Scott City begins playoffs tonight, hosting Nickerson

Scott City, Kan. (westernkansasnews.com)–The Scott City Beavers look to continue their season tonight, as they host the Nickerson Panthers in the Week 9 playoff game at Darner Field.

Nickerson enters with a 2-6 record on the year after a 49-14 loss at home to Pratt last Friday night to wrap up the regular season. Despite the loss, the Panthers were able to say in the top four of the standings, due to winning the tiebreaker in points. Pratt scored three non-offensive touchdowns in the first quarter, and led 28-0 after the first quarter, and 42-0 at the break. In the loss, quarterback Tre Garcia threw for 69 yards and had a rushing touchdown, while Hunter Jones had an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. This is Nickerson’s fourth straight playoff appearance, and ninth all time. Their last two playoff games resulted in a pair of one-point losses, with last year being a 21-20 loss to Clay Center at home. This year, the Panthers have five fewer wins, and only have five seniors on their squad. They’ve averaged 15 points per game, while giving up 24.

Scott City wrapped up their second straight undefeated regular season with a 43-20 win at Concordia last Friday night. The Beavers scored on four of their first five possessions of the game, and led 21-6 at the break and 29-6 after three quarters. However, they surrendered the most points this year in 20, and the most yards with 365 yards. Wyatt Hayes recorded his third 200-yard game with 210 yards and two touchdowns, while the Beavers put up 456 yards of offense, with 347 coming on the ground. Scott City is entering their 13th consecutive playoff appearanced and hold a 48-19 record all time in their 24th playoff all time. The Beavers are avearaging under 400 yards and 45 points, while giving up 150 yards and six points a game.

This is the first meeting since 2001. Scott City won at Nickerson 35-21 on November 3 in the Regional round of the Class 4A playoffs in their lone meeting.

Kickoff from Darner Field is at 7 pm, with a 6:30 pregame on Mix 94.5. You can also listen online at www.westernkansasnews.com/mix94, on the KSKL app, and also on TuneIn Radio.