Exeter-Milligan-Friend football starts with a loss

Tri County was on a mission Friday night in Friend.  Apparently their goal was to win while running through the most penalties they could in a game.

Tri County started their second possession with a runner outside who broke loose and made it in to the end zone with 443 on the board.  The conversion pass was successful to #42 Lucas Weise. Score was 8-0.

Multiple off sides gave the Bobcats first down starting with the next possession for EMF.  To top it off the Trojans tacked on a block in the back.

Tri-County brushed off the mistakes and with 509 left in the half sent another ball into the end zone with a two point conversion.  Score was 16-0

EMF marched down the field on a run by Jack Baptista and a Christian Weber pass to Jackson Beethe found the end zone.  The conversion pass failed with 2:57 left in the half it was 16 to 6.

With 104 left in the half the Tri-County QB once again found Weise for a touchdown.  This time the Trojans opted to run the two points in leaving the half 24-6.

A pass interference call against Tri-County didn't help them and after Max Zeleny returned a kick off to the 23 yard line the Bobcats were in good position.  Unfortunately they couldn't convert and the Trojans got the ball.  

Tri-County slipped past the young Bobcat defense and went 60 plus yards to the end zone with 10:26 on the clock. The Bobcats denied the conversion and the score was 30-6.

A face mask penalty on the Trojans gave five more yards to the Bobcats and just when they were in scoring position a EMF fumble was recovered by Tri-County.

Although Tri-County made several attempts and punching the ball in at first and goal, a pass interference call dumped them back 15 yards (3rd and 23) and then a ball in the end zone was called back for illegal procedure.  On fourth and 28 Nick Hayek sacked the Trojan quarterback and the Bobcats took over on downs.

EMF headed down the field assisted by the Trojans who were called for roughing the passer. The Bobcats scored six on a Weber pass but the conversion was not good. 30-12 with 7:01 left in the fourth quarter.

The Bobcats had another Weber pass to Chase Svehla midfield.  After a fumble, Beethe retrieved the ball and headed downfield for six points.  Daysan Staskal tossed the ball to Casey Jindra for the two point conversion with 1:27 left in the game.  Score was 30-20.

With 1:02 left in the game Tri-county got loose again and finished a 60 yard run into the end zone 36 to 20. The conversion attempt was stopped.

Obituary: Mark Crawford

Obituary for Mark J. Crawford

Mark James Crawford was born on February 17, 1965 in Friend, Nebraska to Janet (Ricenbaw) and Ronald D. Crawford. He passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 24, 2019, at his home in Exeter at the age of 54 years, 6 months and 7 days.

Mark was welcomed at their farm home east of Cordova by two older siblings, Lori and Dean. Sadly, later that Fall of 1965, their father was killed in a tragic car accident. Janet moved her family to Friend and in 1967, married Joel Pospisil. They began a new family and added brothers, John and Alan.

Mark was affectionately known by many as “Bert.” Most people don’t know that he gained this nickname by resembling the 1970’s cartoon, Fat Albert.

While in High School, Mark enjoyed football, wrestling and making life long friends. He graduated in 1983 from Friend High School.

On November 9, 1982, Mark became a father to Dustin James. After high school, Mark worked close to home for his Dad at Friend Fertilizer. In September of 1987, he decided to enlist into The United States Army and serve his country. Dustin was so proud of his Dad while he endured Mark’s deployment to Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. After four years in the Army, he was honorably discharged in 1991. He took a job in Alabama then in 1996, he decided to move home to Friend and start farming with his Dad.

On June 17, 2000, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth (Beth) Loukota and gained two daughters, Ashley and Whitney. As a new family, Mark, Beth, Dustin, Ashley and Whitney resided on a farm outside of Milligan.

Mark and Beth later moved to Exeter. They enjoyed traveling, long weekends in Omaha, baseball games, Husker football and trips to the Casino. Mark loved to play Black Jack. He never met a stranger, even at the table. Mark loved meeting and talking to new people.

Mark was a very proud “Grampy” to seven grandchildren and was looking forward to welcoming the eighth early next year. He loved kids and spoiled them every chance he could.

Mark embarked on a new journey in early 2018 and started his own trucking company. He was enjoying his work and took great pride in his semi.

