Cyclone FB Suffers Heartbreaking Loss to Atlantic, 35-30

Cyclone FB Suffers Heartbreaking Loss to Atlantic, 35-30 –

(10-17-25) - A heartbreaker for Harlan Community.

After the Cyclones took lead with 33 seconds left on a Cade Nelson touchdown reception, the Trojans Ethan McNeal would take the ensuing kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown to hand Harlan Community a 35-30 defeat.

The kickoff return capped off a wild final 2:59 of the contest that saw the lead change four times.

Following Atlantic tying the score in with 10:13 left in the 4th qtr, the Cyclones went on 7:14, 12 play, 74-yd drive, that ended in a Jacob Spangenberg 23-yd field goal to give them a 24-21 lead. But the Trojans answered back quickly with a Zayden Parker TD pass to Shelton Mualia from 36 yds out to put Atlantic on top for the first time with 1:00 left.

Cyclone Coach Todd Bladt tried to sum up the game.

“We controlled the game all the way up until the end there. Just had some unfortunate things occur. We let some things get behind us. We missed some opportunities. We had some guys that made some big plays, but we gave up big plays.”

Nelson had 6 catches for 105 yards for Harlan Community while Colton Schneider had 4 catches for 73 yards. Cyclone quarterback Gabe Arkfeld threw for 213 yards and rushed for 72 as Harlan Community put up 423 yards of total offense.

“We've definitely gotten a lot better offensively and, you know, creating explosive plays.”

McNeal rushed for 139 yds and 3 total TD’s for the Trojans while Zayden Parker threw for 147 yds and 2 TD’s, nearly doubling his season stats in both categories.

For Bladt, he wants his players to finish the season off strong.

“Everybody knows we have one game left and that's your last time getting to put on the uniform. So that's (how) we're going to frame it. That’s what we’re gonna talk about.”

The Cyclones fall to 3-5 on the season with their home finale against Greene County on Friday.

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