Northeast Nebraska Football

Team: West Point-Beemer

Mascot: Cadets

Colors: Red and White

Class: C-1

Head Coach: Troy Schlueter (4th season) (20-10 record)

2018 record: 7-3 (lost to Gothenburg in 1st round of Playoffs)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The West Point-Beemer Football Team has a host of returners from last year's 7-3 playoff team. Head Coach Troy Schlueter tells KTIC Sports who some of them are.

"Some of the names that you'll probably know already are Jesus Barragan at Quarterback and Free Safety...we're expecting him to have a big year. Jesus Ramirez has been playing for a couple years. I'm expecting him to have a huge year. I don't think he's missed a weightroom in his whole high school career to be honest with you...he's a stud. Gavin Voelker's coming back...played both sides of the ball last year. Arturo Barrios, Alejandro Edeza, there's a lot of kids coming back so we're excited."

Schlueter says newcomers who could make an impact include Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Transfer Harrison Jordan, and Wayne transfer Korbin Hardenbrook, who also used to play for Pender.

He adds there are 18 or 19 returning letterwinners back from last year.

West Point-Beemer said goodbye to last year's seniors in Ben Vander Griend, Jose Salazar, Kade Hughes, Blake Anderson, Jose Alvarado, Gage Vance, Kirby Hughes, Chase Eisenhauer, Dylan Newkirk, Jakob Andreason, Luis Medina, Martin Quinones, Ethan Mayes, and Jesus Medina.

The Cadets graduated a very big and talented senior class.

West Point-Beemer has had very good teams the past couple of years, and I don't see why the Cadets can't continue that this year.

I feel West Point-Beemer has a lot of kids that no one has heard about who have a chance to do some special things this season.

I don't think the last two years for Cadet football has been a fluke, I feel the culture has really changed.

We'll find out just how far this program has come and how good West Point-Beemer is this season, but I truly believe the Cadets will be a good team.

The schedule is full of great competition, but West Point-Beemer has rose to the challenge and beaten a lot of good teams the past couple of years.

And I don't see any reason why that can't happen once again this year.

The Cadets have to be very physical and must hit hard.

I really feel the two transfers they got in will really help them out big time.

Watch out for West Point-Beemer once again this season.

Season Outlook:

West Point-Beemer is coming off back-to-back playoff appearances. Bob Jensen of the Huskerland Prep Report feels the Cadets will be a borderline playoff team this year.

"This year's team it's probably going to take a step back. I mean it's tough in a program like that to lose just killer senior classes and still have the same amount of firepower. But they're going to be good. And in large part because they believe they'll be good. There was a confidence around that program that I don't know existed prior to a couple years ago. I think they're going to be right on the edge of a playoff type team, they'll be in that mix. Probably going to have to steal a win somewhere to make it, but they'll be competitive. And that program is in a real good place right now."

West Point-Beemer opens up the season at Arlington on August 30th in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull. Schlueter says the Eagles return a lot of kids on offense.

"I know they return starting Quarterback, at least three other offensive linemen, they got I believe their starting tailback is back as well. I think one of the receivers is back...this is speaking offensively of course. And then I think from what I've been hearing they maybe had one of their linemen transfer out go over to Bergan. But other than that I think they got a pretty good group of linemen offensively and defensively."

The Cadets won last year's game in West Point, 39-22, and also won 39-8 in Arlington two years ago.
I feel West Point-Beemer has a great chance to win their opener for the 3rd year in a row.

I could see the Cadets going something like 4-5 this year, but I could also see West Point-Beemer making the playoffs and surprising some folks.

There are a lot of question marks and unknowns with this team I feel as you really don't know what to expect from the Cadets until you see them the first game of the year.

The opener doesn't figure to be easy given all who Arlington brings back on offense.

I think Barragan's play will be huge though, and like Coach Schlueter said....I think he'll have a big season.

He has to make plays with his legs and arms even when things are not there.

I don't know...I'm very optimistic that the Cadets can have another playoff season.

Only time will tell, but I think West Point-Beemer could make it for a 3rd straight year if they play up to their potential.

This is a team and a program on the rise, there's no doubt about it, and it wouldn't shock me one bit to see the Cadets keep the ball rolling and continue their winning ways this season.

2019 West Point-Beemer Cadets Football Schedule:

08/30/19 @ Arlington
09/06/19 Boys Town
09/13/19 Columbus Scotus
09/20/19 @ Douglas County West
09/27/19 Wahoo
10/04/19 @ Boone Central/Newman Grove
10/11/19 Wayne
10/18/19 @ Pierce
10/25/19 Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS)

Team: Guardian Angels Central Catholic

Mascot: Bluejays

Colors: Blue and White

Class: D-1

Head Coach: Dave Ridder (17th season)

2018 record: 9-2 (Lost to Exeter-Milligan/Friend in State Quarterfinals)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Football Team returns quite a few players from last year's team that went 9-2 and reached the State Quarterfinals. Head Coach Dave Ridder says the Bluejays are led by their seniors.

"Well we've got a nice senior class coming back with a strong offensive line with Mitchell Peatrowsky, Blake Pojar, Casey Doernemann, and Aaron Disher. And then at running back we have Cash Meier and Noah Hass. Quarterback we have is Cody Steffen. Another tight end we have it's going to be between Ben Ulrich and Jaryn Smeal."

Ridder says his team also has a strong defense back too.

He adds sophomores Nate Niewohner and Cole Hutchinson could make an impact this year as well.

Last year's seniors lost to graduation were Jadyn Smeal, Jared Minnick, Dylan Duhsmann, Will Kreikemeier, Tyson Snodgrass, Jack Baumert, and Nate Yosten.

The Bluejays lost star running back Jared Minnick to graduation, but Bob Jensen of the Huskerland Prep Report says the Bluejays still have plenty of horses on the team.

"You've got a proven Quarterback with Cody Steffen. And the Doernemann kid I swear to God this is like his 11th or 12th year of high school football. But he's big and strong and has a great well earned reputation. They've got some other kids that can play, especially on the defensive side of the ball. And Guardian Angels...they're going to win their district, they're going to advance to the playoffs. I think that much you can pretty much count on."

Ridder expects Steffen, Hass, and Meier to shoulder more of the load this year in place of Minnick.

I think the Bluejays will be a more complete team this year in that they will rely on a few different guys to carry them as opposed to everything going through one player when they had Minnick.

Minnick was a great player, but I think having more depth and more options in the backfield will make GACC that much better and an even tougher team.

Losing someone the caliber and with the talent of Minnick is never easy to replace, but I feel Steffen, Hass, and Meier will step up and play their roles just fine.

I look for the Bluejays to find a way to win their District again this year and make the playoffs, perhaps undefeated.

Howells-Dodge, Wisner-Pilger, and Wakefield may have something to say about that, but GACC is a pretty safe bet when it comes to picking a champion or who you think is going to win something.

Season Outlook:

GACC opens up the season on August 30th at home against East Butler. Ridder doesn't expect things to be easy against the Tigers.

"They'e always been a good Football program. They were a little bit down last year, but they comeback with a lot of returning players and kids so we expect them to be very talented and very good. And then we also have several tough contests down the road."

GACC hosts Howells-Dodge the following week in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull, and also has District Road Games at Wisner-Pilger and Wakefield.

Ridder says the key to beating the Gators and Trojans is running the ball well.
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Ridder adds stopping the run is also a key to making another deep playoff run, and I think the Bluejays can do just that again this season.

There are a lot of talented seniors and kids on this team as usual, and GACC should have another mighty and fine season.

The Bluejays are always good and tough, and barring any major injuries, I think you can count on GACC at least making the Quarterfinals once again this season.

The Bluejays have to execute on offense and play up to their potential on defense to be successful though.

Those games with the Jaguars, Gators, and Trojans will be major dog fights for sure, and Wakefield beat GACC last year so anything can certainly happen.

The Bluejays have to be ready to play physical, attacking, in your face football, and must be relentless with their play.

GACC has to hit hard and punish their opponents.

The Bluejays can't show any mercy to or let up against anyone at anytime.

GACC has to show teams why they are one of the best programs around, and blowout as many opponents as possible.

I think the Bluejays might have some close games this year, and feel that could help them in the playoffs if they're able to win their big and close games if they're close that is.

GACC has to practice well until the start of the season, and must be as prepared as possible for East Butler on the 30th.

2019 GACC Bluejays Football Schedule:

08/30/19 East Butler
09/06/19 Howells-Dodge
09/13/19 @ Omaha Brownell Talbot
09/27/19 @ Wisner-Pilger
10/04/19 Omaha Nation
10/11/19 @ Wakefield
10/18/19 @ Homer
10/25/19 Winnebago

Team: Tekamah-Herman

Mascot: Tigers

Colors: Purple and Vegas Gold

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Graig McElmuray (5th season) (4-32 record)

2018 record: 2-7

Returning Starters: 6 offense 5 defense

Overview:

The Tekamah-Herman Football Team went 2-7 last year, beating then defending state champion Yutan towards the end of the season. 5th year Head Coach Graig McElmuray says the kids put in quite a bit of work this summer.

"Our summer weightlifting program was pretty good. We had quite a few kids partake in that. We had quite a few kids with well over 20 days. I'd say about 15-20 kids that all had at least 20 days if not more."

McElmuray says the Tigers have 37 kids out for the team this year.

The Tigers return 6 starters on offense and 5 on defense.

Returning offensive starters include Wilson Anderson (5'10, 170 SO OL), Clay Beaumont (6'0, 175 SR QB), Lucas Birdsong (6'1, 240 JR OL/DL), Cole Freidel (5'10, 150 JR WR/DB), Brock Rogers (6'2, 170 WR/DB), and Luke Wakehouse (5'11, 195 SR FB/LB).

Returners on defense include Birdsong, Wakehouse, Garrison Potadle (5'11, 175 JR FB/LB), Chauncey Rogers (5'10 SR DL), and Kasey Snyder (5'9, 175 SR LB).

Others likely to play include Cole Bottger (5'8, 130 JR WR/DB), Kody Bitter (5'9, 155 SO FB/LB), Lukus Braniff (SO OL/DL), Dylan Chatt (5'6, JR WR/DB), Jordan Derra (5'10, 130 SR WR/DB), Logan Hopkins (5'8, 135 JR WR/DB), Eldridge Jensen (6'0, 160 JR QB/LB), Eli Lingle (6'2, 300 JR OL/DL), Kaleb Quick (5'10, 150 SO WR/LB), and Dawson Schram (6'0, 175 SO OL/DL).

McElmuray says Potadle is a great tackler while Freidel has great speed and Wakehouse great speed and power.

Wakehouse rushed for 500 yards in 6 games last year, according to McElmuray.

Tekamah-Herman said goodbye to last year's seniors in Mark Stark, Tristan Metzger, Brandon Schram, Tyler Petersen, Cody Elliot, Braden Ball, Gage Drummond, Jacob Jensen, Alex Skinner, Cody Arnold, Cameron Douglas, Alex Camp, Derek Conety, Kegan Tilmon, Dillon Myre, and Fox Redman.

