Class C2-4
Oakland-Craig
KNIGHTS
Counting on a solid, veteran class the Knights look to improve upon last year's 5-4 record and a seventh playoff berth in eight seasons. Head coach Joe Anderson returns eight starters on both sides of the ball.
"We return a good nucleus, including 10 seniors who have started a lot of games over the last two years," says Anderson, who has a 70-38 career coaching record, leading Plainview to the Class C-2 title in 2005. "Last year was disappointing but we lost to four very good football teams and we were competitive in each of those games. Our schedule is going to be tough right out of the gate so our kids will have to be ready to go from Week 1. They are determined to help our program take the next step and I believe we can be a very good football team if we stay healthy and continue to develop depth as the season goes along."
A two-time all-stater, senior running back Nick Arlt (5-10, 170) overcame injuries to still rush for 1,302 yards and 13 touchdowns and catch 16 passes for 149 yards and a score. He's an explosive player can score from anywhere on the field. Senior fullback Joel Johnson (5-11, 180) last season rushed for 102 yards and a score and senior wingback (5-10, 160) will also make some plays on offense.
Junior QB Cole Mitchell (5-10, 175) emerged as an outstanding dual threat in 2013, passing for 876 yards and 15 TDs and rushing for another 444 yards and nine touchdowns, making first-team all-district in the process.
Senior Cameron Kiner (6-4, 215) is a tight end who last season was also the all-district kicker, converting 42-of-45 PATs. Never hurts to have that kind of weapon.
Other returning starters in the offensive line include seniors Ted Maline (6-0, 195), Justin Smith (6-0, 210) and Blake Uhing (6-1, 240) and junior Conner Thiele (6-1, 200). Senior Job Egbers (6-1, 260) and junior Mitch Smith (5-10, 165) are lettermen who will add depth to the O-line.
Arlt (91 tackles) leads a secondary that will also include senior returning starter Tyler Groth (5-10, 160), who had 32 tackles in 2013, with senior Michael Fischer (5-9, 150) and junior Cody Mace (5-10, 160) lettermen who will be in the mix for playing time. Kiner (48 tackles) and Maline (30 tackles) lead a defensive line which will include Smith and Uhing, another group which should be strong.
Thiele (89 tackles) is a returning all-district linebacker and with him, Johnson (70 tackles) and Uhing (28 tackles) on the field at the same time linebacker seems like its in pretty good shape.
True enough, opening with Archbishop Bergan and Battle Creek will provide the Knights with a challenge but we see O-C making up for last year, winning the close ones and winding up with about seven wins and a playoff berth.
Ponca
INDIANS
Coming off another playoff season the Indians will field a youthful team that aims to match or better last year's 4-5 mark.
"We will have a very young team so experience early in the season will be very beneficial to us," says fifth-year head coach Troy Evans. "Again, we play a brutal schedule but that's football in northeast Nebraska."
Carrying a big load for the offense will be senior Michael Wash, a returning all-district running back who last year rushed for 964 yards and 14 touchdowns, both team bests. Seniors Alex Rickett and Sean Uhl return at fullback while seniors Colton Oswald and Brady Krusemark return in the offensive line and senior Tommy Gill is back at tight end. Junior Corey Ryker is expected to compete for the other tight end position.
Ponca has a good football program and it would be expected the Indians will find a way to reach .500 or so even with all that youth.
Stanton
MUSTANGS
Lots of experience at Stanton where the Mustangs will build around eight returning starters on both offense and defense, trying to better last year's 2-6 mark.
"We will need to replace some great seniors but return quite a bit of experience, with our lines being the most experienced," says fifth-year head coach Jeff Wall, a 1995 graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan. "We will still be searching for the best combination of players at the skill positions and we will need good team leadership and from more than just the seniors."
Junior Josh Krentz returns as the team's starting quarterback after last year passing for 301 yards and five TDs with junior Grant King the leading returning rusher after gaining 311 yards in 2013. Junior tight end Michael Sieh is the team's leading returning receiver.
Anchoring the line will be all-district senior Christian Heppner with senior Coltt Kremlacek, junior Christian Stallbaum and sophomores Trey Erbst and Mason King other returning starters in a very deep line.
Heppner (37 tackles, 2 FR), Kremlacek and sophomore Dylan Hunt (33 tackles, 4 sacks) will anchor the defensive line with Sieh (78 tackles, 2 FR) and outstanding linebacker who will lead a unit that will also include Grant King (20 tackles) and senior Ross Locke (28 tackles).
