The United South Central had one too many mistakes Friday night against Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop in Wells in a 13-8 loss.

The Rebels (0-2, 0-1) dropped their home opener in large part because of turnovers. USC committed four turnovers and non more cruicial than in the fourth quarter. Rebels quarterback Riley Swearingen was picked off with a little more than six minutes remaining in a 8-8 game and the Thunderbirds scored one play later to grab a 13-8 advantage and held on for the win.

USC trailed at halftime 8-0, but came out in the third quarter and scored on its first possession when Swearingen connected with Riley Stenzel down the right sideline for a 29-yard touchdown pass to tie the game.

The Rebels missed a quality scoring opportunity when they opened the game with an eight-play drive down to the Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop 10 yard line, but the Thunderbirds came up with an interception in the end zone.

Matthew Wood rushed for 80 yards on 18 carries for USC and Swearinger finished the game 9-for-20 for 155 yards and one touchdown.

Rebels head coach Brent Schimek said his team needs to focus more on the running game to open up his passing attack.

The schedule will not get any easier from here on out for USC as they play Martin County West Friday and will face Lake Crystal-Wellcome-Memorial the week after.

Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop 13, United South Central 8

G-F-W – 8 0 0 6 — 14

USC – 0 0 8 0 — 8

First Quarter

G-F-W – Jay Rogotzke 2 run (Dylan Jackson pass from Lucas Youngblom)

Second Quarter

No scoring

Third Quarter

USC – Riley Stenzel 29 pass from Riley Swearingen (Swearingen run)

Fourth Quarter

G-F-W – TD

Passing

USC – Riley Swearingen 9-20, 115 yards, 1 TD, 4 INT

G-F-W – Lucas Youngblom 6-14, 56 yards, INT

Rushing

USC – Matthew Wood 18-50

G-F-W – Rogotzke 120, 1 TD

Receiving

USC – Jake Sonnek 3-45

G-F-W – Aaron Bruns 2-19