I look for the Tigers to do well this year.

I feel this will be McElmuray's best team yet, and felt the program really made a lot of strides last year.

There's a lot of work to do over the course of the season for the team to be successful, but there's no doubt these kids are dedicated to succeeding and playing well week in and week out.

Tekamah-Herman has to believe they can win every time they take to the field and improve as much as possible over the course of the season.

Games were closer and more competitive for the Tigers last year, and I think things will be even more competitive and close this year.

Tekamah-Herman just has to let things go though, and not dwell on mistakes and let it affect their play the rest of the game.

Season Outlook:

Tekamah-Herman kicks off the season at Ponca on August 30th. McElmuray says he would like to see his team play a complete game up there this year.

"Well I think it's important that we go up there and play well. I think it's important that we go up there and do everything the right way. Think it's important for us to go up there and have a good game. Last year we let them have 4 easy touchdowns on us last year. They really only scored one touchdown that we didn't just kind of give to them as far as our feeling goes. And so as we look at that we played 3 quarters of really good football against Ponca last year, and we're ready to step up and play good football again against them."

The Indians won last year's game in Tekamah, 36-8.

Ponca is a great team, and going up there and winning is no small task.

With that said, I think the Tigers are well equipped to go up there and find a way to compete if not win.

I think the game will be close and competitive at the very least, if not a Tekamah-Herman win.

McElmuray has this preseason assessment of his team. "We will be improved again this year. Strong run game. Lost four offensive line starters to graduation."

McElmuray adds it's going to be a fun year!

Bob Jensen of the Huskerland Prep Report looks for the Tigers to turn some heads this year.

"It just feels like Tekamah-Herman's got a chance to score some points. And if you can score some points it gives you a chance to compete at a higher level. And again will they be a playoff team? That seems unlikely. But I think it's a team that's going to be much improved. And that is one program that I could see beating somebody that they quote on quote weren't supposed to."

I think there's an opportunity for quite a few wins this year for the Tigers.

I think Tekamah-Herman has the potential to have a winning season.

I don't know if the Tigers will make the playoffs as Jensen eluded to, but I think the team will be even more improved from last year.

Tekamah-Herman is a team and a program on the rise, there's no doubt about it, and this year should be a solid one for the Purple and Gold.

I'm very excited to see what the Tigers can do this season.

2019 Tekamah-Herman Tigers Football Schedule:

08/30/19 @ Ponca
09/06/19 Stanton
09/13/19 @ Twin River
09/20/19 @ Conestoga
09/27/19 Oakland-Craig
10/04/19 @ BRLD
10/11/19 Yutan
10/18/19 Louisville

Team: Stanton

Mascot: Mustangs

Colors: Orange and Black

Class: C-2

Head Coach: David Stoddard (6th season) (24-23 career record)

2018 record: 2-7

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Stanton Football Team returns quite a few players on offense from last year's 2-7 team. Head Coach David Stoddard.

"We return two runners in the backfield...Sutton Pohlman and Gage Tighe...both started last year at wing and fullback. We've got four returning starters on the line...Mason Bruggeman, Jordan Gartner, Jackson Benson, Christian Flood, and actually Ben Wilke will be back as well depending on how we're moving with him around. Tight end last year...Trey Elbert....stepped in as a sophomore...he'll be a junior this year. And we've got other contributors on offense. Brennan Wragge has been getting some reps at running back along with Jason Claussen, Devyn Farrier."

Stoddard says there is a three-way battle for the starting QB spot right now with Parker Krusemark, Matt Reese, and Adam Arens going head-to-head.

Zak Hansen, Marcus Spotanski, Kadyn Fernau, Cade Goger, Moorghan Prusa, Nathan Arens, Alex Reese, and Sam Bates were all lost to graduation.

The Mustangs are coming off back-to-back injury riddled seasons that really hurt them I feel.

That and Stanton was young the past couple of years so we'll see what happens this year.

I feel it's imperative the Mustangs do well in non-district play to have a chance at the playoffs.

Stanton has certainly struggled the past couple of years, but I feel it's a team and a program that can get things turned around quickly and in a hurry.

I feel the Mustangs can easily get back to their winning ways if they can stay healthy and are at full strength for an entire season.

Injuries are a part of the game and affect everybody, but Stanton has been pretty beat up the last couple of years from the sounds of things.

I look for big things out of Pohlman this year.

He had a pretty big year last year if I recall, and if he can have another big season this year then I feel Stanton has a chance to be pretty dang good.

I feel an experienced line and line play will be very good and beneficial for the Mustangs this season.

I think the skill guys are all very solid too, now it's just a matter of ironing out the Quarterback situation.

Having three guys who can play QB is never a bad thing. I feel improved depth could be a strength of Stanton's this season.

Season Outlook:

Stanton is once again in a loaded District with the likes of Norfolk Catholic, Hartington Cedar Catholic, Ponca, Crofton, and Battle Creek. Stoddard says his team can't get too far ahead of themselves this year.

"A lot of those teams are going to be ranked or have a great chance to be ranked. Just seems like year in and year out you're getting a lot of great play overall from the teams in our District. And we know it's going to be a week-by-week thing. We can't look ahead to even that inside with the non-district season and the district and then hopefully a postseason run. But it is a week-by-week scenario for us."

The Mustangs open up the season at home against David City on August 30th.

Stoddard adds staying healthy is the key to having success and making the playoffs this season.

I would also say being physical up front and being aggressive at the line of scrimmage is going to be very important too.

Stanton has to play smashmouth football and also lights out defense as well.

The Mustangs have to try and make teams one dimensional and not give up big plays if at all possible.

I felt Stanton really struggled on both sides of the ball at times last year, and were just never able to gain any consistency in their play.

I think being consistently good on both sides of the ball is going to be another key to the Mustangs' success this season.

Stanton needs to explode and score points and create a lot of turnovers on defense.

The Mustangs have to be the complete package, and showcase their abilities each and every Friday night.

Stoddard said Stanton had 94% weightroom attendance this summer, and that is a very good number.

So it sounds like the Mustangs are putting in all the hard work, now they just need to go apply all that hard work to results on the football field.

Being in as good of physical shape as possible is important for Stanton too I feel.

Conditioning and endurance in the 4th quarter is what wins you games for sure.

We'll see if the Mustangs can be the last team standing at the end of games this season.

2019 Stanton Mustangs Football Schedule:

08/30/19 David City
09/06/19 @ Tekamah-Herman
09/13/19 North Bend Central
09/20/19 Archbishop Bergan
09/27/19 @ Battle Creek
10/04/19 Crofton
10/11/19 @ Ponca
10/18/19 @ Norfolk Catholic
10/24/19 Hartington Cedar Catholic

Team: Logan View/Scribner-Snyder

Mascot: Raiders

Colors: Blue and Gold

Class: C-1

Head Coach: Dustin Sealey (4th season) (11-17 record)

2018 record: 1-8

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder looks to bounce back from last year's 1-8 season. Head Coach Dustin Sealey says he's excited about his quarterback this year.

I'm excited to see what Riley Hoetfelker, our Quarterback, will be able to do. Started last year as a sophomore, and he's grown physically and emotionally I think."

Sealey says a lot of his returning starters are three-year starters.

He adds there are only two kids from Scribner-Snyder on the team this year.

The Raiders lost 10 players from last year in Austin Peters, Clay Kruger, Brady Hull, Sebastian Arnold, Bailey Licht, James Hudson, Eric French, Nathan Wacker, Lucas Schneck, and Micheal Luther.

I feel Hull, Arnold, Kruger, and Peters were the biggest losses.

LVSS figures to be more experienced this year though, and I think that will help the Raiders out a lot.

I feel LVSS will be strong up front and will have good skill guys as well with almost everyone back.

I feel having the majority of the team back will pay big dividends for the Raiders, especially when going up against the tougher teams on their schedule.

LVSS has to grow and improve each and every week, and continue to get better as the season progresses.

The Raiders have to keep a level head and remain humble and be willing to work hard.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has to be physical, and play in your face, smashmouth football.

The Raiders have to be very aggressive, but smart in games.

A lot of games could come down to a few plays or a mistake or a smart play, and I think limiting penalties and not doing anything that could cost the team games such as a silly personal foul or something is important for LVSS to take to heart.

Speaking of heart, the Raiders have to play with tons of heart this season, and do everything their power to win each and every week.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has to also enjoy the ride and respect the game and enjoy their days of playing high school football.

Season Outlook:

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder opens up the season on August 30th at home against Fremont Bergan. Sealey says it's important for his kids to play well in that one.

"Bergan's a big game for us. We like playing them. It's been fun the last 3 or 4 years that I've been there. Like I said it's the first game...once you get one under your belt it kind of sets the tone for the rest of the season."

The Knights won last year's game in Fremont, 36-26.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder lost a lot of close games last year, and I feel those close losses have a chance to turn into wins this season.

The Raiders were adjusting to a new class with a Coop and now they know what to expect this year.

LVSS gets Boone Central/Newman Grove, Columbus Scotus, and Pierce all at home this year so that should make a huge difference.

I'm not saying the Raiders are going to go undefeated and win the District Title, but I feel Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has a chance to make the playoffs this year.

I think the future, and the next couple of years in particular, are very bright for LVSS Football.

I feel last year was just a minor bump in the road, and look for the Raiders to get back to their winning ways this season.

I look for all the offseason workouts, weightlifting, and conditioning to payoff for LVSS this year.

I feel the Raiders will have a mighty fine season, and do a lot of winning and have a lot of success this year.

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder has to play up to their potential, and execute in all facets of the game week in and week out.

The Raiders have to come through in the clutch, and make big plays when it matters most.

LVSS has to play error and mistake free football as much as possible.

The Raiders also need to wrap up and tackle well throughout the course of the season to be successful, in my opinion.

2019 can be a good year for Logan View/Scribner-Snyder if all these things happen.

2019 Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Raiders Football Schedule:

08/30/19 Archbishop Bergan
09/06/19 @ North Bend Central
09/13/19 @ Boys Town
09/20/19 Fort Calhoun
09/27/19 Boone Central/Newman Grove
10/04/19 @ Wayne
10/11/19 Pierce
10/18/19 Columbus Scotus
10/25/19 @ West Point-Beemer

Team: Clarkson/Leigh

Mascot: Patriots

Colors: Red, Blue, Gray

Class: D-2

Head Coach: Jim Clarkson (19th season) (93-92 career record)

2018 record: 5-4 (lost to Hartington-Newcastle in first round of playoffs)

Returning Starters: 4 offense 4 defense

Overview:

The Clarkson/Leigh Football Team will be without the services of star running back Tommy McEvoy this season as he tore his ACL in the offseason. Head Coach Jim Clarkson says that's prompted the team's starting QB to step up in practice.

"Yeah Tommy will be a big loss for us, and of course that took a little wind out of our sails. But we're starting to rebound now, and I think the kids have kind of stepped up. Quarterback Lance Paprocki has done a real nice job so far through fall camp of leading the team and kind of taking that voice over a little bit."