Warnke (36 tackles) leads a secondary that will include senior Justin Bowers, junior Kyle Sperl (17 tackles) and sophomore letterman Hunter Stallbaum.
Look for the Mustangs to win something like four or five games this season.
Laurel-Concord/Coleridge
BEARS
New head coach Jordan Taylor will take over a program that returns 10 players with starting experience from a team that finished 2-6.
An outstanding dual threat quarterback, junior Dillan Wolfgram last year rushed for 586 yards and six touchdowns and threw for another 533 yards and four touchdowns; he's the leader of the team's offense. Seniors Collin Dirks and Colton Jansen bring experience to the running game and senior Brad Steffen will also help at the skill positions. Sophomore Jayden Reifenrath has experience at the wide receiver position.
Senior Chayce Hirschman and juniors Billy Barelman (6-1, 185) and Dominic Anderson are returning starters in the line while senior Jackson Metheny returns at tight end.
Wolfgram leads the way on defense, too, last year checking in with 72 tackles and three interceptions, with Metheny (59 tackles, 3 TFL) a solid linebackers. Barelman (32 tackles, 6.5 TFL) and Hirschman (35 tackles, 4 TFL) are playmakers in the line while Dirks (33) and Steffen (22) are other leading returning tacklers on defense.
Wins might be hard to come by this season but this is the type of team that could pull an upset or two before it's all over.
Wisner-Pilger
GATORS
With eight starters back on defense and six on offense the Gators will look to improve over last year's disappointing 1-7 finish.
"We will be younger and a little smaller up front this season," says seventh-year head coach Brent Bauer. "Leadership will be important to this team and we look to be competitive in all our games."
A returning all-district player, senior Rion Wisniewski (5-10, 165) will power the run game, coming off a season in which he gained 619 yards and scored eight touchdowns. Senior Joey Beacom (5-11, 180) will also be a factor in the running game and sophomore letterman Cobe Porter (5-11, 175) will also be in the mix.
Sophomore letterman Cooper Von Seggern (5-10, 170) will open as quarterback with senior Colton Knust (6-54, 165) his leading receiver after last season catching 13 passes for 152 yards and four touchdowns. Junior Mason Rabe (5-10, 170) and senior Chase Ott (5-10, 150) along with senior letterman Christian Stastny (6-2, 175) will compete for playing time at that position.
A rising talent, junior Lucas Troyer (6-5, 240) is an all-district player who will lead the offensive line with senior Dean Peterson (6-3, 200) also returning. Seniors Miah Mauch (5-10, 210) and Gavin Johnston (6-6, 250) will battle for playing time in the line.
Beacom (75 tackles) is an outstanding tackler and will lead a group of linebackers that will also include Rabe and sophomores Von Seggern and Porter while Knust, Ott and Wisnieski return in the secondary. Peterson (65 tackles) is a returning all-district defensive lineman and along with Troyer will provide a solid foundation in the D-line, with Johnston and Mauch among the candidates to start up front.
A couple of wins would probably make this a successful season for this young team as it faces a strong schedule.
Homer
KNIGHTS
There is a good deal of experience returning at Homer, which has seven starters back on both offense and defense after last year finishing 1-7.
"Our offensive and defensive lines will be young, inexperienced and we will lack depth. Our season will be determined by how much the lines improve over the course of the season," says head coach Dan Schmitt, a 1988 graduate of Augustana (SD) College who enters his eighth year at Homer.
A three-year starter and returning all-district player, junior Wyatt Tremayne (5-8, 190) returns as the team's starting quarterback and should be, says Coach Schmitt, "one the better players in Class C-2." The numbers seem to back him up, too, as Tremayne last year set a single-game school record for passing yards (344) on the way to throwing for 1,389 yards and 10 touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 421 yards and eight more scores.
His go-to receiver is a school record breaker in his own right - he broke four of them last year - as senior Austin Weber (5-7, 150) last year caught 53 passes for 775 yards and seven touchdowns. Also returning at receiver are seniors Preston Bodlak (6-2, 210) and Connor Woodard (5-9, 170) and junior Alex Lundeen (5-9, 155).
Junior Chad Pies (5-7, 165) is the team's most experienced running back.
