Oakland-Craig loses in Semifinals to Centennial

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.

GACC's season ends in Quarterfinal Playoff loss to Exeter-Milligan/Friend

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.

Oakland-Craig knocks off Wilber-Clatonia in State Quarterfinals

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.

BRLD loses heartbreaker at Centennial

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.

GACC loses Minnick, but still manages to win over Howells-Dodge in 2nd round of playoffs

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.

Howells-Dodge loses shootout at GACC in 2nd round of playoffs

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.

Wisner-Pilger falls at Creighton in 2nd round of playoffs

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.

Oakland-Craig beats Shelby-Rising City on crazy finish

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.

BRLD beats Freeman in opening round of playoffs

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.

GACC thumps Thayer Central in first round of playoffs

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.

Howells-Dodge blows out Cross County in opening round of playoffs

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.

Wisner-Pilger spanks Nebraska City Lourdes in first round of playoffs

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.

Emerson-Hubbard loses in playoffs to Allen

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.

Clarkson/Leigh falls at Hartington-Newcastle in 1st round of playoffs

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.

Pender drops playoff game to Johnson-Brock

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.

North Bend Central drops playoff opener to Wilber-Clatonia

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.

West Point-Beemer loses at Gothenburg in first round of playoffs

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.

North Bend Central clinches first playoff berth since 2008 with win over David City

The North Bend Central Football Team won 34-16 at home against David City Friday night to clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2008 and only the 5th time in school history.

The Tigers opened the game with a 71-yard scoring drive, capped by a 9-yard TD run by Jacob Ray. Later in the 1st quarter Austin Endorf hit Cody Prohaska on a TD throw before David City kicked a field goal, making it 13-3 at the half. David City had a long kick return to begin the 2nd half but North Bend Central turned them over on downs and took the ball right down the field and Ray scored on a 24-yard run. After David City scored, the Tigers had a 92-yard scoring drive as Endorf hit Prohaska again for a 2-yard TD throw. David City scored on a 2-yard run and then recovered an onside kick. North Bend Central turned them over on downs and finished the game's scoring with a 20-yard touchdown catch by John Emanuel from Endorf.

Ray finished with 135 yards rushing on 26 carries. Endorf was 24-31 for 209 yards and 2 TD's throwing. John Emanuel had 8 catches for 115 yards and a TD. Defensively, the Tigers were led by Ben Rolenc who had 2 sacks. Sam Buckingham also had an interception for North Bend Central.

The Tigers had 391 yards of total offense, including 209 through the air.

Head Coach Ryan Stieren says his team did what they needed to do to win. "We played our most complete game of the year against a tough David City team who does not usually beat themselves. Coming into this game, I felt that we needed to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and we did with 184 yards rushing and giving up only 83 yards. Also, we have had penalty issues but this game we only had 5 penalties for 45 yards. My only concern was our kickoff team as we gave up way too many yards on returns tonight. Proud of our kids and we are excited to be in the playoffs."

North Bend Central (6-3) travels to Wilber-Clatonia Friday night to take on the Wolverines (8-1).

Wilber-Clatonia appears to be the real deal. The Wolverines won 38-0 at home over Malcolm in Friday night's regular season finale.

All of Wilber-Clatonia's wins have come by double digits, and they have posted five shutouts.

It's a big deal for the Tigers to just be in the playoffs.

North Bend Central has come a long ways in the last few years, and to make the playoffs when only 16 teams are taken is really saying something.

The Tigers ought to be mighty proud of themselves and what they've accomplished this season.

Everyone deserves a pat on the back.

With that said, the season isn't over yet, and North Bend Central has to gear themselves up to try and win a Football Game.

I'm sure lots of excitement and jubilation has come with this playoff berth, as it should, but it's time for the Tigers to get down to business and gear up for the Wolverines.

North Bend Central is going to need to play a great Football Game to come away with the win.

Wilber-Clatonia Quarterback Mike Pulliam is the one for the Tigers to try and slow down.

The Wolverines are very balanced too so stopping the run and the pass both figures to be a definite challenge for North Bend Central.

I think being balanced offensively again is key for the Tigers.

The Tigers just have to go in there and play their best game and give it their best shot.

If North Bend Central can play like they did against the Scouts and shore things up on special teams they should put themselves in a position to win Friday night, or at least be in the game in the 4th quarter with an opportunity to win.

The Tigers have to come out amped, jacked, psyched, and fired up.