Clarkson looks for Issac Wiese and Carter Hanel to step up this season as well.

The Patriots return 4 starters on offense and 4 on defense from last year's playoff team.

The offensive returners are Paprocki (5'7, 140 JR QB/DB), Wiese (5'10, 150 SR RB/DB), Hanel (6'3, 195 SO TE/LB), and Layne Krutz (6'0, 270 JR OL/DL).

All but Krutz are also returning defensive starters as is Trevor Zulkoski (5'11, 180 JR OL/TE).

Others likely to play include Mitch Beeson (5'10, 200 SO OL/LB), DC West Transfer Eli Hays, Kobe Indra (5'11, 240 SR OL/DL), and Austin Sayers (6'0, 245 JR OL/DL).

The Patriots lost Travis Stanley, Douglas Pocasangre, Raoul Heillman, Cort Pokorney, and John Langhorst to graduation.

Clarkson/Leigh certainly has a lot of work to do this year given the fact they will be without McEvoy, but there's no doubt other players can step up and lead this team to a successful season.

I think the Patriots will be good, but would have been really good or great with McEvoy in the lineup.

He is a special talent, and not having him hurts without a doubt, but Clarkson/Leigh knows they will be without his services all season and have already adjusted accordingly it sounds like.

The Patriots have to work that much harder and want it even that much more knowing that he's not going to be in there.

The offensive and defensive lines have to have a good surge up front blocking for Paprocki or Wiese or Hanel or whoever, and when going up against opposing teams' backs.

Clarkson/Leigh has to be confident in their ability to have success, and must go out there and play hard for 48 minutes each and every time they take to the field on a Friday night.

The Patriots have to want it more than their opponents, and work harder than them.

Season Outlook:

Clarkson/Leigh has to have a lot of working pieces come together to be a good team this year, in my opinion.

Clarkson says the team is young and needs to perform well up front to be successful. "We return a lot of experience, but it will still be young experience. We will need to continue to improve in a lot of areas in order for us to get into the upper echelon of the class. Our depth will be improved but again it will be young depth and that may hurt at times during the season. As with any team our Offensive and Defensive line development will determine a lot in how the season will go. Opening the season with the Bacon Bowl (Howells-Dodge) hopefully will spark some extra focus in all our workouts leading up to that game."

Clarkson/Leigh battles Howells-Dodge on the road in the Bacon Bowl on August 30th. Clarkson says his kids are ready for that game.

"Yeah it's a rival. It's 6 miles away, and it's a friendly rival. And there's not a lot of hate, a lot of respect in that one, but boy we'd sure like to tack them one of these years, and we're going to give them our best shot here in a couple weeks here, so we're pretty excited for that game to be here."

The Patriots lost last year's game at home, 34-16.

The Jaguars return some good players, but so does Clarkson/Leigh.

I think McEvoy would be a game breaker and changer in this game if he were in there, and would give the Patriots a really good chance to win.

I still think Clarkson/Leigh can go in there and pick up the W, but it won't be easy without McEvoy.

Both teams have some question marks up front in terms of what they have and are looking at so it will be interesting to see which team wins that battle.

Special teams could definitely factor into the game, and Howells-Dodge has Luke Rocheford as a kick returner, and he is a real game breaker and changer.

The Patriots have to know where he is at on the field at all times, and must kick it away from him if they can.

Clarkson/Leigh's first four games are tough so we will find out what the Patriots are made of against the likes of the Jaguars, Humphrey St. Francis, Parkview Christian, and Pender.

I look for Clarkson/Leigh to go on to have a fine season and make the playoffs again despite not having the services of McEvoy.

2019 Clarkson/Leigh Patriots Football Schedule:

08/30/19 @ Howells-Dodge
09/13/19 Humphrey St. Francis
09/20/19 @ Parkview Christian
09/27/19 Pender
10/04/19 Omaha Christian Academy
10/11/19 @ Cedar Bluffs
10/18/19 @ Mead
10/25/19 Emerson-Hubbard

Team: Howells-Dodge

Mascot: Jaguars

Colors: Green, Black, Silver

Class: D-1

Head Coach: Mike Speirs (24th season) (217-45 record)

2018 record: 7-3 (lost to GACC in 2nd round of Playoffs)

Returning Starters: 4 offense 6 defense

Overview:

The Howells-Dodge Football Team looks to build off last year's 7-3 season in which the Jaguars reached the 2nd round of the playoffs. Longtime Head Coach Mike Speirs says the offseason went really well as kids were rejuvenated by weightroom renovations.

"We had one of the better summers since in quite a few years I've been here. We were lucky our school board put some money into our weightroom and redid our weightroom. And kind of got the kids excited about it. And the kids really did a great job of responding. Our workouts were probably as good as they've been in a long, long time, and I feel like that's really going to help this fall."

The Jaguars return 4 starters on offense and 6 on defense.

The offensive starters are Darrin Pokorny (6'1, 165 SR QB/S), Trevor Schumacher (5'11, 180 SR TE/LB), Carter Throener (5'11, 220 SR G/NG), and Charlie Dvorak (5'11, 165 SR RB/DB).

Those four along with Luke Rocheford (6'1, 170 SR RB/DB) and Levi Belina (6'0, 175 SO RB/LB) return on defense.

Bob Jensen of the Huskerland Prep Report says the Jaguars return a lot of talent.

"They've got a lot of really good players coming back. And the kid that fascinates me on that team...Luke Rocheford. I'm telling you what you can't kick the ball to him. Kids that can return a kick in high school...there just aren't a lot of them. Especially an explosive playmaker, he's going to get the ball more this year. And there's a couple of kids in that sophomore class that are going to make a big difference. Probably by the end of the year going to be real impact players."

Speirs says Belina got some very valuable playing experience last year. "Levi was forced into starting due to an injury in week 4. Levi had 97 tackles while only starting 6 games. We did not use him on offense, but this fall will see an expanded role on both sides of the ball. Levi will be in the running to be our starting running back. Levi has the skills to develop into the best player on our team."

Speirs says Throener has become a really good football player. "Carter has developed into an outstanding lineman on both sides of the ball. He had 75 tackles with 4 sacks from the NG position, and should increase those numbers as we plan to move him to DE. As an offensive lineman, he became the G we tended to run behind by the end of the season."

He adds Rocheford is that do it all everything player. "Luke is without a doubt one of the top receivers I have coached. He is without a doubt, the best return man. Last year he had 3 Td's on kick returns, giving him 10 for his career. Teams stopped punting to him by the end of they year. Offensively he had 17 catches for 370yds, and 8 TDs. While not a lot by some teams standards, he did break our school record for catches. We must as coaches find ways to get Luke the ball in space, as he can be a game breaker. Defensively, we always matched Luke up against the other teams best receiver due to his outstanding coverage skills. He finished the year with 4 INT's."

Speirs says Pokorny is very valuable at the QB and Safety positions. "Darrin returns as our starting QB and Safety. As a QB he was 43-71 for 807 yds and 11 TDs. He also rushed for 446 yds on 100 carries with 7TD's. He had 97 tackles with 2 INT's defensively. He has become a team leader and we will lean on that leadership a lot this fall."

Others likely to play are Kyle Pickhinke (5'11, 290 SR OL/DL), Logan Nelson (6'2, 240 SR OL/DL), Wyatt Hegemann (6'0, 175 SR OL/LB), Trevor Jedlicka (5'6, 135 JR RB/DB), and RJ Bayer (6'1, 185 SO TE/DE)

The Jaguars must replace Dylan Horejsi at running back.

Other losses from last year include Chad Young, Josh Brester, Gaute Gunleiksrud, Lane Hegemann, Kade Hegemann, Horejsi, Mitch Yosten, Carter Jensen, and Mike Balsley.

There's a lot of talent returning for Howells-Dodge this year, and I look for the Jaguars to go on and have another fine season. I think the Jaguars will do very well once again this year.

Season Outlook:

Howells-Dodge opens up the season on August 30th at home against rival Clarkson/Leigh. Speirs says the Patriots are well coached.

"Clarkson/Leigh is a quality opponent. Their coaches are really solid coaches, and we know that we have our hands full. That they're going to kind of be able to throw a lot of stuff at us. Their coaching staff is incredibly creative, and that makes it tough the first game when you're not 100% sure which direction they're going to be taking their offense and their defense. And so we've really got to make sure our kids are prepared for everything they see."

The Jaguars won last year's Bacon Bowl 34-16.

Howells-Dodge is in a District with Lutheran High Northeast, Neligh-Oakdale, Laurel-Concord-Coleridge, Elkhorn Valley, and Madison. Speirs talks about the challenges of going up against the first three.

"Lutheran High won the district last year and they return all their skill kids. And you know that they'll be tougher than heck. Run a unique offense that gives you a lot of fits. And again they're a well coached team and very physical. Neligh-Oakdale...Coach Beacom up there heck of an offense, heck of an offensive minded coach, and return a 3-year starter at Quarterback, which is going to make them that much more tougher when the offense runs through him. Laurel-Concord-Coleridge...I think they return virtually everybody other than their quarterback, and we were in a shootout with them last year, it was a scoring battle, and those aren't the kind of games that we really want to be involved in, that's not our style."

Speirs says the Falcons will also be tough as the Jaguars won a close game over them last year, and they return quite a few kids.

Speirs has this preseason assessment of his team. "Our biggest needs going into the season are finding replacements at running back (graduated a 3 year starter) and in the offensive line, on defense it will be finding defensive ends. We return a solid nucleus of seniors, with a couple of underclassmen that gained valuable experience.  We are looking for some depth at DB to develop. Our schedule will be challenging and we must increase our overall team strength to compete. We will only have 3 Juniors on our roster, so will need freshmen and sophomores to give us depth."

Howells-Dodge will be tested early in the season against the likes of Clarkson/Leigh, GACC, and Wakefield so I think it's imperative for the Jaguars to have things figured out by the time District play rolls around.

I have no doubt Howells-Dodge will get things figured out though. The Jaguars always seem to find a way, and I don't think this year will be any different.

I'm going to say Howells-Dodge goes 6-2 or 5-3 in the regular season.

2019 Howells-Dodge Jaguars Football Schedule:

08/30/19 Clarkson/Leigh
09/06/19 @ Guardian Angels Central Catholic
09/13/19 Wakefield
09/27/19 @ Lutheran High Northeast
10/04/19 @ Neligh-Oakdale
10/11/19 Elkhorn Valley
10/18/19 @ Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
10/25/19 Madison

Team: North Bend Central

Mascot: Tigers

Colors: Orange and Black

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Ryan Stieren (4th season) (12-14 record)

2018 record: 6-4 (lost to Wilber-Clatonia in 1st round of playoffs)

Returning Starters: 4 on offense and 5 on defense


Overview:

The North Bend Central Football Team returns 4 starters on offense and 5 on defense. One of those starters is star Quarterback Austin Endorf, and 4th year Head Coach Ryan Stieren says he would like to see Endorf cut down on his turnovers.

