The Ord Chanticleers showed plenty of toughness Friday night, battling through rain, mud and difficult field conditions to earn a thrilling 14-13 overtime victory over the Gothenburg Swedes. The hard-fought win keeps Ord unbeaten and improves the Chanticleers to 5-0 on the season. With the wet conditions making offense difficult for both teams, the game quickly turned into a physical defensive battle. Ord broke through in the second quarter when Jordan Williams connected with Evan Lane for a 4-yard touchdown pass. Nolan Woodward added the extra point, and the Chanticleers took a 7-0 lead into halftime.
Gothenburg responded in the third quarter with a 69-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7-7. From there, neither team was able to find the end zone during the remainder of regulation. Both defenses continued to make plays, and after four quarters in the mud and rain, the game headed to overtime tied at seven. Gothenburg had the first opportunity in overtime and scored on a 3-yard run on 4th down to take a 13-7 lead. However, the extra-point attempt was no good, leaving the door open for the Chanticleers. Ord took advantage. Beau Wells finished the Chanticleers' overtime possession with a 6-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 13. That left the outcome resting on the foot of Woodward, who knocked through the extra point to give Ord the dramatic 14-13 victory.
The difficult conditions were reflected in the offensive numbers. Ord finished with 168 total yards, including 140 on the ground. Williams carried 25 times for 88 yards, while Wells rushed 17 times for 53 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Williams also completed 5 of 13 passes for 28 yards and a touchdown. Lane caught two passes for 15 yards and Ord's first touchdown.
The Chanticleer defense was outstanding throughout the night, holding Gothenburg to just 204 total yards and allowing the Swedes to convert only 3 of 18 third-down opportunities. Jaydon Trejo led the defense with 11 tackles, three assists, two sacks, and five tackles for loss. Howard Winkelbauer recorded three tackles, three assists, and a tackle for loss, and Beau Shafter added three tackles and 1 assist.
Special teams also played a major role in a game where field position mattered. Williams punted nine times for a 36-yard average, while Woodward converted both extra points, including the game-winner in overtime.
It wasn't a night for perfect football or big offensive numbers. Instead, it was a night that required toughness, patience, and the ability to keep competing when conditions were difficult. The Chanticleers found a way to make the plays they needed when the game mattered most. With the 14-13 overtime victory, Ord improves to 5-0 and continues its undefeated start to the season.