By MARK GLESINGER
Eighteen second half points powered the Sidney Red Raiders past the Alliance Bulldogs 18 to 6 in a seventh grade football contest Saturday morning in a ball game played at Bulldog Stadium. With the loss, AMS’s record now stands at 0 and 3 while Sidney improves to 2 and 1 on the year. The Raiders were also victorious in the b game, downing the Dogs 14 to 6.
Both defenses were dominate in the opening half. An early interception by Alliance’s Kegan Nelson would stop the Raider opening drive and the quarter ended tied at 0. In the second period, another Bulldog interception by Jaxon Poss gave Alliance get field position. Nice runs by Trini Trejo gave the Dogs the ball inside the Sidney 20 yard line. Unfortunately an Alliance touchdown was called back by a Dog penalty. The half ended tied at 0 to 0.
Alliance would get the second kickoff and had a three and out. A short Bulldog punt set the Raiders up for the game’s first score. From the 20, Sidney capped off the drive with a touchdown run. The PAT was no good and the period came to a close with AMS down 6 to 0. Sidney began the final quarter with another touchdown run, putting the Alliance deficit at 12 to 0. In the final moments the Raiders would increase their lead to 20 to 0 with under 3 minutes to play. Alliance would then get on the board as quarterback Mike Johnson connected with Riley Best on a 48 yard touchdown pass. The point after was good and the scoreboard read 18 to 6 with 2 minutes left. AMS’s onside kick was then cover by the guests who were able to run out the final seconds. Final Sidney 18 Alliance 6
Sidney 0 0 6 12 18
Alliance 0 0 0 6 6
In a two quarter b contest, it was Sidney coming out on top 14 to 6. Sidney got the ball first. A Raider fumble was recovered by Sidney player who took the ball to the house on a 45 yard touchdown play. Alliance would answer back behind runs by Braedon Clarke and Hunter Bridges. A 10 yard score by Clarke cut the margin to 8 to 6 in the final period. Another Sidney score put AMS behind 14 to 6 with minutes to play. Alliance would threaten in the closing moments behind runs by Poss and Ethan Schulze but a final play was stopped.
Sidney b 8 6 14
AMS b 0 6 6
Coach Mark Glesinger said, “We really liked our chances at half of the a game. Our defense was strong and we had success moving the ball. Unfortunately Sidney was able to make a few more plays in the second half and get the W. The kids are playing hard and the coaches are seeing improvements.”
Alliance will next be in action at Torrington at Saturday with a 10 kickoff set.