For the most part in the second half, we played better. We got some good individual efforts tonight with some kids. We played some young kids on special teams who did some nice things for us. There were a lot of things to be positive about. Overall, I was pleased. We had more explosive, big plays this week.”

Coach Shawn Burkart

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The Cyclones travel to play Wind River Saturday at 3 p.m.

YODER – A neck-and-neck first half between the Southeast High School Cyclones and the Wright Panthers on Friday, September 13, found the Cyclones up by only three points at halftime, 10-7.

Southeast scored a field goal in the first quarter, followed by a touchdown in the second quarter. A touchdown by the Panthers placed Wright within a few points of overtaking the Cyclones as the teams headed for the locker rooms.

Southeast returned to the gridiron in the third quarter determined to defend the home field. A tenacious Cyclones offense scored four touchdowns in the second half while a solid Southeast defense held Wright to one, resulting in a 38-13 conference victory for the Cyclones.

“For the most part in the second half, we played better,” coach Shawn Burkart said. “We got some good individual efforts tonight with some kids. We played some young kids on special teams who did some nice things for us. There were a lot of things to be positive about. Overall, I was pleased. We had more explosive, big plays this week.”

The Cyclones got on the scoreboard in the first quarter with a field goal by junior Beaux Shimic. 

The Southeast defense prevented Wright from scoring in the first quarter, led by tackles from senior Carter Blevins, junior Liam Haas, senior Emmett Coxbill, junior T.J. Moats, senior William Knowlton, senior Ayden Shimic and junior Chase Sauer.

Wright fumbled while attempting a field goal early in the second quarter, the ball picked up by Ayden Shimic.

Taking possession, the Cyclones drove forward with carries by Blevins. Senior quarterback Ayden Desmond wound up a 25-yard pass to senior Kannon Tippetts in the end zone for Southeast’s first touchdown.

A good kick by Beaux Shimic placed Southeast ahead, 10-0.

Wright answered with a touchdown midway into the second quarter, narrowing Southeast’s lead, 10-7.

The Cyclones took control of the scoreboard on their first drive in the third quarter. Under pressure, Desmond held onto the ball, found an opening in Wright’s defense and dashed 55 yards into the end zone.

Beaux Shimic kicked the ball between the goal posts and Southeast led, 17-7.

Tackles by Ayden Shimic, Blevins, Moats and Tippetts halted Wright’s first drive in the third quarter.

Southeast gained possession at its 27-yard line. Moats took the handoff from Desmond and sprinted 73 yards up the right into the end zone for Southeast’s third touchdown.

Another good kick by Beaux Shimic widened the Cyclones’ lead, 24-7.

The Panthers managed to score on the ensuing possession, although Southeast remained ahead, 24-13.

A gritty Cyclones offense shut down Wright’s opening fourth-quarter drive. Sauer caused a fumble and broke up a pass while Ayden Shimic tackled the Panther’s receiver behind the line of scrimmage.

Southeast drove the ball deep into Wright territory on the Cyclones’ subsequent possession. Carries by Blevins and Desmond brought the ball to Wright’s four-yard line. Desmond kept the ball on the next play and charged up the middle for another Southeast touchdown.

Beaux Shimic delivered a good kick and Southeast pulled ahead, 31-13.

Wright found itself going nowhere on the subsequent drive when Desmond leapt up to intercept a pass.

Blevins rushed 15 yards into the end zone for Southeast touchdown No. 5. Beaux Shimic placed another perfect kick and Southeast led, 38-13.

Haas recovered a fumble on Wright’s following drive and Southeast took possession to wind down the clock.

Overall, the Cyclones tallied 278 yards rushing, led by Blevins with 114 yards on 23 carries. Desmond posted 82 yards rushing on 11 carries while Moats tallied 73 yards on one carry.

Beaux Shimic kicked six for six at the field goal line.

Defensively, Sauer led with 13 tackles. Blevins posted nine tackles with six apiece by Ayden Shimic, Moats and Coxbill. Two tackles by Ayden Shimic resulted in losses and Moats broke up three passes. Desmond picked off two passes.

Southeast travels to play Wind River on Friday.

“We will focus on being consistent this week,” coach Burkart said. “The competition is going to get toucher as we keep going into conference play.”