BY JIM MISUNAS

jmisunas@gbtribune.com

BUHLER — The Buhler Crusaders are familiar with Great Bend's Ohnmacht/Premer connection.

Cooper Ohnmacht delivered two momentum-swinging touchdowns. Alec Premer caught a 68-yard touchdown pass and secured a 33-22 non-league victory over the Crusaders with a late-game interception.

Panther quarterback Maxson Smiley completed a clutch 11-yard scoring strike to Ohnmacht on 4th down in a driving rain shower for a 21-7 lead.

"You try and get your hands around the ball and secure the catch," Ohnmacht said. "You've got to concentrate on the ball and use your eye-to-hand coordination and haul it in. It really helps if you keep your gloves as dry as you can."

Smiley was brilliant, especially during a second-half with light rain that turned into heavy showers at times.

"Mentally you're not concerned about the weather at all, something you can't really control," Smiley said. "You just play through it and Buhler's playing in the same weather."

Smiley was proud of his offensive protection and the way his receivers caught the football.

"Our receivers are 'dogs' for sure," he said. "I know they'll do something with the football in their hands. My goal was to get it to my guys and allow them to do what they do best. It was a good night."

Receiver Jaxon Wondra was a 2-way standout with an early fumble recovery that set up his opening 3-yard touchdown reception. His 1-handed 20-yard reception was legendary.

Great Bend (4-0) 7 7 7 12 — 33

Buhler (2-2) 7 0 7 8 — 22

GB—Jaxon Wondra 3 pass from Smiley (Ohnmacht kick)

B—Gleason 20 pass from Asher Zachary (Wells kick)

GB—Premer 68 pass from Smiley (Ohnmacht kick)

GB—Ohnmacht 11 pass from Smiley (Ohnmacht kick)

B—Martinez 3 run (Wells kick)

GB—Alcala 9 run (kick blocked)

GB—Ohnmacht 50 interception return (pass fails)

B—Gleason 60 pass from A. Zachary (2-pointer)