Ord opened the Class C2 Nebraska State Football Playoffs Friday night with a thrilling 28-27 victory over Fillmore Central at home, advancing to the state quarterfinals.
The Chanticleers struck first when Jordan Williams broke loose for a 66-yard touchdown run in the opening quarter. Fillmore Central answered with a 47-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7. Ord regained the lead in the second quarter when Williams connected with Nolan Woodward for a 24-yard touchdown pass, but the Panthers responded with two touchdowns of their own to take a 21-14 lead into halftime.
Facing a seven-point deficit, Ord came out strong in the third quarter. Williams connected with Beau Wells for a 28-yard touchdown to tie the game at 21. Later in the quarter, the Williams-to-Wells connection struck again, this time for a 9-yard touchdown. Nolan Woodward converted both extra points, and Ord carried a 28-21 lead into the fourth quarter. Fillmore Central made one final push, scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to cut Ord's lead to 28-27. The Panthers' extra-point attempt was no good, however, leaving the Chanticleers with a one-point advantage that they were able to protect for the remainder of the game.
Ord finished with 415 yards of total offense, including 230 yards rushing and 185 yards passing. The Chanticleers also picked up 20 first downs while holding Fillmore Central to 10. Williams turned in a huge performance, rushing 27 times for 186 yards and a touchdown while completing 11 of 20 passes for 185 yards and three touchdowns. Woodward added 52 rushing yards on 12 carries. Wells led the receiving group with six catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns, while Woodward caught two passes for 56 yards and a score. Evan Lane, Kane Whited, and Jace Dorenbach also caught passes.
Defensively, Howard Winkelbauer led Ord with five tackles, two assists, a sack and a tackle for loss. Beau Shafer added five tackles and an assist, while Parker Magiera recorded four tackles, two assists and a sack. Knox Nelson added an interception, a sack and a tackle for loss. Woodward's kicking also proved critical in a one-point game, as he converted all four of his extra-point attempts.
It wasn't always perfect. Ord overcame five turnovers and 13 penalties, but when the game was on the line, the Chanticleers found a way to finish and keep their season alive. With the win, Ord advances to the Class C2 state quarterfinals, where the Chanticleers will host Yutan on Friday at 6:00 p.m.