Two starters return in the offensive line including senior Michael Abney (6-0, 270) and sophomore Jonah Schmitt (6-0, 205).
Tremayne also is a school record holder for tackles (113) and will return at linebacker along with Woodard and Pies (18 tackles). Weber (42 tackles, 2 INTs) leads the secondary while Bodlak (19 tackles), Abney, Lundeen and Schmitt will man the defensive line.
Homer could make a jump up if the line comes together and, either way, we see the Knights grabbing a couple of wins.
Class C2-5
Hartington Cedar Catholic
TROJANS
Churning out another outstanding season in 2013, going 7-3 and winning a playoff game, Cedar returns a strong group of veterans, including eight starters on both sides of the ball.
"I would say the greatest strength of this years team is going to be the leadership and depth of our senior class. Many of these kids have been playing since they were sophomores so we're excited to to see how they finish up their careers," says head coach Chad Cattau, who led Cedar to the Class C-2 title game in 2001 and 2009. "It's always interesting to see how team leadership evolves during the summer months and this year's group has done an excellent job in taking that role head on. We have very high expectations for this senior class as the season gets underway. I know they will do everything in their power to make sure they are successful both on and off the field this season."
Entering the final year of an outstanding high school career, senior James Kaiser (155) will move from receiver, where he was an all-stater, to quarterback. To give you an idea of what he's capable of, last season Kaiser caught 33 passes for 657 yards and 11 TDs. He'll also be an outstanding runner when given the chance.
Another all-state caliber player, senior Ryan Becker (185) returns after last season rushing for 1,202 yards and eight touchdowns. He'll lead a running game that will also include senior fullback Jared Wiebelhaus (165), who last year rushed for 234 yards and three touchdowns.
Even with Kaiser's move the Trojans return a couple of solid receivers, in senior wide receiver Tristan Steffen (160) and senior tight end Ty Becker (170). Last season Steffen caught 13 passes for 174 yards while Becker caught 10 passes for 122 yards and a score.
There is good size and experience in the line, a group led by senior Chase Kelley (245) and junior Kendrik Goeden (265) and also including seniors Austin Koch (210) and Tucker Loberg (190). It should prove to be one of the best offensive lines in Class C-2.
Kaiser (43 tackles, 6 PBU) and Steffen (38 tackles) will lead a secondary that could get some help from senior letterman Luke Burbach (160) while Wiebelhaus (90 tackles). Ryan Becker (51 tackles) and Fischer (47 tackles) give the team an outstanding set of linebackers.
Kelley (46 tackles) leads a defensive line that will also include Goeden, Koch, Loberg and Ty Becker.
Great experience, some big-time talent at key positions, and a winning tradition make Cedar a C-2 title contender in 2014. Look for Eight or nine wins in the regular season and maybe a playoff finals run.
Lutheran High Northeast
EAGLES
Coming off another strong season - 9-2 record, state quarterfinals - Lutheran High seems poised for more, returning eight starters on defense and seven on offense.
"We have a lot of experience coming back but we will need to stay healthy and work hard in the weight room to keep physically developing," says eighth-year head coach Darin Suckstorf, who has a 43-25 career record. "We do that and I think we can have another great year."
Despite injuries which limited him to six games in 2013, senior Nick Stolze (5-10, 165) still churned out 819 yards and should become one of C-2's best backs. Senior Kyle Rosberg (6-1, 165) is another veteran back, having rushed for 250 yards last season, with senior Taylor Friedrich (6-0, 160) and junior Ryan Brand (6-1, 165) adding depth to the running game.
Junior Ayden Wiederin (6-0, 155) is the team's most veteran QB and gets first crack at the full-time job. Senior Nate Stolze (5-11, 165) is another versatile skill player for the Eagles, a quality receiver and runner who will line up in the slot. Senior Keaton Alberts (6-1, 160) will also be a factor in the receiving corps.
Another team strength will be in the offensive line where four starters return, including seniors Ethan Rockwell (6-4, 215), Andy Lutz (6-3, 250) and Colby Fuxa (6-2, 205) and junior Collin Riley (6-3, 280). It's a big, talented group with Rockwell and Fuxa leaders of the pack.
Rosberg (92 tackles, 4 INTs) is an athletic and active safety and leads a secondary which will include Nate Soltze (42 tackles), Alberts and junior Ryan Brand (6-1, 165). Rockwell and Lutz will anchor a D-line that figures to include senior lettermen Kevin Sullivan (6-2, 210) and Josh Miller (6-1, 185).
