Alliance hit the road on Friday by a football affair against the Panthers of Hershey. Twenty two straight tallies by the hosts powered the Panthers past the Bulldogs 22 to 6 as Alliance falls to 2 and 2 for the season. Costly turnovers on 2 consecutive drives in the first half resulted in 14 points for the hosts. A third period score by Bulldog Trini Trejo gave AHS hope but Alliance would get no closer and fell for second week in a row.
A long time consuming drive by Hershey is how the battle began. The Panthers used over 6 minutes to get on the scoreboard first. A 12 yard TD plus a good extra point made the score 8 to 0 with 5:09 remaining in the period. Strong runs by Trejo, Espen Lanik, and Caysen Robertson help the Dogs start a comeback. But 2 flags on AHS ruined their first drive as the Bulldogs were forced to punt. Tackles for losses by Cole Stoike, Nason Thompson, and Robertson stopped the Panther on their next possession. Starting deep inside their own territory, a Hershey interception on Alliance’s second attempt ended the quarter.
Hershey would cash in on the pick and score from the 4 yard line to extend their advantage. The point after kick was good as the Dogs saw their deficit stand at 15 to 0. Another turnover by Alliance once again set up more points for the hosts. Starting on the 37, it took the Panthers just 3 plays to increase their margin. A 16 yard touchdown run with 9:32 left in the half put the score at 22 to 0. The rest of the quarter had both teams have 2 more drives but no scores. A tackle for a loss by Alliance’s Lucas Weber stopped a Panther drive. At half time, the Dogs were down 22 to 0.
Two nice passes from quarterback Jay Shelmadine to Jett Herian and Wyatt Stabnow gave Alliance a chance in the early minutes of the third. Facing a fourth and three from the 4 line, a rushing attempt was stopped, giving Hershey the ball back. The Bulldogs then forced a three and out and got the ball back at the 39. A 17 yard pass from Shelmadine to Smiley Valdovinos got the Dogs in striking distance. The drive came to an end with Trejo scoring from the 24 yard line. Alliance’s PAT was no good and with 5:01 showing on the clock, the Bulldogs were down 22 to 6. The period came a conclusion with both squads punting and the score remaining 22 to 6.
A field goal attempt by the hosts was no good as the final period started. Nice gains by Trejo and Robertson ensued on Alliance’s next series. A screen pass for Shelmadine to Trejo netted 25 yards but an incomplete pass on fourth down ruined the Bulldog try. Hershey was then stopped scoreless on their next possession thanks to tackles by Robertson and Eladio Campos. With 5 minutes left, Alliance would have just one comeback attempt. But 4 incomplete passes sealed the win for Hershey 22 to 6.
ALL 0 0 6 0 6
HER 8 14 0 0 22
Stats Rushing Trejo 61 yards on 19 attempts 1 score Robertson 7 carries 23 yards Shelmadine 7 completions 105 yards Receiving Stabnow 2 catches 36 yards A mistake was made on Trejo’s yards against Holdrege He ended the game with 254 yards
Alliance will be at home at Friday for an afternoon contest with Chase County.