SIDNEY - In a hard-fought C-1 quarterfinals showdown at Sidney, the #5 seed Pierce Bluejays clashed with the #4 seed Sidney Red Raiders. Pierce came into the game with an 8-2 record, while Sidney, playing in a quarterfinal game for the first time since 2013, boasted a 9-1 record. On a sunny, 66-degree afternoon at Weymouth Field, in a game that featured Sidney's big-play offense, it was their defense that managed to hold off a late charge by Pierce and emerged with a 41-34 win.

The game got off to a challenging start for Sidney, as Pierce embarked on a methodical 80-yard, 17-play scoring drive. However, they missed the extra point, putting Pierce up 6-0. Sidney's fortunes then took a hit when they fumbled on just their second play, handing the ball over to Pierce at the Sidney 12-yard line.

However, Sidney's defense rose to the occasion, making a crucial early stand and taking over on downs at their own 13-yard line. It didn't take long for Sidney to even the score. On third and seven at the Sidney 16, Isak Doty connected with Landon Riddle for an 84-yard touchdown pass. Although the extra point was missed, Sidney had tied the game at 6-6.

Pierce's first turnover came on the Bluejays next possession. Facing fourth and five at the Sidney 40, punter Gavin Sullivan attempted a pass on a fake punt. The pass was intercepted by Sidney's Owen Gillham at the 38 and returned to the 46. Sidney's explosive offense struck quickly as Isak Doty sprinted 54 yards on the very next play for Sidney's second score. The extra point kick was good, giving Sidney a 13-6 lead.

The Bluejays returned the ensuing kickoff to their own 46, but on their second play from scrimmage, quarterback Champion White attempted a short jump-pass to Gavin Sullivan, which was tipped by Keian Kaiser and intercepted by linebacker Ben Monheiser. Isak Doty then capped a seven-play drive with a 20-yard TD run, extending Sidney's lead to 20-6 after the successful PAT.

Trailing 20-6, the Bluejays took to the air, as quarterback Champion White completing 4 of 5 passes on a nine-play scoring drive. With the successful extra point, Sidney's lead was cut to 20-13 with 44 seconds left in the half.

However, the Bluejays' excitement was short-lived. Sidney sophomore Lance Holly returned the ensuing kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown, and after a successful PAT, Sidney had a 27-13 halftime lead.

Sidney, who had deferred to start the game, and had an opportunity to seize control, but a missed handoff from Isak Doty to Luke Holly was recovered by defensive end Lucas Scrivner. Champion White then found a wide-open Kaden Froehlich for a 20-yard touchdown pass, capping a seven-play drive that trimmed Sidney's lead to 27-20.

The Red Raiders extended their lead with a big play, and the help of another Bluejays turnover. Sidney marched from their own 24 to the Pierce 25 in six plays, which included a 10-yard completion to Alek Doty on third down after a bad snap left Isak Doty scrambling. Two plays later, Isak Doty found Landon Riddle for a 25-yard touchdown pass. Although the PAT was blocked, Sidney led 33-20. Pierce's next possession began at the Bluejay 30 yard line. All-State running back Keenan Valverde sprinted for 25 yards on first down to the Sidney 45, but Champion White was picked off on the next play by Sidney cornerback Landon Riddle, who returned it 72 yards for a score. Sidney completed a 2-point conversion, extending their lead to 41-20 with 3:00 left in the third quarter.

Pierce displayed resilience by engineering a 15-play, 67-yard drive to reduce the lead to 41-27. After a successful onside kick, the Bluejays scored again in just eight plays, bringing them within a touchdown at 41-34 with 6:20 left in the game. Sidney however managed to run out the clock with a 15-play drive. Despite running 33 fewer plays than Pierce and trailing the Bluejays by over 14 minutes in time of possession, the Red Raiders advanced to the C-1 semifinals with a hard-fought 41-34 victory.

Sidney's offense showcased balance, tallying 340 yards in total, with 172 on the ground and 168 through the air. Isak Doty led the way with 106 yards rushing on 16 carries and two touchdowns. The senior quarterback also completed all seven of his passes for 168 yards and two more touchdowns. Landon Riddle was Doty’s primary target, with four catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns, while Luke Holly contributed 66 tough yards on 16 carries.

The Bluejays accumulated 203 yards rushing and 166 yards passing, totaling 369 yards of offense. Keenan Valverde led the Bluejays with 117 yards on 28 carries. Quarterback Champion White went 12 of 21 through the air for 166 yards but didn't record any touchdowns and threw three interceptions. White also added 44 yards on the ground with 17 carries.

Sidney's next challenge will be a semifinal matchup against the 11-0 Wahoo Warriors in Wahoo at 2:30 p.m. MST on Friday. The top-seeded Warriors advanced by defeating Broken Bow 12-7 in their own quarterfinal matchup.

The Red Raiders haven't played in a semifinal game in 30 years. Sidney lost to Adams Central, 19-0, in 1993. Sidney hasn't had a 10-win season since, until this season.