There are some holes to fill at linebacker but with athletes like Fuxa, Nick Stolze (3.5 sacks) and junior John Freudenburg (6-1, 185) ready to take charge, things will be just fine.
Here's a program that's been hot in recent seasons and you shouldn't expect it to cool off in 2014. Look for the Eagles to win seven or eight in the regular season and advance in the playoffs.
Battle Creek
BRAVES
It was like old times for the Braves in 2013, as one of the state's most storied programs jumped back into the spotlight, finishing 11-1 and reaching the playoff semifinals. Third-year head coach Andrew Carlson returns five starters on offense and three on defense.
"Our team strength will be in both lines, as we are very experienced in both," says Coach Carlson, a Midland Lutheran University graduate. "It will be important for us to develop depth with our second units and we will have new cornerbacks and I-backs but we have kids who are ready for those opportunities.
Establishing himself as one of the state's premier linemen during a breakout 2013 campaign, senior all-stater Louis DeJager (6-0, 260) will anchor both lines. Senior Alex Tucker (6-2, 260) and senior tight end Jake Finkral (6-0, 185) also return in the offensive line and the Braves get a boost from Norfolk High transfer Will Kersten, a 6-3, 235-pound tight end, and look for junior Drew Lanman (5-8, 185) to also be very good in the line.
Senior Zach Bellar (5-11, 165) had a big season in 2013, passing for 771 yards and eight touchdowns and scoring eight touchdowns of his own. His go-to receiver is senior Jared Bellar (5-11, 165), who last season caught 16 passes for 233 yards.
Emerging in the playoffs last season, junior Derek Renner (5-11, 175) proved himself capable as a varsity starter, rushing for 519 yards and eight touchdowns. The return from injury by senior Jordan Zautke (5-10, 180) - "he's an outstanding athlete," says Coach Carlson - will give the running game some added spark.
Jared Bellar (5 INTs) was an all-state DB last year and will lead a defensive backfield that includes Zach Bellar, Renner and possibly Zautke - that's a lot of athletes in one secondary. Finkral (66 tackles) is the leader of the defense, an outstanding tackler and returning all-district player, and Kersten and senior Dustin Walters (5-10, 180) will team with him to form an excellent set of linebackers.
DeJager is a dominant defensive lineman, leading a unit that will also include Tucker at nose guard and Lanman, also in the middle, with senior letterman Paxton Prauner (6-2, 245) one of the prospects at defensive end.
Bellar (30 yards per try) returns as the team's punter.
The Braves showed some guts in overcoming adversity to reach last year's semifinals. We see them winning another seven or eight in the regular season and making the playoffs.
Crofton
WARRIORS
With six starters back on both sides of scrimmage Crofton sets out to make it 13 straight trips to the playoffs. Last season the Warriors reached the C-2 postseason, finishing 6-4.
"We have 25 boys on our team, 13 of them freshmen and sophomores, and only four of them seniors. We will rely on our talented younger players for depth and hope to get better as the season goes along," says head coach Tony Hoffman, who has compiled a 113-36 record in 15 years at Crofton, including a trip to the 2003 Class C-2 state title game.
The Warriors will be strong in the line, a unit that will build upon the shoulders of returning starters like senior tackles Brock Mueller (6-2, 225) and Anthony Mota-Morales (6-4, 320) and senior tight end Tyler Koch (6-2, 220), the latter last year also catching 10 passes for 178 yards and a TD. Sophomore Grant Wragge (6-1, 145) "has a lot of potential" at the other tight end position and sophomore lettermen Chase Zimmerman (6-0, 230) and Dylan Potts (5-10, 200) will also press for starting positions.
Another sophomore, Tanner Crosley (6-0, 180), won his only start last year and will be the team's quarterback with sophomore Josh Allen (5-7, 160) on of the wingbacks. Incoming freshman Ethan Poppe (5-8, 190) will also be in the running game mix, if healed from a track season injury and sophomore letterman Noah McFarland (6-1 ,165) is another possibility.
Koch, Mueller and Mota-Morales are veterans in the defensive line with sophomore Derek Maibaum (5-11, 240) and Zimmerman also likely to play a lot. Senior Lathan Maibaum (6-1, 160) is a returning starter in the secondary and Allen and McFarland will also play in that unit.
