NEW BREMEN – Bradford shut out New Bremen through the first half in its return to varsity football Friday night but couldn’t hold on as the Railroaders lost 21-0 to the Cardinals.
After two scoreless quarters, New Bremen scored the game’s first points as Jake Hemmelgarn ran for a 1-yard touchdown with 6:17 left in the third quarter.
Then less than a minute into the fourth quarter Avery Powers connected with Deion Hoehne for a 23-yard touchdown pass, putting New Bremen up 14-0.
Hemmelgarn then scored his second touchdown of the night on a 3-yard run midway through the fourth quarter to put New Bremen up 21-0.
New Bremen had 262 total yards on the night with 239 rushing yards and 23 passing yards. Bradford had 161 total yards with 59 through the air and 102 on the ground.
Bradford turned the ball over three times on three fumbles. New Bremen lost one fumble and threw one interception.
Andy Branson was 4-for-17 passing for 59 yards for Bradford. His leading receiver was Tyler Gunter, who caught three passes for 40 yards. Jarrad Crist caught one pass for 19 yards.
Bryson Canan carried the ball 14 times for 39 yards for Bradford. Branson had nine carries for 37 yards, and Mason Justice ran three times for 29 yards.
Bradford will return to action at 7 p.m. on Sept. 5 as plays Elgin at Sidney Memorial Stadium. Elgin, which is from Marion, beat Ridgedale 49-13 in its season opener.