"Just talking to him kind of our goal is to get our interceptions down. If we can keep that in single digits I think we'll be more powerful offensively this year than we were a year ago."

Endorf finished with over 2,600 yards passing and threw 29 touchdowns last season.

Stieren says Endorf is the complete QB. "The best Quarterbacks perform well under pressure and that is what makes Austin special at the QB position. I truly believe he is right at the top when it comes to QB's in the state of Nebraska. He checks all the boxes -- great competitor, leader, strong work ethic, excellent awareness, mobile in the pocket, solid arm strength, etc. All of our experience around him will make him even better this season. I believe he is primed to have a special season and lead us to places that we haven't been."

Other returning offensive starters include Gavin Peterson (6'0, 215 SR C/LB), Cody Pospisil (6'1, 205 SR (WR/LB), and Cole Johnson (5'10, 210 SR (OL/DL).

Stieren says Peterson is a hard nosed football player. "He is an outstanding leader and has improved greatly every year in our program. This kid is your classic bloody your nose type of player and will help our defense to be greatly improved this next season. Last season, he was our leading tackler despite being a focal point for opposing offenses."

Defensively, the Tigers bring back Peterson, Pospisil, Johnson, Ethan Mullally (5'8, 180 JR RB/DB), and Breckin Peters (6'0, 205 JR (TE/LB).

Stieren says Mullally is the complete back. "Rushed for over 400 yards in 5 games (missed 5 games because of injury) as a sophomore while splitting reps with a senior running back who has graduated. Also caught 9 passes for 192 yards a couple TDs. He will be a home run hitter and has a great chance at being our school's first 1000 yard rusher in a long time. Ethan is very quick with really good vision as a running back. He also is an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield which fits our offense well. His playmaking ability is not limited to offense, when he was healthy he was also an outstanding playmaker on defense, he had 3 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, and an interception in only 5 games."

He adds Pospisil is going to be tough on both sides of the ball. "He was our second leading receiver last season and with our leading receiver (John Emanuel) having graduated, he will put up huge numbers. Might be an all-state caliber receiver. He will be a very tough matchup because of his size, mobility, and ball skills. Defensively, he started every game and played almost every snap. Again, his size and strength will make him one of our best defenders."

Others likely to play include Cody Prohaska (6'0, 165 SR WR/DB), Austin Taylor (6'1, 190 JR WR/DB), Landon Krenzer (6'3, 250 JR (OL/DL), Jace Owen (6'1, 255 JR (OL/DL), Hunter Johnston (5'8, 190 JR OL/DL), Ian Virka (5'11, 170 SO (RB/DB), Peyton Mitties (6'0, 190 JR OL/LB), Brodey Johnson (5'10, 165 SO QB/DB), Jarrett Poessnecker (5'9, 160 JR K), Demarius Bosveld (5'11, 195 JR), Gage Dunn (6'3, 200 JR TE/LB), and Allan Orellana (5'9, 160 JR WR/CB).

North Bend Central lost John Emanuel, Joe Howser, Zach Ortmeier, Jacob Ray, Cole Kluthe, Sam Buckingham, Rolenc, Trevor Nelson, Zander Ziettlow, Jeremy Doernemann, and Daden Farrens to graduation.

Season Outlook:

North Bend Central lost a good nucleus of kids to graduation, but returns a lot of kids with experience.

Stieren says his team will have good depth this year, but there are question marks up front. "Last season we played a lot of kids so even though we don't have a lot of returning starters, we return a lot of kids that were in the offensive and defensive rotations. We are fortunate to return an all-state caliber QB. We are further along in our development of players as our weight room numbers are at an all-time high so hopefully that translates to a lot of confidence and allows us to play at a higher level. Experience in some spots is the big question mark. We need about 5 guys to step up on the offensive line to build depth and help our 2 returning starters at those spots. Additionally, there are a couple of other guys that were young last year that have the ability to become outstanding players but they must mature and play with a confident aggressive mindset."

North Bend Central opens up the season at Johnson County Central on August 30th. Stieren says it won't be easy going down there and coming away with a win.

"I mean it's an over two-hour drive, and that's never easy to overcome that in a bus. Those yellow school buses they're not always climate controlled, and so yeah we're definitely going to have our hands full, and if we can limit their big plays, I think we gave up a lot of long runs last year to them. I think we'll have success if we can do that."

The Tigers won last year's game in North Bend, 56-34.

Stieren says Centennial, Aquinas, and Shelby-Rising City will all be tough in the district.

Bob Jensen of the Huskerland Prep Report thinks the Tigers could have a similar season this year to what they had in 2018.

"I could see a scenario maybe like last year where they absolutely beat the teams you think they're going to beat. Might not beat some of the teams that you think they won't or shouldn't. But again this is a team that's probably going to need to steal a win somewhere if they're going to make the playoffs."

Logan View/Scribner-Snyder will be tough the second week of the season, and GICC will be tough at home, and Centennial and Aquinas will be tough games back-to-back, but the good news is the Tigers get the Monarchs and Shelby-Rising City at home.

I think North Bend Central finds a way to beat Shelby-Rising City and wins at least 6 games to get back to the playoffs.

I feel a 7-2 record is very possible for this team as well.

Aquinas and Centennial will be tough as Aquinas is always good and Centennial won state last year and got a 1,000 yard running back transfer from Seward so they appear like they will simply reload, which is what the Monarchs do every year.

I think having a solid run game will be important to having balance and complimenting Endorf's arm.

Nonetheless, it should be another fun and special season for the Orange, Black, and White in 2019.

2019 North Bend Central Football Schedule:

08/30/19 @ Johnson County Central
09/06/19 Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS)
09/13/19 @ Stanton
09/20/19 Grand Island Central Catholic
09/27/19 @ Twin River
10/04/19 @ Centennial
10/11/19 Aquinas Catholic
10/18/19 Shelby-Rising City
10/25/19 @ David City

The Oakland-Craig Football Team ended their season Friday night in the Class C-2 State Semifinals, falling 35-14 at Centennial.

The Broncos led 7-0 at the end of one and doubled up the Knights 14-7 in the 2nd quarter to take a 21-7 lead into the locker room.

After neither team scored in the third quarter, Centennial doubled up Oakland-Craig 14-7 in the 4th quarter.

Robby Mayberry had 95 yards rushing on 25 carries, including a score. Jefferson McNeill added 66 yards rushing on 10 carries, and scored once.

Ian Lundquist had 10 tackles.

The Knights racked up 216 yards of total offense, 182 coming on the ground.

The defense gave up 302 yards of total offense, including 185 rushing.

Solid effort from Oakland-Craig, but the weather and some injuries were simply too much to overcome.

The Knights end the 2018 season with an 11-1 record.

It was a season filled with memories for Oakland-Craig, who beat the likes of Hartington Cedar Catholic, Ponca, Fremont Bergan, Yutan, and BRLD in the regular season, and Shelby-Rising City and Wilber-Clatonia in the playoffs.

Winning a District Championship and finishing with an undefeated regular season is something to be very proud of.

Jared Mulder finished with 1,084 yards passing and 10 touchdowns on the season while Mayberry had 1300 yards and 20 TD's rushing. McNeill added 607 yards on the ground and 7 touchdowns.

Mike Brands led the way in tackles with 62.

The Knights say goodbye to a very talented senior class that includes Mayberry, Garrison Dodge, Mulder, McNeill, Wyatt Uhing, Daniel Sechler, John Werner, Tyson Harney, Cole Bures, and Justyn Hale.

Oakland-Craig is hit hard by graduation this year, and these seniors will be greatly and sorely missed no doubt.

These kids accomplished a lot in their 4 years at Oakland-Craig, including a State Champion Game appearance.

It's onto the future though, and key returners for the Knights are Laurence Brands, Wyatt Seagren, Tom Maline, Lundquist, Jack Pille, and Colton Thomsen.

There is some talent returning for Oakland-Craig next year, and the Knights always seem to reload.

The Knights should be good and solid once again next season, and I'm very excited to see what they can do.

In the meantime though these kids need to enjoy their winter sports season and spring sports season when it comes.

Oakland-Craig has to sit back and enjoy everything as four years of high school goes pretty fast.

The Knights had a great season and should be very proud of their efforts, but next season starts now.

So the sooner Oakland-Craig hits the weights and gets back on the gridiron the better they will be next season.

The Knights need to have an excellent offseason of hard work and conditioning, and must get ready to take it home once again in 2019.

Oakland-Craig has to enjoy time with each other and friends off the field, but also put in the time in the weightroom and on the playing field to be successful next season.

The GACC Football Team saw their season come to an end last Tuesday night as the Bluejays lost 46-12 at Exeter-Milligan/Friend in the D-1 State Quarterfinals in Milligan in action carried on 107.9 the Bull.

Cody Steffen had 88 yards rushing on 14 carries, including a touchdown, while Cash Meier had 87 yards on the ground on 18 carries. Noah Hass added 59 yards on the ground on 17 attempts, and scored once.

Nate Yosten had 13 tackles while Blake Pojar, Hass, and Noah Kreikemeier had 10 apiece. Casey Doernemann, Damon Crawford, and Jadyn Smeal each had 7.

GACC amassed 281 yards of total offense, including 256 rushing.

I thought the lack of a passing game and not having Jared Minnick were the two things that really hurt the Bluejays in this one, and were reasons why GACC lost.

The Bluejays end the season with a 9-2 record.

Highlights of the season are two wins over Howells-Dodge, a win over Wisner-Pilger, and probably the win in the season opener over defending State Champion East Butler.

Steffen finished with 789 yards passing and 11 touchdowns on the season while Minnick rushed for almost 1800 yards and 28 touchdowns. Smeal had 676 yards receiving to go along with 9 TD's while Doernemann finished with a team-high 88 tackles.

This year's senior class includes Smeal, Minnick, Dylan Duhsmann, Will Kreikemeier, Tyson Snodgrass, Jack Baumert, and Yosten.

Each and every one of these players meant a lot to the GACC program, and will be sorely missed.

Minnick and Smeal will be missed in particular I would say.

The Bluejays just seem to reload and retool every year though, and so key returners for next year include Crawford, Hass, Steffen, Meier, Mitchell Peatrowsky, Kreikemeier, Doernemann, Ben Ulrich, and Pojar.

I think the one positive thing that came out of Minnick having to miss time was players like Meier and Hass got very valuable carries and minutes on the field.

That didn't do a whole for GACC last Tuesday night, but it should pay off next year and in the future.

The Bluejays should be pretty good and dynamic once again next season, but a new offensive weapon at receiver needs to develop for Steffen.

I look for Steffen to shoulder more of the load and responsibilities next season.

These kids have to have good winter and spring sports seasons, but be ready to work on Football as soon as those things end.

GACC should have another fine season next year, but these kids have to work their tails off this offseason and grow and get bigger, faster, and stronger.

The Bluejays have to sign themselves up for as many individual and team camps and leagues as possible, and be football junkies.

