Red Raiders Powers Past Holdrege

SIDNEY – Two undefeated teams met at Weymouth Field on Friday, and the Sidney Red Raiders left no doubt about the outcome of the game. The Holdrege Dusters, who came into the game 2-0 with wins over Lexington and Alliance, had won five of the last six meetings against the Red Raiders. However, Sidney who won last year’s game at Holdrege 32-23, controlled this game from the start, scoring on their first four possessions for a 42-0 win.

Sidney deferred after winning the coin toss and set the tone early with a strong defensive performance. The Red Raiders forced four punts, intercepted two passes, and held Holdrege to just 33 total yards of offense and one first down before halftime. Sidney then scored on their opening drive of the third quarter, initiating the 35-point running clock rule for the remainder of the game.

Holdrege’s best drive came late in the third quarter, advancing to Sidney’s 2-yard line, but the Red Raiders stopped them for a four-yard loss on fourth down to preserve the shutout. Sidney’s reserves added one final score with a 28-yard touchdown run by Rhys Dorcey.

Sidney’s defense limited Holdrege to 152 total yards of offense. Duster quarterback Landon Hartzog completed just 5 of 14 passes for 64 yards and two interceptions. Running back Kegan Steinke, who was averaging 126 yards rushing per game, finished with just 16 yards on 14 carries.

The Red Raiders’ offense had one of their most complete performances of the season, rolling up 408 yards of total offense. Quarterback Alek Doty completed 14 of 19 passes for 199 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Owen Gillham rushed for 81 yards on 13 carries, and Rhys Dorcey added nine carries for 65 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Landon Riddle caught five passes for 130 yards and a touchdown.

With the win, Sidney improves to 3-0 and will host Mitchell next Friday. Kickoff at Weymouth Field is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Holdrege falls to 2-1 on the season and will host Adams Central next Friday.