KIPI Radio | All-Nations Conference “A” Post-Season Playoff Round 1 | C-EB vs. Standing Rock
KIPI Radio 93.5 FM was live from the sidelines as the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte Braves hosted the Standing Rock Warriors in the 1st Round of the All-Nations Conference “A” Post Season. The Braves have a great group of underclassmen that have proven themselves on the field all season. Freshman Center Kingston Widow has seen significant playing time and is the core of the Braves offense line. Sophomores Dayson Kennedy, Neomiah Veaux, Austin Johnson and Levi Elk Nation have been a big part of the Braves success this season as Elk Nation has the grit to play any position. Veaux and Johnson are a two-man wrecking crew and Kennedy is always in on every other big play. The future is looking bright for Ohitika Football.
Right after the Braves kickoff to start the game, Warrior quarterback Thane Beheler’s first pass attempt was picked off by Jr Defensive Back Keenan Clark. The Braves would convert on a 15-yard pass from Murray to Lawrence, and Lawrence would pound the ball in for the first score of the night to put the Braves up 6-0. After another kick-off to the Warriors, Keenan Clark would again Intercept Beheler and take it to the House to put the Braves up 14-0 after a 2-point conversion by Danah Diver.
Thane Beheler earned the Warriors final Touchdown of their 3-6 record season. Soon after the Braves marched down the field and Quarterback Tell Murray would leave the game on concussion protocol. Sophomore #19 Levi Elk Nation had no problem finishing out the contest. Elk Nation is a special athlete that all coaches wish for. His tough mentality only ads to his athleticism and hard work ethic. Braves get into the red zone and Levi pulled off a quarter back sneak for another Braves’ touchdown. After the kick-off the Warriors would begin their run and gun offense to make up for their double-digit deficit. Once again Braves’ Junior #30 Keenan Clark would perfectly time out the quarter back to earn his third Interception. Clark would earn KIPI Radio “Player of the Game” honors for the 1st round game and signify his name onto the great list of C-EB defenders like Cy Cook. Cy had 6 Interceptions in one half back in the late 70’s.
Junior Easton Lawrence can do it all and when he has the ball it usually takes more than 3 defenders to slow him down. Easton is a candidate for the 2023 KIPI Reservation Heisman Award. The first KRH Award will be awarded November 1, to the single best football player on Cheyenne River. Candidates can be nominated from Dupree, Timber Lake and C-EB TOPA football teams. The Braves’ final TD of the game would be from Easton Lawrence going beast mode on 4 or 5 Warrior defenders who were put on the ground as Lawrence pounded his way to the endzone. Final Score 26 to 8, Cheyenne-Eagle Butte Braves over Standing Rock Warriors.
The Braves have one big test left and even though Todd County hasn’t lost a game in 3 full seasons, the Braves have the potential to pull of one of the best upsets in All-Nations Conference history. Tune in live to KIPI Radio 93.5 FM on Friday October 27 at 6 p.m. MT to listen in on live action of the Braves vs. the Falcons in Mission, SD.
