Comeback City

The Creighton Prep football team entered the playoffs with confidence, posting a 7-2 record for the regular season, and entering as the number six seed. Their first order of business was to play the Norfolk Panthers on Friday, the eleventh seed in the playoffs. The Junior Jays faced a tough test early in the game, as Norfolk led 14-13 at halftime.

As the game continued, and Norfolk’s lead remained, the Junior Jays had to overcome a significant deficit to fight to keep their playoff dreams alive. On the sidelines, the message was clear.

Quarterback A.J. Hubner said, “everyone was upset with the score midway through the fourth quarter.  The coaches and captains had to encourage others to keep there heads up. We have shown all year we can fight back from any deficit.”

Norfolk scored late in fourth quarter to go up 31-21 with six minutes to play in the game, and it became do-or-die time for Prep.

The Junior Jays marched down the field, converting in many difficult situations, including a key fourth down to continue their drive. Nate Reiner capped off the drive with a rushing touchdown, part of a big day where he ran for 156 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries.

“Nate Reiner played his best game of the year. He was breaking off big runs and and scored on a ten yard run in the fourth quarter,” said Hubner.

The Prep defense took the field with 3:39 to go in the game, and did their part, forcing a punt from the Panthers. The Creighton Prep offense marched down the field, thanks to key catches from Grant Matthies and Drew Dunham, who caught the go-ahead 45-yard touchdown. Matthies had six catches for 125 yards on the night, and Dunham tacked on 71 of his own, in addition to his receiving touchdown.

Prep led 35-31 as the Norfolk offense took the field again. After a few plays and one long completion, the Panthers found their way to the Prep 24-yard line. Defensive Back Kevin Cooper came up big on a third-down play, batting a pass away at the last second, leaving .2 seconds on the clock. Norfolk’s ensuing play fell incomplete to the turf, and the Junior Jays walked away winners.

Hubner, who threw for 363 yards and two touchdowns on the right, was pleased with the fight from the team, but sees improvements that still need to made before next week.

“We can improve on starting better and not falling behind early. We need to finish plays and to do our job every play. We are getting better each game and are very excited to play Millard North again,”Hubner said.

Next week, the Junior Jays will take on third-ranked Millard North, a rematch of a regular season game that went to the last play, as Prep lost 17-12.