Guardian Angels Central Catholic aiming for state title

Team: Guardian Angels Central Catholic

Mascot: Bluejays

Colors: Blue and White

Class: D-1

Head Coach: Dave Ridder

2014 record: 11-1 (lost in state semifinals to BDS)

Returning Starters: 4 offense 4 defense


Overview:

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Bluejays have high hopes for 2015 as the Bluejays reached the state semifinals a year ago before losing a tough game to BDS in the state semifinals.

GACC returns all-state running back Tanner Hass (6'2, 195), who only saw action in four games a season ago, yet still managed to rush for 529 yards and six touchdowns.

Seniors Eric Klitz (5'8, 165) and Brandon Hass (5'10, 150) also return at running back for the Bluejays as does junior Mitchell Hass (5'9, 140).

Klitz rushed for 226 yards and four touchdowns last year while Brandon Hass rushed for 202 yards and two touchdowns, and Mitchell Hass ran for 118 yards and two touchdowns.

Junior Nolan Plagge (6'0, 165) will be the team's starting quarterback this season after rushing for 131 yards and three touchdowns a year ago.

Senior tight end Tanner Ortmeier (6'4, 190) figures to get plenty of balls thrown his way this year as he caught 19 passes for 456 yards and nine touchdowns in 2014.

Anchoring things up front will be Noah Kreikemeier (6'3, 190), who was a second-team all-district pick last fall.

On defense, Ortmeier (106 tackles, 10 TFL), senior Luke Gnad (5'7, 175), who had 70 tackles last year, Brandon Hass (59 tackles), Plagge (58 tackles, 8 TFL), Kreikemeier (43 tackles, 6 TFL), Tanner Hass (34 tackles), Klitz (27 tackles), and junior Andrew Guenther (28 tackles) will all be leaders for the Bluejays.

GACC has to be thinking state championship this year. The Bluejays have the talent and skill to make a run at the D-1 crown. GACC figures to be challenged by Howells-Dodge, High Plains, Scribner-Snyder, and Pender.

The Bluejays have to take things one game at a time, and remained focused throughout the season.

GACC will no doubt have a target on their back, which means the Bluejays must be ready to play week in and week out.

GACC has to be ready to play four quarters of football every week, and must make quick work of the teams they're supposed to beat easily.

The Bluejays have to maximize their potential throughout the season if they want to get where they want to.

GACC had a fine season last year, and there's no reason to think the Bluejays won't be good this year.

GACC should be very strong at the running back position, and should be solid up front with Kreikemeier and Ortmeier. Plagge should do well transitioning to quarterback.

The Bluejays should be solid all the way around. GACC should have a very good offense, and a very good defense. The Bluejays will no doubt be tough to beat this season. Teams will have to bring their A game every time they play GACC.

The Bluejays have to stay healthy as do all teams who want to make a run at a state title, but as long as that happens look for GACC to be in the hunt come November.

It should be a special season for the Bluejays. GACC has plenty to look forward to this year.


Season Outlook:

A perfect 8-0 regular season is very possible for Guardian Angels Central Catholic for the second year in a row.

The Bluejays figure to be challenged by the likes of Howells-Dodge, Scribner-Snyder, Pender, and High Plains, but as long as GACC can get by those teams, the Bluejays should be able to take care of the rest of the teams on their schedule and post another perfect regular season record.

The thing GACC can't afford to do this year is look ahead. The Bluejays have to be focused each week on whoever they are playing. Take things one game and one week at a time. That's the recipe for success for GACC.

The Bluejays have the potential to create a lot of lifelong memories this season. There are quite a few seniors on this team, and knowing it's their last hoorah should motivate them a lot.

This is the year for GACC to get the job done. Chances like this don't come every fall. The Bluejays definitely have the pedigree to be a state championship team.

A lot depends on match ups and how well GACC is playing at the end of the season, but I look for the Bluejays to be playing their best football come playoff time.

GACC may struggle in the first quarter or first half of their opener with some players adjusting to new roles and playing together, but it shouldn't take terribly long for everyone to get settled in.

The Bluejays don't rebuild, they simply reload. And I look for that to be the case again this year. It should be a banner year for GACC. The Bluejays could very well bring home some hardware in November.

A state championship would be awesome for the players, coaches, parents, and fans. It would also be good for the city of West Point and the Northeast Nebraska area. I would like to see GACC win a title this year.


2015 Guardian Angels Central Catholic Bluejays Football Schedule:

09/05/15	High Plains Community	D1
09/11/15	@ Omaha Christian Academy	D1
09/18/15	Howells-Dodge	D1
09/25/15	@ Plainview	D1
10/02/15	Scribner-Snyder	D1
10/09/15	@ Pender	D1
10/16/15	Winnebago	D1
10/23/15	@ Omaha Nation	D1