Team: Guardian Angels Central Catholic
Mascot: Bluejays
Colors: Blue and White
Class: D-1
Head Coach: Dave Ridder (15th season)
2016 record: 12-1 (Lost State Championship Game to Burwell)
Returning Starters: 3 offense 3 defense
Overview:
The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Football Team aims to have another big season this year after finishing runner-up in Class D-1 a year ago. Head Coach Dave Ridder says the Bluejays bring back quite a bit of talent. "Derek Petz (5'9, 175) will be Quarterback, and (Jared) Minnick's (6'0, 180) back at running back. And we have Jacob Yosten (5'7, 240) and Michael Baumert (5'6, 190), and Jaden Rahn (210). And then Ross Klitz is back also, and we also have Casey Doernemann (6'4, 245) as a Sophomore, who played a lot last year as a freshman. We have some pretty good talented guys coming back. It's going to be a mix of sophomores, juniors, and seniors."
Teams like GACC don't rebuild, they simply reload. I think a lot of people underestimated the Bluejays last year, and they proved a lot of doubters wrong.
I look at this season as a similar type situation. I've been hearing from some that they don't expect GACC to do what they did last year. I would say the Bluejays have another opportunity to prove doubters wrong and have another fantastic season.
I think GACC will be a team that gets stronger as the season goes along, and will play their best football at the end of the season, and make another great postseason run.
The Bluejays graduated a lot from last year, there's no doubt about that, but GACC has a lot of pride and tradition, and always finds a way to be good.
I look for this year to be no exception. I think the Bluejays will put a quality product on the field just like they have for a long time prior.
Last year's motto was average ordinary guys so we'll see what GACC's motto or slogan is for this year.
One thing is for sure though...I fully expect the Bluejays to bring the lunch pail to work every day in practice and in games, and work their tails off throughout the season.
I'm sure GACC is hungry to get another shot at a state title after losing out in last year's game.
Season Outlook:
GACC, who went 12-1 last season, starts their year next Friday at Nebraska Christian.
Ridder says the Eagles are a hard nosed team. "Oh they're a good physical team, and they like to run the ball. Obviously a lot of teams like to run the ball. And I believe they have their Quarterback back, and he did a nice job for them last year. So we'll have some things we have to finish up with them, and I think we want to try to move the ball on the ground a little bit more this year than last."
The Bluejays won last year's game 28-14.
GACC has a couple of challenging games right off the bat against Nebraska Christian and Clarkson/Leigh. Road games against Nebraska City Lourdes and Pender could prove to be very difficult as well.
GACC had their tough games at home last year, and this year they are on the road so we shall see if that makes a difference.
Ridder says his team needs to play sound football week in and week out to make another playoff run. "We need the kids to be consistent and play well every game. And there's some games that might not be as challenged as much as we'd like, and those are the games that are tough where you have to make yourself better for when you get into that playoff run. And take care of the ball and play good defense. Anytime you play good defense you always have a chance to win things."
The Bluejays have made it to the quarterfinals or further in each of the last three seasons.
Bob Jensen of the Huskerland Prep Report expects GACC to reload this year. "We expect Guardian Angels to be right back to the trough this year. A state final might be a bit much to ask, but for one thing they've got Dave Ridder as their coach, and Dave knows his stuff, and he's worked that program over pretty well. I believe he's got three state finals on his resume."
Jensen projects the Bluejays to win another District Title and make the playoffs.
I would say the key to making that 4 years in a row is not taking the "cupcake" opponents lightly.
GACC has to respect every opponent, and work hard at getting better each and every week.
I'm sure the Bluejays would like to play a tougher schedule, but all GACC can do is play the hand they are dealt.
The Bluejays have to take things one game at a time and really focus in on who they are playing each week.
GACC can't look past anyone, and has to stay humble and committed to excellence.
With all this said, it's GACC, and I'm sure the Bluejays will find a way to be a great team once again this season.
GACC is in District D1-2 with Pender, Homer, Omaha Nation, and Winnebago.
2017 GACC Bluejays Football Schedule:
08/25/17 @ Nebraska Christian
09/01/17 Clarkson/Leigh
09/08/17 Plainview
09/15/17 @ Lourdes Central Catholic
09/22/17 Omaha Nation
10/06/17 @ Homer
10/13/17 Winnebago
10/20/17 @ Pender
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