Team: Guardian Angels Central Catholic
Mascot: Bluejays
Colors: Blue and White
Class: D-1
Head Coach: Dave Ridder (18th season)
2019 record: 4-5 (Lost to BDS in first round of playoffs)
Returning Starters: N/A
Overview:
The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Football Team looks to continue their winning ways this year as long as the coronavirus pandemic doesn't shut things down, but it doesn't figure to be easy given all who the Bluejays lost to graduation last year.
Key losses from last season include Noah Hass, Damon Crawford, Mitchell Peatrowsky, Casey Doernemann, Blake Pojar, and Aaron Disher.
Back for longtime and legendary Head Coach Dave Ridder include Cody Steffen, Cash Meier, Jaryn Smeal, Noah Kreikemeier, and Coy Kreikemeier.
It certainly sounds like the Bluejays will be skilled and talented in the backfield and perhaps at the skill positions on the outside as well, but the offensive and defensive lines could be a question mark.
GACC lost a lot of muscle and experience from last year that's not easy to replace.
Coach Ridder says the kids achieved a lot this offseason despite the challenging circumstances. "We had a good off season lifting and conditioning participation. The athletes really worked at it and quite frankly happy to be around each other for this summer."
It seems like something like this pandemic has a way of making everyone appreciate being around one another and just having the opportunity to do something.
Things we all used to take for granted won't be taken for granted from now on that's for sure.
So here's to hoping the pandemic doesn't affect, alter, or cancel the season and that everyone stays safe and healthy throughout the entire course of the season.
Season Outlook
GACC has a challenging schedule this year, a step up in competition they have been looking for if you may.
Non-District games against Wakefield, Nebraska City Lourdes, and Lutheran High Northeast figure to be daunting, and district games against the likes of Clarkson/Leigh, Howells-Dodge, Wisner-Pilger, and Stanton figure to be tough as well.
We will really find out and learn a lot about this Bluejay team this year.
Ridder weighs in on this whole situation. "We are taking it day to day and personally frustrated with some of the decisions made in regards to the virus. Politics and athletes (sports) should not be intertwined."
The only thing I will say is that I am very thankful and grateful that we are at least trying to play fall high school sports in the state of Nebraska. Other states and levels of football aren't as fortunate and lucky as we are.
Ridder adds his team is chomping at the bit to get back out there. "Our football players are very excited to play the great game of football."
A lot of people may think GACC is going to be down and struggle this year, and they could, but I could see the Bluejays being better than people expect or anticipate.
It wouldn't surprise me to see GACC surprise some people and turn a few heads.
I don't know if the Bluejays will be as dominant as they were before last year given the fact it doesn't appear they have as much talent this year as they did then, but I feel GACC still has a chance to be solid.
Of course as I mentioned though everything depends and rides on the pandemic.
Coronavirus is ultimately going to decide and dictate how this season goes.
Let's hope we get a full season in without and interruptions.
GACC opens up the season at Wakefield on August 27th in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.
2020 Guardian Angels Central Catholic Bluejays Football Schedule:
08/27/20 @ Wakefield
09/04/20 Lourdes Central Catholic
09/11/20 Lutheran High Northeast
09/18/20 @ Madison
09/25/20 @ Clarkson/Leigh
10/02/20 Wisner-Pilger
10/09/20 Howells-Dodge
10/16/20 @ Stanton
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