Crete hangs on for close victory over Omaha Westview

CRETE, Neb. (KLKN) – The Crete Cardinals defeated the Omaha Westview Wolverines 31-28 on Friday at Al Papik Field.

The game was scoreless after opening possessions by both teams, but Crete broke things open with a goal-line score by Angel Martinez, giving the Cardinals an early 7-0 lead.

Later in the first quarter, Crete senior quarterback Reece Vertin connected with senior wide receiver Theo Bohling as he scrambled his way into the end zone, making it a 14-0 ball game.

In the second quarter, Westview found the end zone thanks to a goal-line carry by running back Blake Smith.

A few possessions later, Wolverines QB Luke Shaffar found wideout Drew Breci for a 15-yard touchdown. The extra point was missed, so the score was 14-13.

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Crete found the end zone one final time before the end of the half. This time, senior running back Ceasar Linares headed into the endzone from just outside the goal line.

The Cardinals ended the first half up 24-13, after a field goal late in the half.

But the Wolverines exploded for 15 points in the second half, keeping Crete off the scoreboard the entire third quarter.

Yet Crete scored with just a few seconds remaining in the game, securing the win.

The Cardinals will be back at home on Aug. 25 to face Mount Michael Benedictine.