It's not often that North Bend Central makes the playoffs in Football, but here the Tigers are...in the playoffs.

Anything can happen in the playoffs too so North Bend Central has to play for keeps and believe they can win.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.

Oakland-Craig wins C2-2 District Championship over BRLD

The Oakland-Craig Football Team rallied for a 21-20 home win over BRLD in the C2-2 District Championship Game aired on 107.9 the Bull Friday night.

Robby Mayberry had 20 carries for 89 yards and a touchdown while Jefferson McNeill racked up 70 yards on the ground on 6 carries, including a touchdown. Jared Mulder was 7-11 passing for 66 yards.

Mike Brands had 9 tackles while Tyson Harney had 8. Wyatt Uhing and Caden Nelson notched 7 apiece.

The Knights racked up 261 yards of total offense, including 178 rushing.

HUGE win for Oakland-Craig and this program. Credit the Knights for battling back and prevailing.

Oakland-Craig (9-0) hosts Shelby-Rising City (6-3) in the first round of the playoffs Friday night.

The Huskies lost 31-14 at home to David City Aquinas in Friday night's regular season finale.

Shelby-Rising City is a good football team. They beat Battle Creek and North Bend Central by double digits.

The Knights have a huge challenge on their hands and can't overlook the Huskies by any means.

I think Oakland-Craig finds a way to win, especially being at home, but I don't think it will be easy, and feel the game will be close.

I think the Knights have a good chance to make another playoff run, and who knows, could meet up with BRLD in the Semifinals or something.

Oakland-Craig has to focus on and worry about Shelby-Rising City first though.

The Huskies, as I mentioned, are a good football team, and are led by the likes of Mason Schleis, their Quarterback.

I think he is the key to the game for Shelby-Rising City.

I think the Knights got a good idea of how to prepare for a mobile quarterback going up against Will Gatzemeyer of BRLD.

Both are very talented, and Oakland-Craig has their work cut out for them yet again this week.

I feel this game with the Huskies could be decided by single digits, and I have the Knights by 9 at home.

It should be a heck of a battle with a lot of hard hitting so look for both teams to really get after one another for four quarters.

Oakland-Craig is a great team, and they have a lot to accomplish yet this season, and their story is not over or fully written yet.

The 2018 Oakland-Craig Knights Football Team is very special, and an opportunity to make another big and deep playoff run is in front of them.

The Knights have to take full advantage of that opportunity, and go out there and make their school proud.

The winner gets either Wilber-Clatonia or North Bend Central next Friday.

Friday night's game is slated to kickoff at 7:00 p.m. in Oakland.

BRLD loses thriller to Oakland-Craig

The BRLD Football Team lost 21-20 at Oakland-Craig Friday night in the C2-2 District Championship Game aired on 107.9 the Bull.

The Wolverines had a chance to win it as they went up 14-0 before a two-point conversion failed late in the game when Will Gatzemeyer slipped.

BRLD gave up 261 yards of total offense, including 178 on the ground.

Great effort from the Wolverines, but they come up just short.

Head Coach Dan Maresh. "I don't know if our kids just kind of let up a little bit or if it just kind turned a little bit for us, that's Football. I mean that's kind of where it came to. We were clicking pretty good, they made some adjustments, and we just had a couple stumbling blocks at the wrong time. But hey proud of the effort. Proud of that first half. And I think our kids can see what they're capable of."

Maresh on the loss. "We have a future ahead of us. We got playoff time. That's an exciting time of year."

The Wolverines (7-2) host Freeman (7-2) in the first round of the playoffs Friday night.

The Falcons won 34-0 at home over Conestoga Friday night to end the regular season.

Freeman is a solid team, but I don't think they're quite as good as and haven't played the same caliber of opponents that BRLD has.

The Wolverines a very strong, physical Football Team from Northeast Nebraska, and the game is at home.

I look for BRLD to win by a couple of touchdowns and move on to the next round.

The winner gets either Centennial or North Platte St. Pat's in the Quarterfinals next Friday so the Wolverines definitely have their work cut out for them either way if they win.

I think BRLD is playoff ready and equipped though.

I think the Wolverines can do some damage in the playoffs and perhaps pull off a real shocker.

I think BRLD will be extremely motivated given the loss to the Knights to end the regular season.

I feel the Wolverines will play with a chip on their shoulder from here on out, and really get after things.

BRLD has a shot at redemption Friday night so we'll see what the Wolverines can do.

