Orangemen struggle on offense, fall to Plattsmouth
PLATTSMOUTH – Beatrice scored on their very first drive against Plattsmouth, but that would be their only points of the night.
The Orangemen fell to Plattsmouth 17-7 Friday night at Plattsmouth High School.
Beatrice was able to jump out to an early lead. Their defense got things off to a good start by forcing Plattsmouth into a three and out. The Orangemen took over at the Plattsmouth 45 yard line and two plays later, Andrew Mahoney sprinted 43 yards for a touchdown, giving Beatrice the early 7-0 lead.
After a good kickoff return, Plattsmouth took over at its own 40. They put together an eight-play scoring drive that was capped by Connor Pohlmeier’s 17 yard touchdown run, tying the game at 7-7.
Beatrice’s offense went three and out on their next drive and Plattsmouth took over at the Beatrice 45 yard line.
They drove it all the way to the two yard line and had first and goal from the 2 yard line. A quarterback sneak got them to the 1 yard line, but a fumbled snap made it 3rd and goal from the 1. Plattsmouth’s next run went for no gain and on fourth and goal, Carson Licht came up with a sack to force a turnover on downs.
Beatrice managed one first down on their next drive, but was then forced to punt. On Plattsmouth’s third play of their next drive, they fumbled and Evan Larson recovered, giving Beatrice the ball at their own 47.
On the first play from scrimmage, Mahoney made a one-handed 33-yard reception from Dakota Adams, setting Beatrice up in Plattsmouth territory. Beatrice would be unable to capitalize, though, turning the ball over on downs.
Plattsmouth put an 11-play drive together, but Beatrice’s defense buckled down. They were able to stop Plattsmouth on a fake punt attempt.
With less than a minute left in the half, Beatrice threw an interception on the first play of their next drive, giving Plattsmouth the ball at the Orangemen 35 yard line.
After three straight incomplete passes, Plattsmouth would connect for a 38-yard field goal, giving them a 10-7 lead at the half.
Most of the third quarter was played between the two 40-yard lines as neither offense was able to get much going.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Plattsmouth was able to put together a seven play, 50-yard scoring drive that was capped by Pohlmeier’s five yard touchdown run, making it 17-7 with just over 10 minutes left in the game.
Beatrice seized some momentum when Jace Pethoud returned the ensuing kickoff all the way to the Plattsmouth 26 yard line. The Orangemen offense was unable to get a first down, though, and turned the ball over on downs.
Plattsmouth managed to take some time off the clock on their next drive, but were eventually force to punt . A lengthy punt return set the Orangemen up at the Plattsmouth 48 yard line, but two plays later, but an interception two plays later gave the ball back to Plattsmouth.
The Plattsmouth offense was able to run the clock out from there, preserving the 17-7 win.
Beatrice falls to 0-2 on the season and will host Ralston next Friday at the House of Orange in Beatrice. Plattsmouth improves to 1-1.