Milan Claims First District Title Since 2011 With 13-12 Victory Over Penney

The Milan Wildcats used a strong ground game and a stingy defense to defeat the Penney Hornets 13-12 in the Class 1 District 4 Championship Game Friday night at Cal Hubbard Field. Ahmet Niasse put the Wildcats on top with a 15-yard touchdown run in the first quarter but Clay Finch answered with a three-yard plunge in the second quarter to tie the game at 6-6. Milan’s Carlos Cotto responded on the following possession to give the Wildcats the lead for good.

Colin Schowe with the call on Superstation KRES and centralmoinfo.com. Jared Gonzalez kicked the extra point to make it 13-6. The score remained that way until Finch got his second rushing touchdown of the night with 8:18 remaining. However, Tate Youtsey’s two-point conversion run was stuffed by the Milan defense. The Wildcats proceeded to run out the remaining time to secure the victory. Coach Mark Cole said this was a rewarding win.

Cotto led the Wildcat ground attack with 26 carries for 158 yards and a touchdown while Niasse had 16 carries for 63 yards and a score. Cole said the offensive line performed admirably against a tough Penney defensive front.

Milan’s defense held the Hornets to no first downs and -1 yard of offense in the first quarter. Cole discussed the key to slowing the Hornets down early.

The Hornets finished the game with 209 yards of total offense. Milan has now won eleven straight games and will face third-ranked North Platte next Saturday in a Class 1 semifinal.

Milan coach Mark Cole