Football has to be a big priority in these kids' lives, and they have to go out there and work hard from now until next August.

I think GACC has a chance to be really good up front next season.

The Oakland-Craig Football Team won 35-21 at home over Wilber-Clatonia in the State Quarterfinals Friday night.

The Knights led 14-0 at the end of one, and blanked the Wolverines 6-0 in the 2nd quarter to take a 20-0 lead into the locker room.

Wilber-Clatonia outscored Oakland-Craig 21-8 in the 3rd quarter to make it a 28-21 ball game at the end of three.

The Knights shutout the Wolverines 7-0 in the 4th quarter.

Jared Mulder was 6-15 passing for 102 yards and a touchdown. Robby Mayberry rushed for 148 yards on 38 carries, and scored twice. Jefferson McNeill ran the ball 12 times for 75 yards, including one touchdown. McNeill also made 3 catches for 56 yards.

Oakland-Craig had 354 yards of total offense, including 252 rushing.

The defense gave up 191 yards of total offense, including just 8 on the ground.

I'd say stuffing the run is what propelled the Knights to the win.

Oakland-Craig (11-0) takes on Centennial (11-0) in the State Semifinals in Utica Friday night in action that will be aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Broncos beat BRLD 33-28 at home in the State Quarterfinals this past Friday night.

That's a game in which the Wolverines gave up 295 rushing yards.

Centennial also passed for 220 yards so the Knights have to be wary of that as well.

I think Oakland-Craig's best bet is to try and stuff the run and make the Broncos one dimensional.

If the Knights can stuff the run again and force Centennial to beat them throwing the ball then they should have a good chance to win.

Players for the Broncos Oakland-Craig has to watch out for are Wyatt Ehlers and Caleb Horne.

Ehlers passed for 220 yards and ran for 141 against the Wolverines while Horne rushed for 128 yards and three touchdowns in that game.

The two accounted for all of the Broncos' scoring last week so they are players the Knights have to key on for sure.

This should be a great battle as it's a battle between two very good unbeaten football teams.

Centennial is a great team, but so is Oakland-Craig, and both teams beat BRLD on last second plays.

It's a toss up as to who wins.

The Knights can definitely go in there and come away with the win, but it won't be easy.

Oakland-Craig has to go in there and play a great game and leave everything out on the field.

This is the seniors' last chance to make another trip to Lincoln, another chance to play for another state title.

Chances like these don't come very often, and so the Knights have to seize the moment and opportunity, and take everything they ever wanted.

Oakland-Craig has to play a good, physical, hard nosed, and smashmouth football game, and must take it to Centennial for four quarters.

The Knights have to come up with big, clutch plays, and make plays when it counts and matters.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. with pregame beginning at 6:30 on the Bull.

The BRLD Football Team lost 33-28 in heartbreak fashion at Centennial in the State Quarterfinals aired on 107.9 the Bull Friday night.

The game was tied at 7 after the 1st quarter before the Wolverines won the 2nd quarter 6-0 to take a 13-7 lead into the locker room.

The Broncos blanked BRLD 14-0 in the 3rd quarter to go up 21-13 at the end of three.

The Wolverines won the 4th quarter 15-12.

Will Gatzemeyer was 22-34 passing for 271 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He added 119 yards rushing on 17 carries, and scored twice.

Lucas Vogt made 13 receptions for 213 yards and scored two touchdowns.

Derek Petersen made 14 tackles while Vogt registered 10. Gatzemeyer and Kobe Lyons recorded 9 apiece.

BRLD racked up 411 yards of total offense, including 271 through the air.

The defense gave up 515 yards of total offense, 295 of them coming on the ground.

Head Coach Dan Maresh on undefeated Centennial. "Couple kids out there that...incredible. The plays they made. And the game came down to a couple inches there. And our defense played lights out, got us turnovers, we just couldn't finish it. Had a few things, just kind of stubbed our toes, and can't do that against a team like this. Hats off to them, good luck to them cause wow that's an impressive ball club."

The Wolverines wrap up the season at 8-3.

Great season for BRLD....a season in which all three of their losses came to teams in the Semifinals.

The Wolverines were a play or two away from being a great, elite team, the type of team I full expect BRLD to be in the future.

Gatzemeyer finished with over 2,500 yards passing with 30 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He also rushed for over 1,000 yards and had 16 rushing touchdowns.

Vogt had over 1,150 yards receiving with 19 touchdowns.

Defensively, Petersen led the way with 90 tackles.

The Wolverines say goodbye to Jackson Beaudette, Ryan Payton, Bradley Marr, Dustin Burgett, Nick Ronnfeldt, Mo Hawk, Seth Totten, and Nathaniel Sears.

These players will be missed greatly, but BRLD has to be very excited and anxious for the future.

Key returners for next year include Braxton Bargmann, Dylan Beutler, Gatzemeyer, Vogt, Darwin Snyder, Lyons, Petersen, Jaxon Johnson, Parker Paulson, and Luke Kramer.

The Wolverines will have a lot of seniors next year so next season figures to be their year.

I wouldn't be shocked if BRLD was playing for a State Title at Memorial Stadium next season.

There's a lot of hard work to be done in the offseason to make that dream a reality though.

Picking up the pigskin often, lifting a lot of weights, conditioning hard, and attending as many team camps and summer leagues as possible will be all a part of and factor into the Wolverines' success next season.

BRLD has to learn to finish against the great teams, but that will happen in time, perhaps even next year.

As good as the Wolverines were defensively...I feel BRLD can be even better on that side of the ball.

I felt the defense let the Wolverines down at times this year, and was the side of the ball that decided a couple of ball games, or at least the Centennial game.

BRLD should be scary good next year though so I'm very excited and anxious to see what the Wolverines can do and what they will be like next season.

In a treat made for Halloween, Guardian Angels Central Catholic defeated Howells-Dodge 40-34 in the second round of the Class D1 football playoffs on Wednesday night, as heard on 107.9 The Bull.

Howells-Dodge started the game with authority, scoring on the very first play of the game as Dylan Horejsi raced 57 yards for the score, going up 8-0.

GACC fumbled on their first possession, giving the Jaguars the ball on the Bluejays 24-yard line. Horejsi reached the end zone for the second time in the first quarter, this time from two yards out. The score was 14-0 in favor of the Jaguars with 8:12 left in the first.

The Bluejays were able to get on the scoreboard on their next possession, capping off a 49-yard drive with a two yard run by Jared Minnick. The score was 14-6 with 4:01 in the first.

The Jaguars scored on their third straight offensive possession in the first half, a 25-yard pass from Darrin Pokorny to Luke Rocheford, making it 20-6 Howells-Dodge.

After Being forced to punt, the Bluejays were able to hold Howells-Dodge on fourth down from the GACC 30. GACC then took two plays to score again, a 49 yard run by Minnick, making it 20-14, still in favor of Howells-Dodge.

Howells-Dodge punted on the next possession, and GACC set up at the Jaguar 27 following a bad snap on the punt. The Bluejays tied the game on a 11 yard pass from Cody Steffen to Minnick, making it 20-20 with 1:40 left in the first half.

The Jaguars weren't done just yet however, as they would go 51 yards in 18 seconds, thanks to a 33 yard touchdown run by Horejsi, and Howells-Dodge would take a 26-20 lead into halftime.

There were two key injuries in the first half. Howells-Dodge's Trevor Schumacher was injured earlier in the first half and was taken off the field in an ambulance. GACC's Jared Minnick pulled his hamstring late in the second quarter. Both players missed the second half.

GACC got the ball to start the second half, starting at their own 5. Steffen raced 63 yards for a touchdown tying the game 26-26 with 10:54 in the third.

Howells-Dodge was turned away on fourth down from midfield on their first offensive possession of the second half. The Bluejays took advantage and finished the drive with a 45 yard scoring pass from Steffen to Jadyn Smeal. The two point conversion was good, and GACC led 34-26 with 7:08 in the third.

The Jaguars answered right back, however, marching 48 yards and ending the drive on a three yard touchdown run by Horejsi, his fourth of the night. The two point try tied the game at 34-34 with 3:44 in the third.

GACC punted and then Howells-Dodge fumbled, with the Bluejays recovering at their own 28 yard line. The Bluejays finished the drive with a 29 yard touchdown run by Noah Hass, giving GACC a 40-34 lead with 10:53 left in the game.

Howells-Dodge started marching down the field to tie or win, and got down to the GACC 15 where they went for it on fourth down and were stopped.

GACC took over at their own 15 with 6:49 left in the game and were able to pick up enough first downs to eventually run out the clock, securing the 40-34 victory.

Horejsi was the S&W Welding Player of the Game for Howells-Dodge, and Steffen earned the award for GACC.

Minnick of GACC was the recipient of the CharterWest Sportsmanship Award.

Steffen was 9-15 passing for 119 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He also ran the ball 12 times for 101 yards and a touchdown. Minnick ran the ball 10 times for 72 yards, scoring twice.

Nate Yosten made 17 tackles while Steffen notched 15. Blake Pojar made 11 while Minnick had 9. Casey Doernemann and Cash Meier each made 8 while Jadyn Smeal totaled 7.

The Bluejays amassed 356 yards of total offense, including 237 on the ground.

The defense gave up 289 yards of total offense, 264 of them rushing.

Head Coach Dave Ridder says his players weren't physical enough in the 1st half.  "Yeah we just told them we have to stick with it. We always know it's a long game, and they're a very good physical team and very well coached. Came out and they just hit us in the mouth and we didn't respond very well in the first few series in the half. And then we start figuring out that we need to play a little bit more physical to be able to be competitive, and we came out and played a lot more physical ball. But we're still not where we want to be there."

GACC improves to 9-1 on the season, and will face Exeter-Milligan/Friend (10-0) on the road in the D1 Quarterfinals Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m. in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

EMF won 40-28 at home over Fullerton in Wednesday's 2nd round.

Ridder on the matchup. "They're tough cause we go to camp up in South Dakota and we saw them up there. And with them and Friend together they have a lot of good athletes and a lot of good players and speed. So it's going to be a heck of a challenge for us."

It does figure to be a very tough game for the Bluejays, but I think GACC can definitely win.

Minnick is supposed to play from what I hear, and if he's healthy the whole time then the Bluejays should really be in business.

What a great job by GACC winning without him on Wednesday though.

I have to admit after he went out on Wednesday I thought Howells-Dodge might run away with things.

That wasn't the case though.

The Bluejays stuck with it and persevered, and kids like Steffen, Hass, and Smeal really stepped up.

That's what it's going to take for GACC to win again on Tuesday night.

The Bluejays are going to have to play as a close knit team and unit once again.

GACC has a very tough and difficult hurdle to climb, and the winner will really be challenged in the Semifinals.

The road to Lincoln is certainly not an easy one for the Bluejays, but I think GACC is going to be a very tough out.

The Bluejays have to have the same kind of offensive balance they had against the Jaguars, and must slow down EMF's running game.

If GACC can make EMF one dimensional like they did Howells-Dodge then I think they stand a good chance to win.

