Team: Emerson-Hubbard
Mascot: Pirates
Colors: Purple and Gold
Class: D-2
Head Coach: Joe Kvidera (2nd season)
2018 record: 6-3 (lost to Allen in 1st round of Playoffs)
Returning Starters: N/A
Overview:
The Emerson-Hubbard Football Team returns a few key players on offense from last year's 6-3 team that won a District Championship and made the playoffs. Head Coach Joe Kvidera says that includes Nolan Belt.
"We've got Nolan Belt, who's back at Quarterback and Defensive Back. Last year he was an All-District Selection, he was an All-State Honorable Mention. At Quarterback he broke several of our 8-man passing records. He finished the season with almost 2,000 combined yards from scrimmage so he's definitely going to play a big, big role for us this season."
Kvidera says the Pirates also return 3-year starting offensive linemen Tyler Stark and Junior Zach Shanks as well as tight end and linebacker Hunter Schock.
He adds Anthony Lawrence and Cameron Ahlers will play a much more significant role for the team at running back and fullback, respectively.
Others expected to contribute include Sophomore lineman Garrett Blanke and Sophomore Brock Mackling.
Last year's seniors include Dylan Kneifl, Spencer Burcham, Micah Lamprecht, and Nolan Ostrand.
Some talent lost for sure, but plenty of studs back for the Purple and Gold.
Of course it's unclear whether this will be Emerson-Hubbard's last year of football as Emerson-Hubbard.
There could be a merger with Wakefield and Allen so we'll see it that indeed happens and takes place.
The Pirates just have to focus on this year though, and try and get past the first round of the playoffs.
Emerson-Hubbard perennially reaches the playoffs now it's just a matter of finding a way to win in them.
Bob Jensen of the Huskerland Prep Report adds Emerson-Hubbard is a very underrated Football team.
I would agree with Huskerland Bob on that one.
The Pirates always put a solid team on the field, and seem to find ways to have success no matter what.
And I don't think this year will be any different either.
Season Outlook:
Emerson-Hubbard opens up the season at Homer on Friday. Kvidera says that doesn't figure to be an easy game.
"I know their quarterback is back. They have some skill guys that are back. And that will be a real test for us. Guys that we're replacing are stepping up are in our skill positions so that's going to be a great first test for us."
The Pirates won last year's game in Emerson, 57-26.
Other big games come against Allen, Plainview, Pender, and Clarkson/Leigh.
Emerson-Hubbard definitely has a tough schedule and their work cut out for them this year, but there's no doubt they can be really good again.
The Pirates won the District last year, and certainly you would think have a chance to repeat those efforts this year.
Emerson-Hubbard has to come out jacked up before every game, and must get fired up and play with tons of passion, energy, enthusiasm, toughness, grit, fight, and fire.
The Pirates have to hit hard and try and create havoc and turnovers.
Emerson-Hubbard has to be not only physically tough, but mentally tough as well.
The Pirates can't take anyone lightly or for granted, and must stay healthy and avoid the injury bug this year if at all possible.
Emerson-Hubbard has to go out there and have a season they'll remember for the rest of their lives.
The Pirates can have a really special year they just have to go out and make it happen.
Kvidera says the goal is to win a playoff game this year.
I think winning a playoff game or even getting to the Quarterfinals would be a huge deal.
Emerson-Hubbard had a fantastic year last year, and there's no question they can have another similar type season.
The Pirates have to believe in one another and motivate each other and find something extra from within during the 4th quarter to find a way to win at the end of games.
Finishing in the 4th quarter and closing out opponents when given the chance could be a repeat recipe for success for Emerson-Hubbard this year.
2019 Emerson-Hubbard Pirates Football Schedule:
08/30/19 @ Homer
09/13/19 Allen
09/20/19 Plainview
09/27/19 @ Cedar Bluffs
10/04/19 @ Mead
10/11/19 Omaha Christian Academy
10/18/19 Pender
10/25/19 @ Clarkson/Leigh
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