Junior Luke Dohrman (6-0, 190) will return at linebacker Crosley, sophomore Jaxson Guenther (5-9,175), Poppe and sophomore Levi Honeywell (5-8,160) among those competing for the other starting positions.
Koch (32.1 per attempt) is a dependable punter.
It'll be a season of transition for Crofton, which we see winning right five games this fall.
West Holt
HUSKIES
With five starters back on offense and seven on defense the Huskies will look to make it five straight trips to the postseason, last year reaching the C-2 postseason and finishing the year 4-5.
"We should be strong on defense with seven starters back and our team speed should be a strength," says West Holt head coach Steve Neptune, who enters his fifth season at the school. "We are going to be inexperienced in the offensive line and we need to find a quarterback."
The quarterback race is sort of fascinating, with junior Riley Bilstein (6-0, 175), senior Josiah McAllister (5-9, 155) and incoming freshman Bryce Kirkman (5-8, 150) all in the mix. The fulcrum to the offense will be senior running back Viktor Jonseth (6-1, 190), a powerful athlete who last year rushed for 400 yards and caught six passes for 90 yards. Senior Jeff Judge (5-9, 165) returns at wide receiver after last year catching 13 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns, as does junior Grant Wallinger (5-9, 160) and senior Dillon Larby (6-0, 155).
Two interior linemen return - senior Tate Mathis (6-3, 245) and junior Kyle Linders (5-8, 225) - as do senior tight ends Kolby Cone (6-3, 185) and Ryan Linders (6-0, 195). Junior Jaret Laible (6-2, 240) figures to earn a spot in the offensive front.
Jonseth (80 tackles, 2 FR) is a returning all-district linebacker and will be joined by Cone (88 tackles, 3 FR), Ryan Linders (50 tackles) and Wallinger to give the Huskies an outstanding set of linebackers. Judge (53 tackles), Bilstein (56 tackles), McAllister (27 tackles) and Larby return to give the team a solid, veteran secondary.
Mathis and Linders are returning starters in the defensive line, where Laible will have a chance to earn a starting position. A freshman class of 10 will have a chance to add some limited varsity depth.
If the line and QB situations come to a happy solution the Huskies should be back in business, winning something like five games.
Ainsworth
BULLDOGS
Last season the Bulldogs snapped a long losing streak but still finished just 1-7. Third-year head coach Wade Alberts returns eight starters on defense and six on offense to help turn things around.
"We return a lot of starters and we have some strong leaders in our senior class. Increased numbers on our roster will also help us be more competitive," says Coach Alberts, a 1995 graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan.
Senior Josh Finley (5-11, 165) returns as the team's quarter after last season passing for 455 yards and a touchdown. His leading receiver is senior Marcus Osborn (5-9, 165), who last year pulled in 13 receptions for 119 yards and a score. Juniors Dominic Henry (5-7, 135) and Wyatt Killon (5-7, 140) will compete for carries in the running game and incoming freshman Payton Allen (6-0, 165) is expected to help at the skill positions.
Rising junior Ben Allen (6-0, 220) leads an offensive line that also returns seniors Nathaniel Goodloe (5-8, 170) and Jake Wilkins (6-1, 190) and junior Kyle Erthum (6-1, 230), with sophomores Jacce Beck (5-11, 225) and Jacob Fernau (5-9, 175) other O-line prospects.
Allen (94 tackles, 3 FR) is a linebacker who will lead the defense that will include Erthum (36 tackles) at nose guard and Wilkins (50 tackles) at end and Osborn (42 tackles), Finley (41 tackles), Henry (20 tackles) and senior Jayden Philben (5-9, 150) in the secondary. Payton Allen also figures to play in the secondary.
Ainsworth will be the underdog in every regular season game it plays but here's hoping the Bulldogs break through with a couple of wins.
District C2-6
Centura
CENTURIONS
First-year head coach Larry Baker takes over a program that returns nine starters on defense and seven on offense from a 4-5 playoff team.
"We return a large number of lettermen, we have great senior leadership, good team speed and physicality, plus we will be very strong at the skill positions," says Coach Baker, a graduate of UN-Kearney. "We need to shore up our offensive line and we are a program in transition, where the new coaching staff will be tasked with building a program based on positive relationships between coaches and players alike."
