The last time the Chadron Cardinals made it past the second round in the playoffs was 2009, the last time they made the semi finals was in 2008 and Friday night in Sidney they looked to move onto the semi finals in a rematch with the Sidney Red Raiders in Sidney. It did not go the way of Chadron as they lost 32-8 to see their season end.
The rain was coming down starting an hour and a half before the game started and came down heavy at times but the rushing attack from both sides was heavy as well. The Cardinals got the ball first and marched right down the field, scoring in six plays off a Quinn Bailey two yard run. The two point conversion was good which made it 8-0 Chadron.
The rest of the game was all Sidney as they countered with an incredible back shoulder touchdown reception by all-state candidate Landon Riddle to make it 8-8 after the two point conversion was successful. That score stayed the same throughout the rest of the first half as the teams went into the locker room to dry off tied at eight.
Sidney got the ball to start the second half and chewed up the Cardinals defense on the ground and got down to the one yard line. Facing a first and goal the Red Raiders had a false start called on them and added an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty which marched them back to the 21 yard line. The Red Raiders got five yards the next three plays then on a fourth and goal from the 16, Alek Doty hit Riddle again for the second touchdown pass of the game which gave Sidney the edge they needed.
The Red Raiders added a 60 yard punt return touchdown, along with short touchdown runs from Doty and Owen Gillham to end the Cardinals season 32-8.
Bailey finished with 179 yards on 35 carries and 1 TD. The Cardinals finished with 202 yards, no penalties and no turnovers as their season ends with an 8-3 record and a Class C-1 quarterfinals appearance.