with 241 yards and 5 touchdowns. The dominant South Loup defense was led by the lineman duo, Joey Sallach and Rio Remund who pressured the Raider QB all game.

Sophomores Crew Witthuhn and Paulson would also contribute huge on defense with 10 tackles from each.

The South Loup Bobcats will next meet the Central Valley Cougars in the quarter-finals on Friday, Nov. 3, in Arnold. Like the Bobcats, the Cougars are also undefeated on the season. South Loup is the #4 seed in the Class D2 bracket while Central Valley is the #5 seed. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.