BRLD has to finish what they started this time.

The Wolverines let one get away against Oakland-Craig, and this time BRLD finishes.

The weather should be fine so there shouldn't be any poor field conditions or anything although it could be a little wet with the projected rain in the forecast Wednesday and Thursday.

The Wolverines have to get into beast mode, and be ready to hit hard and lay the hammer and smackdown down.

BRLD has to give 110% on every play Friday night.

The Wolverines have to maximize their potential and ability Friday night, and give the Falcons all they will ever want and then some.

BRLD has to be focused, humble, hungry, and determined.

Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. in Lyons.

West Point-Beemer ends regular season with win at Logan View/Scribner-Snyder

The West Point-Beemer Football Team rounded out the regular season at Logan View/Scribner-Snyder Friday night, winning 40-26.

Good win for the Cadets, who are now making their second straight playoff appearance.

West Point-Beemer (7-2) travels west to take on Gothenburg (7-2) Friday night in the opening round of the playoffs in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Swedes lost 10-7 at Ord in Friday night's regular season finale.

I think the Cadets have a good chance to win this one.

Some of the strongest football is played in Northeast Nebraska.

Gothenburg is very old school in that they will run and try and slow things down and control clock and grind things out.

The Swedes will mix in a pass every once in a while, but otherwise they're really old fashioned.

If West Point-Beemer can spread the field and create big plays I think they'll be in good shape.

Gothenburg is susceptible to giving up the big play, and the Cadets certainly have plenty of dynamic playmakers.

The game being out west is an advantage for the Swedes without a doubt, but West Point-Beemer can definitely go out there and win.

The winner gets either Aurora or Arlington in the Quarterfinals, and so whoever plays the Huskies, assuming they get past the Eagles, is going to have their hands full.

It would be a huge deal for the Cadets to win and be able to host Aurora in the Quarterfinals though.

To win a playoff game for the second straight year would be a huge deal for West Point-Beemer there's no doubt about it.

I don't think anyone expects the Cadets to get past the next round, but just having the opportunity to play the Huskies would be big for this program.

It's a long haul out to Gothenburg, but the ride home will be a lot more jolly and lively if West Point-Beemer wins.

The Cadets have to mentally prepare themselves for the game on the bus ride there and when they get there.

Listening to some of their favorite tunes and just staying relaxed and not letting the long ride out there get to them are all key for West Point-Beemer, in my opinion.

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

Howells-Dodge routs Madison to end regular season

The Howells-Dodge Football Team routed Madison 64-20 on the road Friday night in the regular season finale.

The Jaguars led 22-14 after one, and shutout the Dragons 26-0 in the 2nd quarter to take a 48-14 lead into the locker room.

Howells-Dodge outscored Madison 16-6 in the 3rd quarter to go up 64-20 at the end of three.

Neither team scored in the 4th quarter.

Here is the scoring recap:

First Quarter

Howells-Dodge 1 09:47 #10 Darrin Pokorny runs for 8 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion run by #10 Darrin Pokorny good)
Madison 1 07:23 #40 Elijah Delacruz runs for 28 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion run by #40 Elijah Delacruz good)
Howells-Dodge 1 06:28 #28 Dylan Horejsi runs for 29 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion run by #28 Dylan Horejsi no good)
Howells-Dodge 1 02:50 #28 Dylan Horejsi runs for 4 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion run by #28 Dylan Horejsi good)
Madison 1 00:43 #40 Elijah Delacruz runs for 1 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion run by #40 Elijah Delacruz no good)
Second Quarter

Howells-Dodge 2 11:50 #28 Dylan Horejsi runs for 25 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion run by #10 Darrin Pokorny good)
Howells-Dodge 2 09:51 #10 Darrin Pokorny runs for 23 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion pass by #10 Darrin Pokorny to Team no good)
Howells-Dodge 2 08:39 #10 Darrin Pokorny pass complete to #15 Trevor Schumacher for 41 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion pass by #10 Darrin Pokorny to Team no good)
Howells-Dodge 2 01:05 #10 Darrin Pokorny runs for 14 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion run by #88 Mike Balsley no good)
Third Quarter

Howells-Dodge 3 09:29 #28 Dylan Horejsi runs for 30 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion pass by #10 Darrin Pokorny to #60 Mitch Yosten good)
Howells-Dodge 3 01:29 #26 Trevor Jedlicka runs for 12 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion run by #88 Mike Balsley good)
Madison 3 01:14 Kickoff by #2 Chad Young to the 21 yard line. #40 Elijah Delacruz return for 79 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion run by #40 Elijah Delacruz no good)

Horejsi had 202 yards rushing on 17 carries, and the four touchdowns. Pokorny had 53 yards rushing on 6 carries, including three touchdowns.

