SHENANDOAH, IA - The Shenandoah Mustangs successfully played host to the Sidney Cowboys on Friday night, getting the win in a 28-20 fashion in IHSAA football action.

 

The traditionally 8-Man squad of Sidney played Shenandoah in a rare match-up, due to COVID-19 restrictions, despite their proximity of 15 miles. Sidney had lost their first week match-up against West Monona after scoring nothing in the second half, and Shenandoah had to stave off a fourth quarter comeback attempt while on the road at AHSTW.

 

Nevertheless, it was the Mustangs who struck first, as the all-purpose back and junior Morgan Cotton took the opening kickoff back for an 85-yard touchdown. Then defense reigned supreme in the second quarter. The Cowboys swiftly responded in the second quarter, with a pair of rushing touchdowns by senior running back Tyler Hensley. It was a 14-7 Cowboy’s game until Shenandoah’s Senior Quarterback Zayne Zwickel completed his first pass of the night, after having 11 incompletions, by finding a 59-yard strike to senior running back David Rendon to tie it up at 14 at the half.

 

The second half resumed, and it was the Mustangs to take control. Two big passes, including a 15-yard touchdown pass from Zwickel to sophomore tight end Blake Herold, set up a Cotton touchdown run from the one to put Shenandoah up on top 28-14 with only four minutes left in the fourth quarter. But the Cowboys would not go down without a fight and junior quarterback Matthew Benedict found his mark with wide receiver Garett Phillips as the junior hauled in a 15-yard touchdown pass with 3:01 to go.  But it was the Mustangs who had the last laugh, blocking the extra point attempt (Junior Michael Reed) and forcing an interception on the last drive by Sidney by none other than B-103 player of the game David Rendon.

 

Rendon ended rushing 2 times for 23 yards, catching 2 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown, as well as the game clinching interception, playing all sides of the game including special teams coverage. Shenandoah improves to a 2-0 record while the Cowboys slide to a 0-2 record.  The stampeding Mustangs hit the road next week to face Des Moines Christian, while the Cowboys will be back home facing a Tri-Center Trojans squad. For more regional sports coverage, remember to keep it refreshed here on News Channel Nebraska.