Milan Visits North Platte in Class 1 Semifinal

After claiming their first district championship since 2011, the Milan Wildcats are setting their sights on more history when they visit North Platte in a Class 1 Semifinal Saturday afternoon. A win would send the Wildcats to their first state title game since winning it all in 1993. Coach Mark Cole says they’ll have to beat a formidable Panther squad to do it.

While running backs Liam Servaes and Dylan Armstrong are touchdown threats, quarterback Colton Kirkham is the Panthers rushing leader with over a thousand yards and eleven touchdowns this season. Cole says they have to respect North Platte’s passing abilities as well.

The Wildcats defeated Penney 13-12 last week to book their place in the semifinals. Penney is a KCI rival with North Platte. The Panthers also got a narrow win over the Hornets 22-20 in week 4. Like Milan, the Panthers bring an 11-1 record into the contest. North Platte coach Jared Quigley says his defense will have a challenge with Milan’s running back tandem of Carlos Cotto and Ahmet Niasse.

The Panthers lone loss was a 23-14 defeat to two-time defending Class 1 State Champion East Buchanan in week 3. Quigley is in his second year leading the Panthers. He inherited a program that had gone winless in the two seasons prior. After going 6-5 last season the Panthers are now one win away from their first state title game since 1998. Quigley says he’s encouraged his kids to enjoy the ride.

The winner of Saturday’s semifinal will advance to face either Marionville or St. Vincent in the Class 1 title game on December 1st. Pregame coverage of Saturday’s semifinal begins at 12:40 on Superstation KRES and centralmoinfo.com. Colin Schowe will have the play-by-play.