NESS CITY — The season opener for the Central Plains High School Oilers football team ended in a last minute 30-36 defeat Friday to the Ness City Eagles.

The defending eight-man Division One champion Oilers, led by seasoned coach Chris Steiner scored three rushing and one passing touchdown in the losing effort.

Offensively, senior Jerred Bieberle was three for five in the passing department, amassing 57 yards and one touchdown. Sophomore Cole Lamatsch went four for six through the air for a total of 27 yards.

On the ground, Bieberle rushed for 148 yards on 21 carries, while Lamatsch ran the ball seven times for 13 yards, including a touchdown. Seniors Lawson Oeser and J.J. Heredia rushed for 71 years on 16 carries including two touchdowns (Oeser) and 41 yards on nine carries (Heredia).

On the defensive side of the football, Karter Beck had two unassisted and three assisted tackles, Bieberle had 11 unassisted and five assisted tackles, including a forced fumble and a recovered fumble, Lamatsch had six unassisted and three assisted tackles along with a fumble recovery and Oeser had nine unassisted and four assisted tackles along with a broken pass play and a fumble recovery. Tyler Holmes had five unassisted and two assisted tackles, making the Eagles lose 10 yards.

The next opponent on the Oilers schedule is the Victoria Knights, who won their season opener against Otis-Bison 42-12.

The Oilers and Knights take the field at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at Victoria.