Box Score (Peru, Neb.) – The Peru State football team came up just short in a hard-fought contest on Saturday afternoon, falling 10-9 at the Oak Bowl.
 
The Bobcats got on the board first in the opening quarter when Brayden Layman split the uprights with a 21-yard field goal. Both teams traded defensive stands throughout the first half, as Peru State forced multiple turnovers to keep momentum on their side.
 
After the break, the Bobcats leaned on their kicking game to stay in control. Layman added a 25-yard field goal in the third quarter before drilling a 29-yarder early in the fourth, giving Peru State a 9-7 advantage.
 
The Bobcat defense made its presence felt all afternoon, finishing with four sacks and three fumble recoveries. Zahir Washington and Antonio Vasquez each tallied a sack and forced fumble, while Walter Taylor and Kyle Jordan chipped in with key stops in the trenches. Duke McClinton led the unit with seven tackles, while Ja-Quez Oliver and Colton Cerveny each contributed six and five, respectively.
 
Offensively, the Bobcats totaled 274 yards, led by Ricky Fulton with 42 rushing yards on the ground. M.J. Nelson and Chase Campbell combined for 127 passing yards, spreading the ball around to eight different receivers.
 
Despite controlling possession and outgaining their opponent, Peru State was edged by a late field goal and could not convert on its final drive.