Defense is going to be big in this one I feel.

Both defenses and offenses are good, and I think these teams are about dead even so it should be a great game.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. with pregame at 5:30 on the Bull.

In a treat made for Halloween, Guardian Angels Central Catholic defeated Howells-Dodge 40-34 in the second round of the Class D1 football playoffs on Wednesday night, as heard on 107.9 The Bull.

Howells-Dodge started the game with authority, scoring on the very first play of the game as Dylan Horejsi raced 57 yards for the score, going up 8-0.

GACC fumbled on their first possession, giving the Jaguars the ball on the Bluejays 24-yard line. Horejsi reached the end zone for the second time in the first quarter, this time from two yards out. The score was 14-0 in favor of the Jaguars with 8:12 left in the first.

The Bluejays were able to get on the scoreboard on their next possession, capping off a 49-yard drive with a two yard run by Jared Minnick. The score was 14-6 with 4:01 in the first.

The Jaguars scored on their third straight offensive possession in the first half, a 25-yard pass from Darrin Pokorny to Luke Rocheford, making it 20-6 Howells-Dodge.

After Being forced to punt, the Bluejays were able to hold Howells-Dodge on fourth down from the GACC 30. GACC then took two plays to score again, a 49 yard run by Minnick, making it 20-14, still in favor of Howells-Dodge.

Howells-Dodge punted on the next possession, and GACC set up at the Jaguar 27 following a bad snap on the punt. The Bluejays tied the game on a 11 yard pass from Cody Steffen to Minnick, making it 20-20 with 1:40 left in the first half

The Jaguars weren't done just yet however, as they would go 51 yards in 18 seconds, thanks to a 33 yard touchdown run by Horejsi, and Howells-Dodge would take a 26-20 lead into halftime.

There were two key injuries in the first half. Howells-Dodge's Trevor Schumacher was injured earlier in the first half and was taken off the field in an ambulance. GACC's Jared Minnick pulled his hamstring late in the second quarter. Both players missed the second half.

GACC got the ball to start the second half, starting at their own 5. Steffen raced 63 yards for a touchdown tying the game 26-26 with 10:54 in the third.

Howells-Dodge was turned away on fourth down from midfield on their first offensive possession of the second half. The Bluejays took advantage and finished the drive with a 45 yard scoring pass from Steffen to Jadyn Smeal. The two point conversion was good, and GACC led 34-26 with 7:08 in the third.

The Jaguars answered right back, however, marching 48 yards and ending the drive on a three yard touchdown run by Horejsi, his fourth of the night. The two point try tied the game at 34-34 with 3:44 in the third.

GACC punted and then Howells-Dodge fumbled, with the Bluejays recovering at their own 28 yard line. The Bluejays finished the drive with a 29 yard touchdown run by Noah Hass, giving GACC a 40-34 lead with 10:53 left in the game.

Howells-Dodge started marching down the field to tie or win, and got down to the GACC 15 where they went for it on fourth down and were stopped.

GACC took over at their own 15 with 6:49 left in the game and were able to pick up enough first downs to eventually run out the clock, securing the 40-34 victory.

Horejsi was the S&W Welding Player of the Game for Howells-Dodge, and Steffen earned the award for GACC.

Minnick of GACC was the recipient of the CharterWest Sportsmanship Award.

Horejsi finished with 232 yards rushing on 35 carries and four touchdowns.

Levi Belina and Wyatt Hegemann each made 18 tackles while Carter Throener had 10. Pokorny totaled 9 while Lane Hegemann and Carter Jensen each made 8.

The Jaguars racked up 289 yards of total offense, including 264 on the ground.

The defense gave up 356 yards of total offense, including 237 rushing.

Great effort from Howells-Dodge, who came out and smacked GACC in the mouth early.

Howells-Dodge ends their season at 7-3 overall.

Solid season for the Jaguars.

Key wins came over Wakefield, Clarkson/Leigh, Laurel-Concord-Coleridge, and Neligh-Oakdale, plus Cross County in the playoffs.

You're in pretty good company defeating those five teams.

Pokorny finished with 807 yards passing and 11 touchdowns this season.

Horejsi had 1,630 yards and 25 touchdowns to lead the team in the run game.

Defensively, Schumacher made 129 tackles to lead the team.

I think Schumacher getting hurt and not having him for much of the game with the Bluejays really hurt the Jaguars.

Howells-Dodge says goodbye to Chad Young, Josh Brester, Gaute Gunleiksrud, Lane Hegemann, Kade Hegemann, Horejsi, Mitch Yosten, Jensen, and Mike Balsley.

These seniors were huge contributors to Jaguar Football, and will be sorely missed I don't think there's any doubt about it.

Key returners include Rocheford, Pokorny, Charlie Dvorak, Schumacher, Blake Sindelar, and Wyatt Hegemann.

It sounds like Howells-Dodge will be good again, but young next year.

The Jaguars have to replace Horejsi at running back, and both Kade and Lane Hegemann, along with Yosten, up front.

I think Pokorny might need to step up and shoulder more of the load next year, but we will see.

I think one thing is for sure...Howells-Dodge is going to need new players to step up and emerge, and be forces and factors for next year's team.

The schedule figures to be tough again for the Jaguars so Howells-Dodge has a lot of work to do this offseason if they want to be a really good team once again.

The Jaguars figure to be comprised of a lot of seniors and sophomores next year so it will be interesting to see how the upperclassmen and underclassmen come together.

The Wisner-Pilger Football Team fell 66-12 at Creighton in the 2nd round of the playoffs on Wednesday.

Tough ending to the year for the Gators, who wrap up a nice season at 7-3.

Here is a picture from the team send off on Wednesday:












Photo Credit: Alicia Moyer

It was certainly a great season for Wisner-Pilger.

The Gators accomplished a lot this year and sent a message to other 8-man teams that they are a team to be reckoned with.

Wisner-Pilger came close to upsetting GACC.

The Gators part ways with seniors Jayden Raabe, Jacob Borgelt, and Dylan Uhing.

These 3 will be missed no doubt, but I think Wisner-Pilger has to be very excited about the future of the program.

The Gators bring back the likes of Gavin Lampman, Marqus Eddy, Trevor Styskal, Klay Koehlmoos, Justin Pieper, and Mason Dimon.

Next year figures to be the year for Wisner-Pilger as they figure to be pretty senior laden.

I think the Gators can build off what they did this year and make an even deeper run in the playoffs next year.

There's no reason to think Wisner-Pilger won't have another good team again next year.

The Gators should be a big time threat to do something again next year, and figure to be a force to be reckoned with.

I look for Wisner-Pilger to go out there and have more success in 2019.

The Gators should be more confident and energetic when working out this offseason I would think.

Maybe a little more hop and pep to their step after the result of this past season.

I think this season's success can be used as motivation to get even better this offseason and workout often in preparation for next year.

Kids should be very willing and ready to lift a ton, play the game often, condition a lot, and attend team camps and leagues and things of that sort.

With a lot of hard work, determination, and perseverance this offseason Wisner-Pilger should be a team to be reckoned with once again next year.

It was a wild finish in Oakland Friday night as Oakland-Craig beat Shelby-Rising City 28-22 thanks to a punt that went over the Huskies' punter's head with 7 seconds left in regulation with the game tied at 22, a bad snap that the Knights recovered in the end zone with no time left in the game.

The game was tied at 14 at halftime after neither team scored in the 1st quarter, and Shelby-Rising City went up 22-14 after three, winning the 3rd quarter 8-0, before Oakland-Craig shutout the Huskies 14-0 in the 4th quarter.

Jefferson McNeill had 105 yards rushing on 9 carries while Robby Mayberry rushed for 91 yards on 26 attempts.

Mike Brands led the way defensively with 9 tackles.

The Knights had 306 yards of total offense, including 271 rushing.

The defense gave up 268 yards of total offense, 246 of them passing.

Unreal finish for Oakland-Craig. I'm sure the Knights will take it any way they can get it this time of year.

Oakland-Craig (10-0) hosts Wilber-Clatonia (9-1) in the State Quarterfinals Friday night.

The Wolverines won 47-39 at home over North Bend Central last week.

Wilber-Clatonia is kind of like Jekyll and Hyde. They shutout Freeman and blow out Bergan, but get routed by Sutton.

The Wolverines are legit though. They have recorded five shutouts on the season.

The Tigers lit them up though, and I don't see why the Knights can't have success offensively against Wilber-Clatonia as well.

Oakland-Craig has to play better than they did against Shelby-Rising City though.

The Knights need to not only run the football, but be able to be balanced and throw it as well.

North Bend Central had 382 yards passing against Wilber-Clatonia so there's no reason why Jared Mulder shouldn't be able to hit some passes.

The Wolverines are a run oriented team so I think that bodes well for Oakland-Craig's defense.

This figures to be a very tight, physical football game that could go either way and could very well come down to the wire.

I think the Knights have a better chance of winning this one since they're at home as opposed to if they were on the road.

We'll see what happens, but I think Oakland-Craig has a chance to pull this one out.

This game is too tough to predict for sure, but I think the Knights can definitely win.

McNeill and Mayberry need to come up big in the run game again, and if they do that will be to Oakland-Craig's advantage.

It should be another great game in Oakland Friday night, and I'm very curious to see how it all plays and turns out.

The Knights have had a great season, but this could very well be their toughest game of the year so far.

BRLD was a very tough game, and I think this one has the potential to be like that game in terms of how close the score is.

Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. in Oakland.

The BRLD Football Team topped Freeman 56-39 at home in the 1st round of the playoffs Friday night.

Will Gatzemeyer was 11-22 passing for 257 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 104 yards on 15 carries and a score. Jackson Beaudette carried the ball 25 times for 154 yards, and scored once. Lucas Vogt had 7 catches for 165 yards and four touchdowns. Dylan Beutler made one catch for 55 yards, good enough for a TD.

Gatzemeyer, Vogt, and Derek Petersen notched 12 tackles apiece while Parker Paulson and Jaxon Johnson made 10 and 8, respectively.

The Wolverines racked up 552 yards of total offense, including 295 rushing.

Great offensive effort from BRLD and great effort overall. The Wolverines are going to be very difficult to beat putting up those kind of numbers.

BRLD (8-2) takes on Centennial (10-0) on the road in the State Quarterfinals Friday night in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Broncos shutout North Platte St. Pat's 28-0 at home in the opening round of the playoffs last week.

I feel this game has upset potential.

The thing of it is though Centennial appears to be the complete team offensively and defensively.

BRLD has a really good offense, and their defense has been good too, but the Wolverines gave up a lot of points to the Falcons and Norfolk Catholic earlier in the season.

I think BRLD's defense is need to going to play real well for the Wolverines to win.

The offense has to do what they did last week too, and continue this wave of momentum they currently have.

BRLD can definitely win this one, they just have to finish.

The Wolverines can't afford to get off to a good start and taper off like they did against Oakland-Craig.

That can't happen if BRLD wants to spring the upset.

Centennial is a good football team, and beating them in their place won't be easy.

