MINDEN – In their first road game of the season, the Sidney Red Raiders defeated the Minden Whippets 20-7. Both teams entered the game 1-0, with Minden coming off a triple-overtime win against Adams Central. The first quarter ended scoreless, with both defenses dominating early.

Minden got the first break of the game when a pass by Sidney quarterback Alek Doty was tipped and intercepted by Minden's Orrin Kuehn. However, Sidney's defense held firm, forcing a punt after allowing -1 yards. Sidney’s next drive netted -5 yards and a punt. Minden then struck first when running back Orrin Kuehn broke loose for a 76-yard touchdown run, putting Minden up 7-0 after a successful PAT with 3:12 remaining in the half.

Sidney responded immediately as Landon Riddle returned the ensuing kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown. A botched PAT snap led to a successful 2-point conversion when Alek Doty found tight end Patrick McCartney in the end zone, giving Sidney an 8-7 lead. Sidney extended their lead after Red Raider safety Reid Fiscus intercepted Minden quarterback Will Runions and returned it to the Minden 47-yard line. Doty then connected with Landon Riddle on a 37-yard pass, setting up Doty’s 5-yard touchdown run. Another bad PAT snap left the score at 14-7 at halftime.

Sidney, who deferred their option to the second half, received the kickoff and marched 74 yards in just 6 plays to score on their opening drive. Senior running back Owen Gillham capped off the drive with a 12-yard touchdown run. Sidney’s defense maintained control for the rest of the game, stopping Minden twice in the red zone to secure the 20-7 victory.

Doty finished the game completing 13 of his 21 passes for 236 yards with one interception. Riddle caught six of those passes for 131 yards. Gillham led the rushing attack, carrying the ball 10 times for 48 yards and a touchdown. Sidney returns home next Friday to face 2-0 Holdrege, who defeated Alliance at home 43-15 on Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., with radio coverage beginning at 5:05 p.m. on 1340 AM and 95.7 FM, Cheyenne County Country, and streamed on thebigboy987.com.