Courtesy of Antelope County News
The Perkins County Plainsmen beat the Clearwater-Orchard Cyclones 44-28 on Thursday, Oct. 26. They move on in the playoffs and will face off against West Holt on Haenfler Field today, Wednesday, Nov. 1.
Plainsmen win Clearwater-Orchard playoff rematch, will face top seed this week
Plainsmen players, coaches and fans still remember the devastating playoff loss Perkins County suffered at the hands of the Clearwater-Orchard Cyclones two years ago.
The Plainsmen got some payback Thursday in the first round of the D1 eight-man playoffs, defeating Clearwater-Orchard 44-28 to advance.
Since the Plainsmen traveled to Clearwater last week, they will get a home game this week in the second round.
West Holt, the No. 1 seed in the West bracket, will travel to Grant today (Wednesday) to take on the Plainsmen on Haenfler Field. Game time is set for 2 p.m.
The West Holt Huskies defeated No. 16 seed Boyd County 55-8 to advance.
Plainsmen Coach Lance Steffen said his team matches up well with West Holt.
Steffen said that while West Holt is a big physical team, they’re not quick off the ball. That’s where he feels the Plainsmen’s speed will be an advantage.
He said their quarterback is their best athlete and throws the ball well.
After traveling last week, Steffen said his team needs to take advantage of playing on their home field.
Going into last week’s game, Steffen knew his team could run on the Cyclones.
Plus, winds gusting over 30 mph at times wasn’t exactly conducive for the passing game.
They tried just one pass, good for four yards. The rest of their 376 yards came on the ground.
Steffen praised the defense as well. Clearwater-Orchard attempted six fourth-down conversions and the Plainsmen shut down all six.
One thing he said they will emphasize this week will be the importance of converting extra points.
Of their seven attempts Thursday, they converted just one. That’s 12 points left out on the field, Steffen said.
That can make a big difference in a game, he added.
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