Big Plays Propel Sidney Past Mitchell

SIDNEY - In a thrilling clash of unbeaten high school football teams Friday night at Weymouth Field in Sidney, the Sidney Red Raiders claimed a 42-35 victory over the Mitchell Tigers. It was a game defined by explosive plays, as Sidney delivered scoring strikes of 45, 50, 55, 80, and an impressive 90 yards.

The first half saw the game locked at 14-14, but Sidney seized the lead early in the second half with a 50-yard touchdown run by Isak Doty. Mitchell fought back to tie the game at 21-21 with Desmonde Smith's 3-yard touchdown run to cap a 9-play Tiger drive.

However, Sidney answered in style when Luke Holly broke free for a 90-yard touchdown run, though the Red Raiders missed the PAT, making it 27-21. Mitchell didn't back down, driving 72 yards on nine plays to take a brief lead at 28-27 on Smith's 38-yard TD run, his third TD of the night.

Sidney again responded quickly with a 55-yard Isak Doty to Alek Doty touchdown pass, along with a successful 2-point conversion, taking a 35-28 lead. Mitchell, led by Smith, tied it up again at 35-35 with just 2:29 remaining in regulation with an 8-yard TD run, capping an 11-play, 73-yard drive.

But Sidney had the last word, as Isak Doty dashed 45 yards for the game-winning score with just 1:28 left on the clock. Isak Doty finished the game with 152 rushing yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns, along with 192 yards on five of 11 passing and two touchdowns. Luke Holly contributed with 122 rushing yards on 10 carries and one touchdown.

Desmonde Smith was the standout for Mitchell, amassing 240 rushing yards on 34 carries with four touchdowns.

With this win, Sidney improved to a perfect 4-0 record and is set to face the Bison in McCook next Friday. Meanwhile, Mitchell's first loss of the season dropped them to 3-1, and they'll be hosting Hershey next Friday in a bid to bounce back.