He was preceded in death by his sister Lori Brandt; father, Ronald D, Crawford; father-in-law James “Doc” Loukota; grandparents, Ralph and Winnie Crawford, James and Dorothy Ricenbaw, and Lewis “Tobe” and Ann Pospisil; and an infant nephew, Mark Rodney Crawford.

Mark will be missed by many including his wife, Beth Crawford, Exeter; children and spouses, Dustin and Megan Crawford, Exeter, Ashley and Clint Foutch, Friend, Whitney and Tommy Zweifel, Gretna; Grandchildren, Emmett, Evan, Emsley, and Everett Crawford, Addison and Cora Foutch, Ryan Zweifel; Parents, Joel and Janet Pospisil, Friend; Mother-in-law Agnes Loukota, Exeter; Brothers and sisters-in-law, Dean and Judy Crawford, Friend, John Pospisil and Bonnie Galusha, Friend, Alan and Sherri Pospisil, Geneva; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

“If a rooster lays an egg on top of a barn, which way will the egg roll?”

Exeter-Milligan Falls 3-1 in volleyball home opener

 Exeter-Milligan had a tough start against Class C Sutton on Thursday in Milligan.  The Fillies took the first set 25-19 with Exeter-Milligan leading at one point in the set.  The Timberwolves came back strong and won the second set 25-22.  The third set the Fillies pulled ahead 25-18 and set four was 25-15 with Sutton winning the match 3-1

Demo started on Fire Hall Driveway

Demolition on the fire hall driveway has begun.  Use extra caution when driving by because of the extra traffic and equipment parked around.

Exeter-Milligan Cheerleaders

Exeter-Milligan Cheerleaders:
front L-R Maddie Luzum, Cameran Jansky.  Backrow L-R Jozie Kanode, Daisy Kanode, Cammie Harrison, Joana Melchert, Natalie Staskal and Emma Olsen.

Death notice Mark J. Crawford

Mark J. Crawford

A Memorial Service for Mark will be held on Friday, August 30, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Milligan Auditorium. Kim Dunker will officiate the service. It was the family's wish that everyone wear casual attire for the Memorial Service.

A Graveside Service with Military Rites will be held in the Exeter Cemetery following the Memorial Service.

A Book Signing will be held at the Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter on Thursday, August 29, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

EMF Football

Seniors on the EMF Football team are L-R -Nick Hayek, Ryan Sharp and Max Zeleny

Front row from the left: Nick Hayek, Ryan Sharp, and Max Zeleny.  Middle row kneeling from the left: Student Manager Draven Payne, Christian Weber, Jack Baptista, Owen Schluter, Jesse Duba, Casey Underwood , Cade Kresak and Student Manager Brett Kallhoff.  Third row from the left: Student Managers Will Vyhnalek, Andrew Vavra, and Tyler Due. Team members Casey Jindra, Dylan Bonds, Daysan Staskal, Marcus Kurpicka, Kole Svec, JB Drake, Chase Vnoucek, Student Managers Jacob Weber and Mikey Bartu.  Back row from the left: Jackson Beethe, Keegan Newsome, Peyton Pribyl, Chase Svehla, Braden Capek, and Ben Bartu.

Friday, August 30 - TRI COUNTY (Friend-Parent's Night) ……………7:00
Friday, September 6 - @ Palmyra……………………….………………7:00
Friday, September 13 - @ NE City Lourdes.........................................7:00
Friday, Sept 20 -THAYER CENTRAL (Milligan - Homecoming) ..............7:00
Friday, September 27 - BYE
Friday, October 4 - @ Osceola-High Plains (Clarks)......................7:00
Friday, October 11 - EAST BUTLER (Friend)........................................7:00   
Friday, October 18 - @ NE Lutheran (Waco)........................................7:00 
Friday, October 25 - CROSS COUNTY (Milligan)..................................7:00 
Thursday, October 31 - 1st Round State Playoffs.............................TBA
Wednesday, November 6 - 2nd Round State Playoffs........................TBA
Tuesday, November 12 - Quarterfinals..............................................TBA
Monday, November 18 - Semifinals.................................................TBA
Monday, November 25 - Finals...............................................TBA