One of the best underclassman players in Class C-2, 6-3, 200-pound junior Travis Holcomb is a two-time returning all-district player who last year caught 47 passes for 706 yards and six touchdowns. Also back at receiver is senior Lucas Kyhn (5-11, 170), who last year caught nine passes for 185 yards and four touchdowns, while sophomore Jose Guzman (5-10, 145) proved valuable as both a receiver and rusher.
Slowed by injury last year, but an 800-yard all-district rusher as a sophomore, senior Levi Rosenquist (5-8, 175) is once again healthy and will lead the Centura running game. Also returning is senior fullback Jacob Christensen (5-11, 190).
There will be a battle for the starting quarterback position between junior Hunter Caspersen (6-1, 170) and sophomore Wyatt Gleason (5-10, 150). "Both can run our offense the way we'd like and that type of competition will only make our team better," says Coach Baker.
Returning starters in the offensive line include seniors Bailey Brown (5-11, 205), Ben Serr (6-3, 195), Hunter Nance (6-3, 250), Brandon Callahan (6-9, 395) and Tristan Krolikowski (6-2, 210). Sophomore letterman Heath Hostetler (5-11, 170) will also compete for time in the line.
Holcomb (19 tackles, 3 sacks), Brown (25 tackles) and Christensen (21 tackles) return at linebacker while all-district safety Kyhn (21 tackles, 4 PBU) leads a secondary that will also include Guzman and Gleason. Serr, Nance, Callahan, Krolikowski and Hostetler will man the defensive front.
If that quarterback thing works out this is a team capable of winning seven or more in the regular season and winning the district.
Gibbon
BUFFALOES
Moving down from Class C-1 to Class C-2, the Buffaloes will return five starters on both offense and defense from last year's 5-4 playoff team. And travel 1,350 miles to and from away games. Just sayin'.
"We return most of our skill players on offense, including two quarterbacks with good experience and I feel like we will have some explosive players in our backfield, but also return only one starting lineman," says head coach Mark McLaughlin, who enters his sixth season at GHS. "On defense we return a lot of experience in the secondary but our front eight will be completely new.
"We have challenging road games early at Bayard and at Bridgeport and we play in what I believe is the most balanced district in the state. Any of the six teams could win it."
Junior Bradyn Snell (5-9, 160) last season passed for 651 yards and rushed for another 444 yards, scoring a total of 13 touchdowns, and he'll stay put while senior Gareth Stroh (6-1, 170) moves to wide receiver. Stroh is an accomplished athlete - when he played QB last year he passed for 592 yards, rushed for 313 yards, accounted for 13 TDs - but he moves to wide receiver where he should be exceptional. There is great depth in the receiving corps thanks to the return of juniors Oscar Cuellar (5-8, 145) and Korbin Hynes (5-8, 145); last season Cuellar caught 15 passes for 227 yards and three TDs and Hynes 15 for 187 yards and three TDs.
Senior Jeff Hall (5-7, 150) gives the Buffaloes a dependable option in the running game, last season rushed for 442 yards and three touchdowns.
Leading the offensive line will be senior Ozzy Rodriguez (5-11, 250) with Jesse Walker (6-1, 250), Brian Zimmer (6-0, 190) and Juan Ledezma (5-8, 175) likely to step into starting roles.
Stroh (38 tackles) will lead a secondary that will include Snell, Cuellar and Hynes while Rodriguez (72 tackles) is tremendously active at the line of scrimmage for a player his size. Look for Walker and Polo Ramirez (5-11, 195) to also be factors in the defensive line.
Hall (77 tackles, 3 TFL) is the team's leading returning tackler and Coltin Brown (5-11, 180), who is returning from knee surgery, will also be in the mix at linebacker. Snell served as the team's punter last season, averaging 31.9 per attempt.
Look for Gibbon to match last year's five wins in the regular season and be a serious contender for a district title and playoff berth.
Ravenna
BLUEJAYS
With six starters back on both sides of the ball the Bluejays are bent on bettering last year's uncharacteristic 2-6 mark.
"We should be better than last year, with depth and injuries deciding whether we are 3-6 or 6-3," says 12th year head coach Mark Hudson, a 1997 graduate of UN-Kearney. "Our line should be improved but we still need to find a number one receiver and back-up quarterback."
A three-year starter and two-time all-district player, senior QB Blake Chramosta (5-11, 155) is a dynamic offensive force, last year passing for 1,021 yards and five touchdowns and rushing for another 538 yards and 11 more touchdowns. He's one of the better quarterbacks in Class C-2.
