(KLZA)-- Pawnee City defeated Sterling 30-22 in a season opening win at Sterling Friday night. 

The Indians jumped to a 16-0 lead in the first quarter on touchdown passes from Voy Pearson to J.P.Schiffbauer for 49 yards in the first minute of the game and to Cory Kettelhake, for 58 yards on their second possession.

Sterling made it 16-6 with a 36 yard pass from Josh Masur to Rhet Dirks.  The Jets got to within two at halftime when Masur connected with Dirks a second time from 8 yards out.

Dirks scored a one yard touchdown to give the Jets the lead in the lead 22-16 in the third quarter. Dirks subbed in at quarterback when Masuer was briefly shaken up. Pawnee City answered right back on a 37 yard run by Kettelhake. That tied the game at 22.

The Pawnee City defense held Sterling on three plays and then went on a 16 play, 56 yard drive that restuled in a Kettelhake 4-yard run to end the scoring.

Kettelhake ran for 110 yards on 12 carries in the game. He ran for two scores and caught three passes for 81 yards and another score.  Quarterback Voy Pearson was 9 of 14 passing for 160 yards and two TD's.  

Sterling was led on offense by Rhett Dirks who scored all of their points.  He ran 22 times for 55 yards and a score and caught five passes for 64 yards and two scores.  QB Josh Masur hit on 7 of 10 passes for 102 yards and two scores.

September 12th Pawnee City will host Falls City  Sacred Heart.  The game will be broadcast on SUNNY 101.3.