Football Uses Complete Game Effort to Roll Past Hastings

Football traveled on Saturday to Hastings to take on the Broncos in the 123rd meeting between the two programs, most in the state of Nebraska. The Tigers scored first and pulled away in the second quarter on their way to a 40-3 victory. Doane leads the all-time series 59-54-10.

Doane's first score of the game came on their second possession. Sam Hartman found Darnell Riley for a 22-yard touchdown pass with Riley pulling in the reception with one hand. Hastings scored their lone points of the game later in the first quarter.

On the first play of the second quarter, Rian Green raced 49-yards through the Bronco defense for a touchdown. Kelen Meyer added three points with a 42-yard field goal with 1:19 to play before the half. The Doane defense was able to come up with a fourth down stop just before halftime, giving them the ball near midfield. After an incomplete pass on the first play, Hartman threw deep as time expired and Andrew Waido reached out in front of a defender to make a one-handed grab and sprinted into the end zone to give the Tigers a 24-3 lead at the break.

Doane's first possession of the third quarter would result in a punt, however, the Broncos fumbled the return and gave Doane the ball back. The Tigers took advantage as Meyer would convert a 51-yard field goal attempt for a 27-3 lead. Later in the quarter, Bennett Geiken forced a fumble that was recovered by Zach Fox to set Doane up near midfield. The Tiger drive was capped as Hartman connected with John DeRiso for a 24-yard touchdown pass.

In the fourth quarter, the defense once again set the offense up for a score with their fifth takeaway in the game. Reece Zutavern forced the fumble which was recovered by Tanner Simdorn. The offense followed by going 73 yards on six plays as Hartman connected with Riley for the second time in the game, this one for 37 yards.

Offensively, Hartman finished the game 20-of-36 for 308 yards and four touchdowns. DeRiso had eight receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown. Riley finished with four receptions for 97 yards and two scores. Zack Perez added three catches for 62 yards and Waido picked up two receptions for 66 yards and a score.

On the ground, Doane posted 170 yards rushing. Green led the way with 103 yards on 13 carries while James Miles III finished with 75 yards. For the game, Doane recorded 478 yards of total offense, second-most on the season. The 40 points were the most for the Tigers since 2021 when they scored 44 against Jamestown and Hastings.

Defensively, Tanner Simdorn and Zutavern finished with six total tackles apiece. Simdorn had three tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. Finishing with five total tackles apiece were Owen Kuntz, Cade Wiseman, Andrew Brown, and Fox. Wiseman added a fumble recovery. Jarett Boggs posted four total tackles with two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Jared Smith added a fumble recovery on special teams.

After a week off, Doane will play their final home game of the season on November 9 against Midland. Kickoff is set for 1 PM with several festivities taking place prior to the game including Senior Day recognition.