Senior Josh McGuigan (5-6, 155) is the team's most veteran running back, last season rushing for 123 yards and a touchdown, with Chance Bouk (6-0, 165) a senior veteran at wide receiver.
Three starters return in the line, led by junior Conagher Jonak (6-4, 215), already a two-year starter who seems ready for a breakout year, as well as senior Kobe Schirmer (5-10, 180) and junior Luke Keileg (5-11, 180), with Caleb Gross expected to contend for a starting role.
McGuigan (55 tackles) returns at linebacker as does Keileg, with Chramosta back at safety and Bouk at cornerback, with Sean McFadden in contention for a starting role in the secondary. Jonak should be outstanding in the D-line, joined by Schirmer as a returning starter.
Look for the Bluejays to improve a little bit, win three or four games, maybe more if the line comes together.
Arcadia-Loup City
REBELS
A new cooperative program, Arcadia six-man last year and Loup City played in Class D-2. The newly named Rebels will have a new head coach, Mike Scott, and elected not to return a preseason information form.
Twin River
TITANS
There are signs the program is headed in the right direction at Twin River, where the Titans return seven starters on offense and six on defense from last year's 1-7 team.
"We have a team with more experience, with players who have been more competitive at the JV level, and we want to translate in varsity games," says third-year head coach Todd Connelly. "We return most of our skill people, including our leading rusher, but we also have to replace two linemen who have played a lot of football for us the past couple of seasons. The schedule we face is much different than in the past and we are excited to see how we can compete."
A returning all-district player, senior fullback Joey Hagerbaumer (6-1, 200) is the centerpiece of the Twin River offense, last year leading the team with 774 yards rushing, including eight TDs, and catching seven passes for 49 yards. A three-year starter, senior Devin Miller (5-10, 185) returns at running back, where he last year rushed for 245 yards and two touchdowns, as does junior Jeremy Preister (6-2,175), who last year led the team with 13 catches for 140 yards and a score. Junior Parker Koziol (5-8,165) was a part-time starter last season and will also be a factor in the backfield.
After starting four games last season sophomore Preston Connelly (6-6, 190) becomes the team's full-time quarterback. That's a lot of quarterback to line up in the wishbone set favored by the Titans.
Lettermen who could help at the skill positions include senior Luke Wilcynski (5-11, 170), juniors Blake Fehringer (5-9, 150) and Matt Euse (6-0, 150) and sophomore Beau Wattier (6-2,165).
Senior Caleb Frenzen (5-11, 240) is a two-year starter who will lead an offensive line that returns juniors Jayce Ellenwood (6-0, 205), Tanner Marker (6-1, 210) and junior tight end Jerrad Konz (6-3, 195).
Hagerbaumer (43 tackles) and Miller return at linebacker while Frenzen (28 tackles), Ellenwood (25 tackles), Marker (27 tackles, 3 sacks) and senior Bruce Kummer (20 tackles) return in the line. Preister, Konz and Koziol will also be part of the defense, as could Wattier and sophomore lineman Sergey Parry (5-11, 165).
Look for Twin River to win a couple games, maybe three this season.
Wood River
EAGLES
Second-year head coach Ben Fehringer will work with seven returning starters on both offense and defense in an effort to improve his team's 1-7 mark from 2013.
"We have a good mix of older and younger kids who saw varsity playing time last year and this will be the second year in a new system, so I expect our team to improve," says Coach Fehringer.
Three-year starter Dan Boshart (6-0, 190) returns at quarterback after last year passing for 376 yards and a touchdown and rushing for another 121 yards and a score. His leading returning receiver is senior Chris Loy (6-0, 180) with juniors Nate Bahe (5-9, 140) and Jamie Rojas (5-8, 140) other options.
Expect talented junior Tanner Gideon (5-10, 175) to be a major contributor in the running game; he's all-district kid who just needs the carries.
The only returning starter in the interior offensive line is junior guard Keaton Husak (5-9, 190) but junior Christian Thompson (5-10, 165) is back at tight end and senior Jeff Weber (5-9, 185) and juniors Tavian Tank (5-8, 220) and Paul Soto (5-9, 150) will compete for the other starting positions in the line.
Boshart, Loy and Thompson are returning starters at linebacker, Bahe, Rojas and Gideon (5-10, 175) will play in the secondary and Husak is the lone returning starter in the defensive line, with Weber, Tank and Soto expected to also play.
