PERU, NE - The Peru State football team opened its season with a gut-wrenching loss to Hastings in a wild game at home on Saturday, August 26. The Bobcats fall to 0-1 on the season while the Broncos improve to 1-0.
 
The Broncos were able to score out of the gate early after a Bobcat fumble, put Hastings in great field position. It wouldn't take long for the Broncos to connect on a 44-yard passing touchdown to make the score 7-0 early in the first quarter.
 
After a three-and-out from the Bobcats, the Broncos were moving the ball again but Peru State's defense bowed up and forced a turnover on downs after and incompletion on fourth down.
 
In the ensuing possession, quarterback Colin Shields (Wichita, Kan.) connected with wide out Jordan Kempf (Arlington, Tex.) for a 68-yard strike to even the score at 7-7.
 
Hastings fumbled on the next kickoff, putting the Bobcats in great field position., as Shields and Kempf connected once more this time for a 26-yard passing touchdown.
 
In the beginning of the second quarter, the Broncos would answer with a nine-yard rushing touchdown as the score was knotted at 14-all.
 
On the next possession, running back Torrey Patterson (Georgia) showed off his wheels with a 30-yard scamper into plus territory. Kicker Mack Boekhout (Elkhorn) hit a 25-yard field goal to give Peru State a 17-14 lead.
 
Later in the second quarter, the Broncos were having a steady drive going getting into plus territory but their drive stalled out after two incompletions and a missed 42-yard field goal.
 
Peru State took a 17-14 lead into the break. Hastings in the beginning of the third quarter drove the ball the length the field but the Bobcats had a goal line stand at the Peru State two-yard line with tackles from Kile Bentley (Cairo), Kalen Justice (Riverdale, Ga.), Madison Thomas (San Antonio, Tex.), and Kevin Hill (Snellville, Ga.).
 
Later in the third quarter, Shields connected with LJ Shadd III (Atlanta, Ga.) for two catches that amassed 25-yards. Shields then found Kempf for a 37-yard completion. Patterson then ran it in for a three-yard score as the Bobcats led 24-14.
 
Early, in the fourth quarter, the Bobcats found the Shields-Kempf connection for the third time with a 42-yard passing touchdown. Peru State now led the Broncos 31-14.
 
Peru State had a chance to slam the door on Hastings but a missed field goal from 31-yards out kept the door open for the Broncos. Hastings marched down the field and scored a seven-yard rushing touchdown as they trailed 31-21.
 
It was late in the fourth quarter, and Hastings was attempting an onside kick. The Broncos were able to recover the ball. Hastings found a 38-yard passing touchdown strike within two plays with 3:33 remaining.
 
Hastings was trailing 31-28, so they needed to attempt a second onside kick and they were also able to recover this one. The Broncos then methodically marched down the field and were able to tie the game at 31 with a 25-yard field goal to force overtime.
 
Hastings won the coin toss and elected to go on defense, unfortunately the Bobcat offense stalled and was unable to score.
 
The Broncos drew up a QB draw that saw 23 of the 25 yards to get to paydirt. The next play a 2-yard rushing touchdown ended the game as the Broncos won 37-31.
 
Shields finished the day 9-of-26 throwing for 207 yards and three touchdowns. Shields also led the team in rushing with 14 rushes for 78 yards.
 
Kempf led the way in receiving with four catches for 167 yards and three touchdowns.
 
Justice led the team in tackles with ten. Devin Adams (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) had the lone sack on the night.
 
Peru State hits the road to take on Baker on Saturday, September 2, at 6:00 p.m., Baldwin City, Kan.