After a slow start, the Crawford Rams came back to defeat Hemingford 46-36 in the opening round of Panhandle Conference Tuesday.
Hemingford jumped out to a 12-6 lead after one period, but the Rams used a 16-9 run in the second quarter to inch ahead 22-21 going into halftime. Crawford kept the Bobcats from scoring in double digits the rest of the contest, holding them to 15 points in the second half. On offense, the Rams added 24 points to the board after the break.
The Rams will face number one-seeded Hay Springs Friday at 3:45 at Chadron State College for the chance to advance to the conference championship game on Saturday.
Stats for first round action are not yet available.