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Many happy returns: Tigers upset Rogersville 38-26, snap 16-game losing skid
Riley Trotter's circus catch in the end zone on Dylan Beachler's fourth-down toss with 2:01 remaining was a breathtaking moment for the Nevada Tiger football program, securing a 38-26 road victory over Logan-Rogersville. The win was the Tigers first since September 2018.
Had Trotter not hauled in Beachler's throw Logan-Rogersville would have been back in possession, with the opportunity for a game-winning drive. Another momentum-changing play came with just over seven minutes remaining in the fourth and Rogersville trailing, 26-20. A deflected pass was plucked out of the air by Nevada defensive back Eli Cheaney and returned 37 yards to the Nevada 11. Two plays later Cheaney found paydirt from five yards out, and Nevada led 32-20.
Rogersville quickly marched downfield, with quarterback J.J. O'Neal connecting with Cody Rasmussen for a 38-yard TD strike down the right sideline. A failed two-point attempt left Nevada with a 32-26 lead, setting up the signature drive, capped by Trotter's diving TD catch.
The Tigers looked sharp in the first half, with their run-attack shredding the Rogersville defensive line.
Trailing 6-0, Kaden Denney's 62-yard TD scamper, followed by Trotter's two-point grab, handed the Tigers an 8-6 lead.
The advantage increased via Case Sanderson's 58-yard romp, in which the sophomore tailback broke four tackles en route to the end zone.
Late in the first half Denney and Cheaney chewed up big chunks of yardage on the ground, with the drive capped by Sanderson's hard-fought 1-yard run on fourth-and-goal. A second consecutive failed two-point attempt left Nevada with a 20-6 halftime edge.
A quick touchdown drive to open the second half sliced Nevada's advantage to 20-14. Nevada replied on the following drive, as Denney's 31-yard run had the Tigers deep in Rogersville territory. Four plays later Cheaney went off-tackle for a 1-yard touchdown run, his first career varsity TD.
The failed two-point attempt theme continued for both teams, and Nevada led 26-14 midway through the third. Nevada's two fourth quarter scores came on Cheaney's second TD run, and Trotter's highlight reel catch.
For Nevada Denney, who left injured in the fourth, racked up over 200 yards on the ground, while Sanderson mauled the Rogersville defense for 108 rushing yards and two scores.
"The biggest thing to take away from this, is the heart our kids showed, and the way they fought when the game was on the line," said Nevada head coach, Wes Beachler during his postgame radio interview.
Beachler discussed Trotter's dramatic victory-sealing catch.
"That final touchdown, it's just a guts play," he said. "We knew they'd be thinking run, and would bring the house, so we slipped Trotter up the seam. Dylan did throw it a little bit back to his left. But Trotter made a good adjustment on the ball, and made a good catch."
Beachler was also pleased with his squad's defensive performance.
"Just the sacks we had there late on a very good scrambling quarterback," he said.
Beachler also lauded Jace Lee for his deflection of O'Neal's pass that resulted in Cheaney's momentum-altering interception return.
"That was a heck of a run," Beachler said of Cheaney's scamper deep into Rogersville territory.
Added Beachler: "The last four minutes of the game just showed a lot of guts, and a lot of drive. We've talked all summer to our kids about — this team is more cohesive, they're a better unit, the leadership is outstanding — and they just have a lot fight in them. We had so many kids step up and play well, I'm just so proud of our team."
Beachler noted that his trio of running backs "keep the wheels turning, and don't go down easily," he said referring to Denney, Sanderson, and Cheaney.
Additionally, Beachler said this is the best offensive line the program has boasted since the highly successful 2017 team.
"Tackle-to-tackle we're just sophomores and juniors still," he said. "This unit can be really good if they stay healthy, and keep working. The running game was definitely there, and the pass protection was there. So I just feel good about how this team is developing."
Nevada (1-0) returns to the gridiron Sept. 4 for their home-opener, facing off against a second consecutive Big 8 Conference division foe — Hollister (0-1).