Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884

Patriots 40-14 over Rams

US Patriots' regular season came to an end on Friday against a familiar opponent, the Big Horn Rams. Keeping with their winning record, the Patriots walked away with a 40-14 victory and the number three seed going into postseason play.

The Patriots got on the board quickly, per usual, as Reece Barrett made a 36-yard run into the end zone just four minutes into the game. Big Horn answered right back, scoring two touchdowns throughout the first quarter and taking the lead away from the Patriots, 14-7.

The second quarter found the Patriots tying the score as Patriot quarterback Keaton Mills found Levi Rudloff with a 27-yard reception. A successful extra point by Rudloff brought the Patriots even with the Rams at 14.

With time running down before the half, Mills brought Kaedyn Fletcher into the end zone with a 19-yard reception to retake the lead 21-14.

The opening kickoff of the third quarter set the tone for the rest of the game as Reece Barrett returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for another US Patriot touchdown, putting the Patriots in control of the tempo and the board. The Patriot defense got their job done quickly and spent little time on the field in the opening minutes of the third quarter.

With the offense back on the field, Mills found Luca Brooks for a 32-yard reception and touchdown putting the Patriots up 27-14. The Patriot offense would find their way one more time into the end zone at the end of the third quarter as the defense continued to shut down the Rams and solidify the 40-14 US Patriot victory.

The Patriots will move into postseason play as the number three seed and travel to Lovell on Friday to face the Bulldogs at 6 p.m.

Stats

Rushing:

Reece Barritt – 12 carries for 126 yards, 1 TD

Levi Rudloff – 12 carries for 44 yards

Ryder Downey – 7 carries for 23 yards

Keaton Mills – 5 carries for 9 yards

Jayden Keller – 1 carry for 3 yards

Passing:

K. Mills – 10 for 16, 176 yards, 4 TDs

Receiving:

Levi Rudloff – 5 for 99. 1 TD

Luca Brooks – 2 for 42 yards. 1 TD

Kaedyn Fletcher – 1 for 19, 1 TD

Reece Barritt – 2 for 16, 1 TD

Individual Defensive Leaders:

Nathan Baker – 17.5 points, 5 assisted tackles, 4 unassisted tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack

Jeral Nehl – 9.5 points, 1 AT, 2 UT, 0.5 TFL, 1 sack

Eli Gill – 9 points, 3 AT, 3 UT

Kaedyn Fletcher – 8.5 points, 2 AT, 1 UT, 0.5 TFL, 1 sack

Keaton Mills – 8 points, 3 UT, 1 pass break up

Luca Brooks – 8 points, 2 UT and 2 PBU