It's the playoffs though, and anything can happen, and crazy things could certainly take place in this one.

I think Gatzemeyer needs to have another big game for the Wolverines to be able to win, and Beaudette, Vogt, and Beutler all need to play well again as well for BRLD.

The Wolverines have to get physical with the Broncos and play smashmouth, in your face, Northeast Nebraska Football.

This one has all the makings of being a great one and an instant classic, and BRLD has to go out there and take the bull by the horns, literally.

The Wolverines have to take what's theirs, and stake claim to a berth in the State Semifinals.

It should be a great game, and I can't wait to see what happens.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. with pregame at 6:30 p.m. on the Bull.

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Football Team blew out Thayer Central 48-14 at home in the first round of the playoffs Thursday night.

The Bluejays led 14-0 after one, and blanked the Titans 22-0 in the 2nd quarter to take a 36-0 halftime lead.

GACC shutout Thayer Central 12-0 in the 3rd quarter to go up 48-0 at the end of three.

The Titans blanked the Bluejays 14-0 in the 4th quarter.

Jared Minnick had 209 yards rushing on 24 carries, including three touchdowns.

Cody Steffen was 4-9 passing for 103 yards with a touchdown. Smeal caught all four passes for 103 yards and the touchdown.

Smeal made a team-high 10 tackles while Blake Pojar, Casey Doernemann, Steffen, Noah Hass, and Cash Meier notched 7 each.

GACC had 382 yards of total offense, including 279 on the ground.

The defense gave up 225 yards of total offense, 202 coming through the air.

Dominant win for the Bluejays as GACC really took it to the Titans the first three quarters.

The Bluejays (8-1) host Howells-Dodge (7-2) in the second round of the playoffs in a game that will be aired on 107.9 the Bull Wednesday night.

The Jaguars hammered Cross County 52-12 at home in the opening round of the playoffs on Thursday.

GACC beat Howells-Dodge 32-28 on the road in the regular season.

The Jaguars are without Kade Hegemann, or at least have been for much of the season, but Howells-Dodge's offensive and defensive lines really stepped up last week.

The Bluejays' line has to really step up their game this week as well.

These two teams are so good and dead even that it's hard to say who's going to win.

Both teams are similar and very good, physical, running football teams.

About all that separates the two in this one, in my opinion, is the fact that GACC has Smeal and the game is in Beemer.

Those are the two advantages I give the Bluejays in what otherwise is an even football game, in my opinion.

Minnick needs to go off and GACC has to be explosive on offense.

The Bluejays need big chunk plays and need to play physical and try and slow down the Jaguars' run game.

This game could come down to a final drive or play much like it did the first time these two teams met.

It's never easy to beat a team twice in a season, and so it will be interesting to see what happens Wednesday night.

The winner gets Exeter-Milligan/Friend or Fullerton in the Quarterfinals, and GACC hopes it's them that moves on.

It should be a great game....one of those games that you hate to see someone lose.

Unfortunately, there has to be a winner and a loser though so the Bluejays have to do everything they can to win.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in Beemer with pregame at 6:30 on the Bull.

The Howells-Dodge Football Team rolled Cross County 52-12 at home in the first round of the playoffs Thursday night.

The Jaguars led 16-0 after one, and won the 2nd quarter 8-6 to take a 24-6 lead into the locker room.

Howells-Dodge outscored the Cougars 14-6 in the 3rd quarter to go up 38-12 at the end of three.

The Jaguars blanked Cross County 14-0 in the 4th quarter.

Here is the scoring summary of the game:

First Quarter
Howells-Dodge 1 11:47 Kickoff by #42 Dylan Sperling to the 31 yard line. #1 Luke Rocheford return for 69 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion run by #3 Josh Brester good)
Howells-Dodge 1 01:49 #28 Dylan Horejsi runs for 6 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion run by #28 Dylan Horejsi good)

Second Quarter
Cross County 2 08:59 #8 Grant Hollinger runs for 1 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion run by #8 Grant Hollinger no good)
Howells-Dodge 2 00:00 #28 Dylan Horejsi runs for 53 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion run by #10 Darrin Pokorny good)

Third Quarter
Cross County 3 10:01 #8 Grant Hollinger pass intended for Team. Intercepted by #1 Luke Rocheford. (Two point conversion run by #28 Dylan Horejsi good)
Cross County 3 05:59 #8 Grant Hollinger pass complete to #7 Isaac Noyd for 9 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion run by #8 Grant Hollinger no good)
Howells-Dodge 3 02:26 #28 Dylan Horejsi runs for 5 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion run by #28 Dylan Horejsi no good)

Fourth Quarter
Howells-Dodge 4 10:50 #28 Dylan Horejsi runs for 6 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion pass by #10 Darrin Pokorny to #1 Luke Rocheford good)
Howells-Dodge 4 02:15 #4 Gaute Gunleiksrud runs for 39 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion run by #88 Mike Balsley no good)

Horejsi had 222 yards rushing on 30 carries, including four touchdowns.

Trevor Schumacher totaled 18 tackles while Carter Throener notched 15. Levi Belina and Brester had 14 apiece while Pokorny and Lane Hegemann made 9 each. Carter Jensen chipped in 7.

The Jaguars had 322 yards of total offense, including 316 rushing.

Head Coach Mike Speirs says the lines answered the bell. "The guys played really well tonight, especially up-front in the trenches on both sides of the ball. We asked a lot out of our lines for this game and the really stepped up."

Howells-Dodge (7-2) takes on GACC (8-1) on the road in the second round of the playoffs Wednesday night in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Bluejays beat Thayer Central 48-14 at home in the first round of the playoffs Thursday night.

This should be a great game.

Both teams are very similar and even, in my opinion.

GACC beat Howells-Dodge 32-28 on the road in the regular season.

I feel both teams are similar, yet different in ways right now as well.

The Jaguars seemed to have answered the bell without Kade Hegemann so perhaps their defensive issues are resolved.

Both teams are very physical and like to run the football, and have outstanding running backs.

I think the difference in the game could be the passing game.

GACC has Jadyn Smeal, and Howells-Dodge has proven they can sling the ball around the yard when called upon as well.

Both QB's are solid, and this should be a great outstanding battle.

Both teams are about even up front, in my opinion, and I think the battle up front will be the difference in this one.

The team that plays better up front will win the game, in my opinion.

Turnovers and penalties could play a key role in this one as well.

The Jaguars have to come ready to bring the lunch pail because this should be a great and outstanding Football game.

It's win or go home for Howells-Dodge so the Jaguars have to maximize their potential and abilities.

Horejsi has to run hard and the offensive and defensive lines have to be very physical.

As well as the lines played last week, they may need to play even better this week if that's possible.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on the Bull with pregame at 6:30.

The winner gets Exeter-Milligan/Friend or Fullerton in the Quarterfinals next Tuesday.

The Wisner-Pilger Football Team won their opening game of the playoffs Thursday night, defeating Nebraska City Lourdes 42-6 at home.

The Gators led 14-6 after one, and blanked the Knights 6-0 in the 2nd quarter to take a 20-6 lead into the locker room.

Wisner-Pilger shutout Lourdes 8-0 in the 3rd quarter to go up 28-6 at the end of three.

The Gators blanked the Knights 14-0 in the 4th quarter to make up the final score.

Trevor Styskal had 107 yards rushing on 15 carries, including three touchdowns. Gavin Lampman added 67 yards rushing on 12 carries.

Colby Heller made 9 tackles while Jayden Raabe, Dylan Kneifl, and Mason Dimon notched 8 apiece.

Wisner-Pilger racked up 293 yards of total offense, including 257 on the ground.

Very nice win for the Gators. Wisner-Pilger won this a lot easier than I thought they would.

The Gators (7-2) take on Creighton (9-0) in the second round of the playoffs in Creighton Wednesday night.

The Bulldogs dispatched of Southern 82-28 at home in Thursday's first round.

Creighton has been dominate all season like they are every regular season, but Wisner-Pilger is a dangerous team right now.

The Gators played great Football Thursday night, and if they play like that again Wednesday night they could very well spring the upset.

The Bulldogs usually find a way to lose to good teams this time of year, and Wisner-Pilger is a good team.

The Gators have to go up there with nothing to lose and reckless abandonment.

Wisner-Pilger should fear no one, including Creighton.

It's a big game for the Gators, and Wisner-Pilger has to go up there and give an all out effort.

Styskal needs to have a big game as does Lampman.

The Gators need to catch some breaks and make some big plays at the end.

Wisner-Pilger is very deep, and having depth in a game like this is huge.

I don't know if you will see the Gators wear out.

I feel Wisner-Pilger has enough players to stay fresh and keep everyone well rested.

The Gators have to come ready to hit hard and lay the smackdown on the Bulldogs.

Wisner-Pilger has to go in there confident, but not too confident or arrogant.

The Gators have to believe they can win, but not let it go to their heads.

Wisner-Pilger has to get fired up though and be ready to hit hard and play physical football.

I really think being a former 11-man team really helps the Gators.

It'll be interesting to see if Wisner-Pilger can put any fear in Creighton.

The Gators have nothing to lose and everything to gain, and should face no pressure at all.

All the pressure should be squarely on the Bulldogs' shoulders.

Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m.

The Emerson-Hubbard Football Team saw their season come to an end Thursday night as they lost 60-26 at Allen in the first round of the playoffs.

The Pirates got down 12-8 after one before the Eagles outscored them 22-6 in the 2nd quarter to go up 34-14 at halftime.

Both teams scored 6 points in the 3rd quarter, and the score was 40-20 at the end of three in favor of Allen.

The Eagles put the game away in the 4th quarter, outscoring Emerson-Hubbard 20-6 in the final frame.

Nolan Belt had 121 yards rushing on 18 carries, and scored twice. Nolan Ostrand rushed for 64 yards on 14 attempts while Spencer Burcham registered 62 yards on the ground on 18 carries, and scored twice. Belt was 6-20 passing for 61 yards with an interception. Burcham had 4 receptions for 55 yards.

Jacob Kneifl racked up 19 tackles while Zach Shanks made 13. Belt, Burcham, and Micah Lamprecht each made 12 while Ostrand notched 11.

The Pirates had 329 yards of total offense, including 268 rushing.

The defense gave up 458 yards of total offense, 407 coming on the ground.

I was surprised by the manner inn which Allen won. I did not see the Eagles rushing for over 400 yards on Emerson-Hubbard.

The Pirates' season concludes at 6-3.

It was a very memorable year for Emerson-Hubbard all things considered.

The Pirates won a District Championship and made the playoffs.

There's plenty to be proud this year if you are Emerson-Hubbard.

Belt finished with 803 yards passing and 9 touchdowns this year while Burcham was the leading rusher with 930 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season. Ostrand notched 705 yards and 7 touchdowns rushing while Belt rushed for 642 yards and 19 touchdowns on the year. Kneifl finished with 143 tackles while Ostrand and Lamprecht had 110 and 109, respectively.

