For 18 minutes of game time Friday night, the Wauneta-Palisade football team gave Dundy County-Stratton everything it could handle. The remaining 30 minutes may best be forgotten.
    The high-powered Tiger attack to 45 seconds to put the game’s first points on the board.
    WP was much more methodical on its scoring drive. The Broncos went to the air early to loosen up the Tigers’ defense. But it was on the ground, an eight-yard run by Austen Rozelle, that WP found pay dirt.
    Tied at 6-6, DCS scored three plays later and converted the two-point conversion to regain the lead.
    Wrapping up the first quarter and starting off the second, WP had three runs to go with five passes as it answered the DCS touchdown.
    The Tigers dug themselves into a hole with a fumble on first down of its next possession. Unable to recover, DCS punted to WP to set up a four-play scoring drive to go up 20-14.
    “Our defense got a big stop on their explosive offense and we were playing sound on defense,” WP Head Coach Randy Geier said. “Our team speed caused them defensive problems. We were doing exactly what we planed to do on offense.”
    The momentum stayed on the Broncos’ side with the ensuing onside kick.
    WP took possession on the DCS 29-yard line and took advantage of DCS penalties for a facemask and offisides calls.
    Rozelle scored on fourth and goal to give WP the 26-14 lead.
    With the ball back in their hands, DCS scored in two plays to cut the lead back to six points, 26-20.
    WP showed its own quick-strike ability when Ty Duvel took the kick off down the east sideline for a 65-yard touchdown.

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