By Brian Richter
MOUNDRIDGE — The Sterling Black Bears stayed unbeaten Friday night, riding big plays from their ground game and defense to a 27-15 road victory over Moundridge.
Sterling wasted no time as Zane Farney broke free for a 67-yard touchdown run just two plays into the contest. The Wildcats answered with a 76-yard march, capped by a 14-yard scoring run from quarterback Kaiser Kanitz. The Black Bears struck back late in the first quarter with another long drive, finished by Farney’s five-yard touchdown run.
Momentum swung in Sterling’s favor in the second quarter after recovering an onside kick. Wyatt Newberry powered in from a yard out to give the visitors a two-score cushion at halftime.
The turning point came in the third when Daryn Maxwell intercepted a Kanitz pass to halt a Wildcat drive. Moments later, Farney notched his third rushing touchdown of the night from a yard out, stretching the lead to 27-7.
Moundridge kept battling, and with 22 seconds left, Kanitz connected with Fynn Burge on a 67-yard touchdown pass, to make the final 27-15.
Farney led all rushers with 160 yards on 22 carries and three touchdowns, while Maxwell added 96 yards on eight attempts. For Moundridge, Kanitz carried the offense with 100 yards rushing and 111 passing with two total touchdowns.
Sterling improves to 2-0 and will host Inman next week. Moundridge, now 1-1, travels to Medicine Lodge.