Seniors include Kneifl, Burcham, Lamprecht, and Ostrand.

Some good talent lost to graduation this year without a doubt.

Key returners include Belt, Hunter Schock, Zach Shanks, and Tyler Stark.

I think the Pirates can be good again next year.

Emerson-Hubbard loses some key pieces, but perhaps there will be newcomers who can step in and produce and be leaders.

The Pirates lose a ton of offensive production, but the guys they bring back should step up and do well one would think.

Emerson-Hubbard has to have a good offseason and has to be dedicated to the weight room and field.

The players have to lift hard, play hard, and run hard, and hone their skills on the field.

Staying active in off the field activities will be important for the Pirates as well.

Having a summer job or doing something besides sitting inside and playing video games will suit these kids well, in my opinion.

Emerson-Hubbard has to go out there and be the best conditioned team they can be before the start of next season.

The Pirates have to workout as often as possible, and be in great physical shape to wear teams down in the 4th quarter.

The Clarkson/Leigh Football Team lost 62-34 at Hartington-Newcastle in the first round of the playoffs Thursday night in action heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Patriots led 14-12 after one before the Wildcats outscored them 30-14 in the second quarter to go up 42-28 at halftime.

Hartington-Newcastle outscored Clarkson/Leigh 20-0 in the 3rd quarter to lead 62-28 at the end of three.

The Patriots won the 4th quarter 6-0.

Tommy McEvoy had 233 yards rushing on 32 carries, including 4 touchdowns. Lance Paprocki added 74 yards rushing on 21 carries.

McEvoy led the way with 9 tackles.

Clarkson/Leigh had 385 yards of total offense, including 377 rushing.

The defense surrendered 444 yards of total offense, 246 coming on the ground.

I would say the lack of a passing game and the inability to come up with stops is what cost the Patriots Thursday night.

Clarkson/Leigh's season ends at 5-4.

McEvoy led the way in rushing this season with 1708 yards and 30 touchdowns.

He also led the team in tackles with 78.

McEvoy is a very special player, and I'm excited to see what he can do over the course of the next two years.

The Patriots say goodbye to Travis Stanley, Douglas Pocasangre, Raoul Heillman, Cort Pokorney, and John Langhorst.

Key returners include Paprocki, Logan Schroeder, Isaak Wiese, Austin Sayers, Layne Krutz, and of course McEvoy.

This team has a chance to be really good next year, in my opinion.

I think how Clarkson/Leigh ended the season has to motivate them heading into next year.

The Patriots did a lot of nice things this year, but lost their first and last two games of the season.

I'm sure Clarkson/Leigh will look to start and finish better next season.

"Finish" has to be the Patriots' motto heading into next year.

Clarkson/Leigh has some unfinished business to attend to next year, and has to come ready to work hard every single day this offseason.

I look for McEvoy to be a beast next year once again, and dominate.

The Patriots have to lift hard, run hard, and play hard this offseason.

Clarkson/Leigh needs to have a good basketball season and spring sports season too, but be ready for Football once that all ends and perhaps even before.

I look for the Patriots to have a good offseason and be ready to go when next season comes around.

I think Clarkson/Leigh probably has a sour taste in their mouth given the playoff loss, but I look for that to only fuel and motivate the Patriots heading into next season.

The sooner the Patriots get after it, the better off they will be for next year.

The Pender Football Team saw their season come to an end on Thursday as the Pendragons lost 82-3 at Johnson-Brock in the first round of the playoffs.

The Eagles led 34-0 after one and outscored Pender 26-3 in the 2nd quarter to take a 60-3 lead into the locker room.

Johnson-Brock shutout the Pendragons 16-0 in the 3rd quarter to lead 76-3 after three.

The Eagles blanked Pender 6-0 in the 4th quarter to make up the final score.

The defense gave up 386 yards of total offense, including 207 on the ground.

Not the type of game the Pendragons were hoping for in the playoffs I'm sure.

Pender ends the season at 4-5.

It was a slow start to the season for the Pendragons, but Pender won 3 out of their last 4 regular season games to make the playoffs.

The Pendragons says goodbye to Julius Kasiske, Jaydon Jump, Jakob Cady, Sam Mailoux, and Gabriel Perez.

These five seniors will be missed without a doubt, but Pender has to be excited about their future.

Returners for next year include Dylan Vogt, Kaiden Mrsny, Caleb Trimble, Austin Roth, Jaxon Mrsny, Jaxon Maise, Eric Hathaway, Larry McManigal, and Lucas Timm.

The Pendragons were young this year, but appear to be loaded with talent heading into next season.

Pender has to be excited and optimist about their future, and has to feel good about things heading into next year.

The Pendragons have to wake up every day this offseason ready to get to work.

The kids have to work hard in the weightroom and work on individual skills and agility drills over the course of the summer, and maybe even more.

I know a lot of these kids play winter and spring sports, but this team has a great chance to be good at Football next year.

Pender has a very good baseball program, and I know doing that in the summer kind of takes away from football some, but if Pender can devote proper time to Football it could make a big difference heading into next fall.

The Pendrgaons have to get bigger, faster, and stronger, and must take it upon themselves to improve and get better.

I look for Pender to have a nice offseason, and gear up and get ready for big things in 2018.

The Pendragons have to set big goals and have high aspirations for great things next season.

The future is what Pender makes of it.

The sky is the limit for these kids, but they have to put the time and work hard to have another good season next year.

The North Bend Central Football Team was defeated 47-39 Friday night against Wilber-Clatonia on the road in the first round of the playoffs.

The Tigers received the ball and scored on their first drive on a 37-yard TD pass from Austin Endorf to Cody Pospisil.

Wilber scored two unanswered TDs to take a 14-6 lead.

North Bend Central then cut the deficit to 14-13 on a 18 yard TD pass from Endorf to John Emanuel towards the end of the 1st quarter.

Wilber then took a 21-13 lead on a QB sneak but the Tigers responded by scoring two touchdowns in the final 66 seconds of the half giving them a 26-21 lead -- the first score a 49-yard touchdown pass from Endorf to Emanuel and then the second a 37-yard pass from Endorf to Cody Prohaska.

In the second half, both teams went 3 and out but they returned North Bend Central's punt 60 yards for a TD and scored another TD on a 14 yard pass. The Tigers cut the lead to 33-32 on a 2 yard TD pass on 4th and goal.

They then scored their final TD on 1-yard TD run.

The Tigers didn't give up though, they went right down the field and scored on a 9-yard TD pass from Endorf to Pospisil.

North Bend Central got the ball back down 8 points and missed a wide open receiver on a double pass, had to punt before the got a couple first downs and ended the game.

Endorf was 24-35 for 382 yards passing with 6 TDs and 0 int. -- he played absolutely tremendous, according to Head Coach Ryan Stieren.

Emanuel caught 11 passes for 214 yards and 2 TDs -- he also played outstanding, according to Stieren, who thinks he is an all-state player.

The Tigers rushed 30 times for 78 yards -- struggled in the run game -- they were improved this year but struggled in their losses to run the ball, Stieren said.

Defensively, North Bend Central gave 416 yards (322 on the ground). Pospisil led the Tigers defensively with 8 tackles and an interception. Breckin Peters and Gavin Peterson made 7 tackles apiece.

Stieren says he's proud of what the team accomplished this season. "It was a great high school football game and I am proud of our kids for the fight that we showed tonight. We went down swinging and got some really shots on them throughout the night but they made more plays at the end of the night. Coming into the game, I knew that the their special teams were special and we did some things to try to negate that but they got a punt return for a TD that hurt us. We had a great season and will work tremendously hard this offseason to get back next year."

North Bend Central ends the season at 6-4.

The Tigers started the year 5-0, and won a big game at GICC in mid-September that was their biggest and most exciting win of the year, in my opinion.

It was a very memorable season for North Bend Central, and the Tigers should be very proud of what they accomplished.

Endorf finished with over 2,600 yards passing and threw 29 touchdowns this season.

Emanuel eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark receiving, totaling 1,086 receiving yards with 9 touchdowns.

Peterson led the way with 66 tackles while Emanuel had 64 and Ben Rolenc added 60.

North Bend Central says goodbye to Emanuel, Joe Howser, Zach Ortmeier, Jacob Ray, Cole Kluthe, Sam Buckingham, Rolenc, Trevor Nelson, Zander Ziettlow, Jeremy Doernemann, and Daden Farrens.

These 11 seniors meant a lot to the success of Tiger Football over the past 4 years, and played an integral part in this program's turnaround.

Key returners include Endorf, Peters, Prohaska, Jarrett Poessnecker, and Peyton Mitties, among others.

A lot of talent was lost off this year's team, but there's no doubt that next year's team can be just as good if not better than this year's team.

I look for Endorf and Peters to have big, breakout seasons, and really perform well for North Bend Central.

The Tigers have a full slate offseason activities in front of them, and should be excited to get after things.

I know many of these student athletes are involved in winter and spring sports, but being committed to and working on football as often as possible is key and very important.

North Bend Central has to get after it on the field and in the weightroom between now and next fall.

Champions are made between December and July, not between August and November.

The Tigers now see what winning and success is and feels like, and I look for them to continue to build upon it and find more success next year.

The West Point-Beemer Football Team saw their season come to an end Friday night as the Cadets lost 23-7 at Gothenburg in the first round of the playoffs in action aired on 107.9 the Bull.

I'm sure it wasn't the type of game West Point-Beemer was expecting or hoping for.

The Cadets end the season at 7-3.

West Point-Beemer had a nice season, picking up big wins over Boys Town, Columbus Scotus, and Boone Central, among others.

The Cadets should be very proud of what they accomplished this season.

West Point-Beemer says goodbye to seniors Ben Vander Griend, Jose Salazar, Kade Hughes, Blake Anderson, Jose Alvarado, Gage Vance, Kirby Hughes, Chase Eisenhauer, Dylan Newkirk, Jakob Andreason, Luis Medina, Martin Quinones, Ethan Mayes, and Jesus Medina.

These 14 seniors will be missed without a doubt as they meant a lot to West Point-Beemer Football.

Key returners include Jesus Barragan, Jacob Reimers, Manny Barragan, and Joe Rodriguez, among others.

I think there's a lot of question marks and uncertainty heading into next season for the Cadets.

I feel there will be a lot of players out there next season that not a lot of people have heard about.

I think that's nerve racking and exciting at the same time.

I think it's exciting from the standpoint that people can think about all offseason what it will be like to see new players next year, but nervous at the same time because you don't know what you are going to get.

West Point-Beemer's returning players and newcomers have to participate in as many football related activities in the offseason as possible.

Going to team camps, other summer camps, and taking part in summer workouts and conditioning is all important for these kids to be successful, in my opinion.

They have to work hard in the weightroom and on the field too.

The Cadets have to give 110% in everything they do, and become successful football players and young men on and off the field.

Doing team related bonding activities and serving the community is important as well for West Point-Beemer I would say.

The Cadets need to have a good offseason, it really is key.

Players need to grow and develop and mold into men by the time next fall rolls around.