Ord, NE- In the home stretch of last season, Ord Chanticleer football ranked among the best in the state of Nebraska in defense and it seems little has changed coming into this season. The Chants shutdown the Cozad Haymaker squad in a 28-0 opening week win that showcased some new talent for the Chanticleers. Junior quarterback Zach Smith showed he was more than capable in his first career varsity start, picking up 156 yards of total offense and three touchdowns. His first touchdown came on the opening drive when he completed a 16-yard strike to Junior receiver Quinton Ries. The second score of the night showcased the speed of Senior receiver Riley Warner when he blazed past the entire Cozad secondary on an electric 65-yard catch and run on a pass from Smith. Smith then capped the first half scoring with a 1-yard rushing touchdown near the end of the second quarter to give the Chants a 21-0 halftime lead. Junior halfback Tommy Stevens took up the mantle of workhorse for the night, averaging an impressive 6.95 yards-per-carry and racking up 153 yards on the ground. Stevens scored the final touchdown of the night in the third quarter with a 4-yard plunge up the gut. The Chanticleer defense held Cozad to 236 yards of total offense while forcing four turnovers (3 INT, 1 FUM) and getting the Haymakers to turn the ball over on downs four times in the shutout effort. Next week the Chants will be taking on Boone Central- Newman Grove in Albion.
Quarter…..1…...2…..3….4……..Final
Ord..……..7......14.....7….0……..28
Cozad……0…...0…..0.....0….…..0
Team Statistics
Ord
Rushing- 214, Passing- 115
Cozad
Rushing- 195, Passing- 41