North Cedar hangs with Rebels in loss

 STANWOOD — The North Cedar Knight football team came into their home opener off of a disappointing loss at Durant in week one. Last Friday, the Knights welcomed in Northeast for their last non-district game in week 2. There, the Knights matched the Rebels first two scores with two of their own, but a third quarter touchdown by the Rebels was the difference in the game. Northeast took a 20-14 win, dropping the Knights record to 0-2. North Cedar will play Iowa City Regina this week to begin district play.
 North Cedar’s offense saw a great day through the air as quarterback Jaxon Sander threw for 227 yards while completing 12 passes in the game. He had two touchdowns, but also had two interceptions. Sander’s main target was senior Kael Unruh. Unruh caught eight passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Gage Walshire and Nate Meyer also caught passes in the game.
 Gage Walshire led North Cedar in rushing with 14 yards on four carries. Sander chipped in 11 yards on the ground on five carries.
 Defensively, North Cedar was led in tackles by Luke Crock with 10.5 stops. Ethan Thimmes had 9.5 tackles and Gage Walshire had 7.5 tackles.