Harlan Cyclones Surge Past Creston Panthers in 56-35 Showdown
URGENT UPDATE: The Harlan Cyclones dominated the Creston Panthers with a stunning 56-35 victory on Friday night, marking a crucial win in Class 3A District 6. The game, held at Harlan’s Merrill Field, showcased explosive plays that turned the tide dramatically after both teams started cautiously.
Just moments into the game, Creston took an early lead with a methodical 73-yard drive, culminating in a touchdown by Jackson Pettegrew. However, Harlan quickly answered back, tying the game with a 6-yard touchdown run from fullback Brody Bendorf.
After that initial back-and-forth, Harlan unleashed a barrage of big plays, scoring four touchdowns of over 40 yards and racing to a commanding 28-7 lead by the 9:06 mark of the second quarter. Junior receiver Landon Nihsen ignited the Cyclones’ offense with a 67-yard punt return touchdown, followed by a 77-yard rushing touchdown from tailback Ayden Redmon.
Despite Creston’s efforts to rally, including multiple scoring drives, the Panthers struggled to contain Harlan’s explosive offense. Harlan’s ability to score quickly proved to be the difference maker, as they maintained control of the game and the clock.
“Our offense responded and they’ve done that all season,” said Creston coach Brian Morrison. “Our problem was giving up the big run plays. We had guys in the right place, and just missing tackles in space. That’s what it boils down to. Their speed was definitely a factor.”
A pivotal moment occurred late in the second quarter when Creston recovered an onside kick, trailing 28-14. However, a fourth-down failure from the Harlan 6-yard line shifted momentum back to the Cyclones, who then executed a rapid 94-yard drive, ending with another touchdown pass from Gabe Arkfeld to Nihsen.
Redmon, who racked up an impressive 243 yards rushing and three touchdowns, emphasized Harlan’s versatility, showcasing their ability to adapt despite being known for their passing game earlier in the season. The Cyclones amassed a total of 480 yards in offense with only one punt.
Creston, despite the loss, showcased their own offensive strength, finishing with 464 total yards. Quarterback Tanner Ray delivered a strong performance, completing 16 of 25 passes for 222 yards and one touchdown.
The defeat drops Creston to 0-6 overall and 0-2 in the district, while Harlan improves to 2-4 and 1-1 in Class 3A District 6. As the district race heats up, both teams are looking ahead to crucial matchups, with Harlan set to face tough competition next week.
Coach Morrison noted the progress his team has made, stating, “We’re close to being a pretty good football team. But we have another tough test Friday, so we have to keep getting better.”
With the stakes rising, fans will be eagerly anticipating how both teams will respond in their upcoming games. Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses!
