MOORCROFT – The Southeast High School football team went on the road for the first time this fall, and the Cyclones had their hands full in a 24-12 victory over the Moorcroft Wolves.

“It was a solid win for us despite the injuries we are incurring at the moment,” Southeast assistant coach Shawn Burkart said. “We had to move quite a few kids around.”

It was a deal the Cyclones had to deal with on both sides of the ball. Senior running back and linebacker Matthew Chapman dinged up a knee late in the win against Wright, and sophomore quarterback and defensive back Ayden Desmond tweaked an ankle at practice during the week.

“The offense didn’t run as smooth when you have that many changing pieces,” Burkart said.

It proved to be a very physical game throughout.

“Moorcroft is a pretty scrappy bunch. They have physical kids. They like to hit you,” Burkart said. “They were definitely the more physical team. They are going to give some teams some fits this year. Hats off to them. They took it to us physicality wise.”

Southeast got on the scoreboard courtesy of a 30-plus yard punt return by junior Kannon Tippetts, and Desmond connected with Cole Sauer on a touchdown pass to give Southeast a 12-6 lead heading into halftime.

In the third quarter, senior Cole Sauer connected with his younger brother Chase Sauer on a halfback pass.

During the third, Desmond reaggravated his ankle, forcing Cole Sauer to take over the quarterback role.

“Without Ayden at quarterback, that certainly is a big difference for us,” Burkart said.

Despite that, Cole Sauer was able to scramble for a lengthy run for a touchdown to secure the Cyclones’ third victory of the season.

Southeast now turns its attention to getting healed up this week and the Niobrara County Tigers.

The Cyclones come into the game 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the 1A 9-Man East, while the Tigers are 1-2 overall and 1-1 in the conference.

“It’s still Lusk-Southeast,” Burkart said. “Usually, you can throw the records out. Each team gets up for each other.”

Southeast will face a new look Tiger offense on Friday afternoon.

“Unlike Lusk teams in the past, they primarily rely on the pass game this year. It’s quite the difference,” Burkart said. “You think of a Lusk team three backs and power right at you, but this year, it’s not that way. They haven’t given up on the run totally.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Teeters Memorial Field.