Schumacher had 9 tackles while Levi Belina notched 8. Pokorny, Carter Throener and Josh Brester each made 7.

Howells-Dodge racked up 414 yards of total offense, including 368 rushing.

Really good performance from the Jaguars, but imagine what they would be like with Kade Hegemann.

Howells-Dodge (6-2) hosts Cross County (4-4) in the first round of the playoffs Thursday night.

The Cougars lost 46-28 at Exeter-Milligan/Friend to end the regular season Friday night.

Cross County has picked up some nice wins, but so has Howells-Dodge.

If Kade Hegemann is back then look out for this Jaguar defense.

I think Howells-Dodge is good enough to beat the Cougars without Hegemann, but if they have him they may be able to make a playoff run.

The winner gets either GACC or Thayer Central in the second round of the playoffs, and I don't know if the Jaguars can beat the Bluejays without Hegemann, but you never know.

First things first though, the Jaguars have to worry about taking care of business against Cross County.

Horejsi needs to have a big game running the ball and Pokorny needs to have a huge game as well.

The Jaguars can definitely score, there's no doubt about that, but Howells-Dodge still figures to be challenged defensively for sure, especially if they don't have Hegemann.

One way or another the Jaguars should be able to beat the Cougars in a shootout, but after the first round I don't know.

Howells-Dodge needs Hegemann, but if they don't have him, other players need to step up defensively.

He makes a big difference, and the Jaguars aren't the same team without him.

It's playoff football in Howells, and it's Howells-Dodge's time to shine and do something.

The Jaguars made the State Semifinals last year so we'll see how far Howells-Dodge can make it this year.

The Jaguars definitely have their work cut out for them this postseason, but if Howells-Dodge has Hegemann they should be able to make a run.

If the Jaguars play the way they did defensively the last three quarters Friday night that might be good enough for a run also.

Thursday night's game is scheduled to kickoff at 7:00 p.m.

GACC shuts out Winnebago to end regular season

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Football Team shutout Winnebago 36-0 on the road Friday night to close out the regular season.

Jared Minnick had 167 yards rushing on 29 carries, including two touchdowns. Cody Steffen had 99 yards on the ground on 14 attempts, and scored twice. Steffen was 1-6 passing for 52 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Jadyn Smeal caught the 52-yard TD pass from Steffen.

Minnick and Steffen each had 12 tackles while Smeal notched 9.

GACC had 377 yards of total offense, including 325 on the ground.

Great defensive performance and offensive performance rushing wise for the Bluejays.

GACC (7-1) plays host to Thayer Central (4-4) in the first round of the playoffs Thursday night.

The Titans lost 46-12 at BDS in Friday night's regular season finale.

Thayer Central has lost to three 8-0 teams so the Titans are a better team than their record would indicate.

The Bluejays should win, especially since they're at home, but anything can happen as we saw last year.

Granted GACC lost Minnick and others to injury though so the Bluejays should be fine as long as everyone is healthy.

GACC could potentially meet Howells-Dodge in the second round of the playoffs, and that would be a juicy matchup, and a rematch of the season opener between the two teams.

We will see how it all plays out, but I think there's a good chance the Bluejays and Jaguars will meet in the second round.

GACC has to worry about Thayer Central first though.

No one can be taken lightly or for granted, and that includes the Titans.

Minnick has to come out and be in beast mode for the Bluejays.

I feel GACC hasn't been as dynamic offensively this year as they were last year, but perhaps the Bluejays have been saving their best for the playoffs.

I think GACC can at least get to the Quarterfinals this year if not do better so we'll see how things play out in the playoffs.

It's a whole new season and anyone's ball game so the Bluejays have to be ready to go balls to the wall for four quarters Thursday night.

GACC has to be on top of their game from here on out.

One off game could result in the end of the season for the Bluejays.

GACC has to get jacked, psyched, and fired up Thursday night, and be ready for what lies ahead on Thursday and beyond potentially.

Thursday night's game is scheduled to kickoff at 6:00 p.m. in Beemer.