NESS CITY 23, MACKSVILLE 8

NESS CITY – Ness City’s Nate Gable scored two touchdowns and intercepted a pass as the Eagles outscored pesky Macksville 23-8 in an Eight-Man 1 football playoff game. Macksville (4-5) was outscored 46-0 by Ness City the first time the teams met.

Alex Rodriguez converted a 24-yard field goal for a 3-0 halftime lead. Hector Rodriguez blocked a punt by Harley Blaske to set up Gable’s 6-yard touchdown for a 9-0 lead. Easton Seib caught a 16-yard touchdown pass from jose Guzman for a 15-0 lead.

Macksville quarterback Ryan Kuckelman completed a 54-yard touchdown strike to Cleven Huggins for a 15-8 score after a 2-point conversion.

Gable’s interception set up an 8-yard touchdown run for a 23-8 final. The Eagles beat Macksville for the second year in a row in the playoffs.

Macksville coach Chet Skinner crafted a masterful game plan after a 46-0 setback. 

"We played a cleaner and more efficient game than what we showed in our earlier matchup," Skinner said. "Ness City is a big, physical team. Their backs run hard and are very elusive. We did a good job of making the tackle for the majority of the game. They got loose a couple of time and that is ultimately the difference. A couple big plays in a playoff game usually decide the outcome."

Skinner said the Mustangs' offensive line played solidly. 

"Our offensive line played well," Skinner said. "We were led by our two senior guards/linebackers. Zen Johnson and Harley Blaske. They flew around the field on defense and made plays all night. Unfortunately, our season came to an end tonight. I thank the seniors for their hard work and contributions to the team. I look forward to getting back to the basics this offseason."

Macksville 0 0 8 0 – 8

Ness City 0 3 12 8 – 23

NC—Alex Rodriguez 24 FG; NC—Gable 6 run (run failed); NC—Seib 16 pass from Guzman (run failed); M—Huggins 54 pass from Kuckelman (2-point run); NC—Gable 8 run (Guzman run)