The Antlers couldn’t capitalize on home-field advantage in the team’s season opener. Elkhorn lost 51-30 to the Gretna Dragons Aug. 29. This was the team’s seventh consecutive loss to Gretna.
A game that was a back-and-forth battle for the first half had its momentum shift at the end of the second quarter. The Antlers took a lead with :45 seconds left in the first half, but gave up a touchdown at the end of the first half and turned the ball over to start the second half, which lead to another Dragon touchdown.
Senior Jakob Beyer said the team was working to maintain focus, especially at the start the second half.
“We could have done better in the second half,” Beyer said. “We could have had more intensity coming out of the locker room.”
Another area the Antlers are working to improve is special teams. During the game, the Antlers successfully completed a two-point conversion, but missed a PAT and had two offsides penalties on kickoffs.
“We need to focus better on special teams, so that’s something we’re working on,” Beyer said.
Several Antlers players turned in solid performances to start the season. Perhaps the best among those players was senior Wyatt Worlie, who rushed for 99 yards and one score.
Among those leading the charge was Michael Knudsen, who threw for 204 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and also punched in one TD on the ground. Maycen Walters was in the mix too, providing Gretna with two scores.
Elkhorn travels to Plattsmouth Friday, Sept. 5 to take on the Blue Devils. Game time is 7:00 p.m.
“We’re looking forward to getting redemtion after losing the first game,” Beyer said. “It would be nice to beat Plattsmouth on their own field.”