In one of the more balanced districts wins will be hard to come by for Wood River but let's say the Eagles grab a couple of them.
District C2-7
Doniphan-Trumbull
CARDINALS
Following the greatest season in the program's history - 13-0, state championship, et al - the cupboard isn't completely bare at Doniphan-Trumbull as the Cardinals return five starters on defense and three on offense.
Who doesn't return is former head coach Brent Breckner, who left his coaching position to move into administration. Former assistant Clint Head is the team's new head coach.
"We are going to be very young at a lot of spots on both sides of the ball but we have skilled and talented kids, they just need as much playing time as possible," says Coach Head, a 1998 graduate of Simpson (Iowa) College. "Our seniors have played in a lot of meaningful games and our underclassmen are more than capable of helping us have a successful 2014 campaign."
Stepping in at quarterback will be sophomore Tate Mazour (6-0, 175), who saw limited action last year, while junior Braden Schuppan (5-10, 150) and sophomore Tom Pfeiffer (5-11, 160) are in line to take over the ball carrying duties. Last season Pfeiffer rushed for 249 yards and three touchdowns while Schuppan gained 142 yards and scored twice, all that production coming in supporting roles.
Three veteran receivers return, including senior tight end Noah Keller (6-1, 175), who caught nine passes for 173 yards and two TDs; senior wide receiver Zach McNally (5-6, 140), who caught 13 passes for 222 yards and three TDs; and senior wide receiver Johnny Gomez (6-0, 175), who caught 15 passes for 177 yards and two scores.
There are only two players with starting experience in the interior line, including seniors Kalen Garrett (6-0, 215) and Blake Williams (5-6, 170), with juniors Skylar Jenkins (6-0, 175) and Blake Rainforth (5-11, 190) and sophomores Trey Sterner (6-0, 230) and Kyler Kroeger (5-11, 210) also competing for starting positions.
Senior Jacob Critel (6-2, 180) is an all-state type linebacker, last year totaling 115 tackles, 10 for loss, six sacks and two fumble recoveries. Also returning at linebacker will be Williams (96 tackles, 3 sacks) and Keller (18 tackles) with junior letterman Skylar Jenkins (6-0, 175) also competing for playing time.
McNally (52 tackles, 5 TFL, 4 INTs) is a playmaker and leads a secondary that will include Gomez, Schuppan and Pfeiffer. Kroeger, Sterner and Rainforth figure in the defensive line mix.
Gotta get settled at quarterback and opening with North Platte St. Pat's is no bargain but expect the Cardinals to round into form and win something like six or seven in the regular season and advance in the playoffs.
Hastings St. Cecilia
BLUEHAWKS
There are a lot of programs which would return only one starter on defense and be sunk for the season. St. Cecilia isn't one of them. The Bluehawks also return six starters on offense from last year's 8-3, state playoff quarterfinal team.
"Our defense will be our strength, with the six starters, and on offense our lack of experience will be made up for by having some really talented athletes on that side of the ball," says head coach Carl Tesmer, who has won 313 games in his hall of fame career. "We will have good size in the lines and our JVs were unbeaten and unscored upon last year. We will be tough to beat."
Sophomore Grant Schmidt (6-2, 170) figures to start at quarterback with senior Dan Harden (6-2, 180) stepping into the starting role at running back. Junior Zach Kitten (6-4, 195) will provide some pop in the running game and senior Jake Kadow (6-1, 180) is a big play receiver who last year turned 13 catches into 383 yards and three touchdowns. Also at receiver, junior Alex Teano (5-8, 145) will put is 4.6 in the 40 speed to good use.
Coach Tesmer wasn't just whistling Dixie about the size of his line - projected starters include seniors Sam Young (6-2, 270), Amel Gonzalez (6-2, 260) and John Walz (6-2, 225) and junior Brady Poppe (6-2, 270). In a word, yikes.
Senior Cody Zeckser (6-0, 200) and junior Mike Walz (5-10, 185) will be as good a pair of defensive tackles as you will find in Class C-2 football, with Young also filling a role in the defensive line. Kitten has that all-state look at linebacker, with senior Gus Clark (5-8,160) another returning starter and junior Dayton Sealey (6-0, 170) is a strong candidate to snap up another starting spot.
Kadow (6 INTs) is an all-state type of defensive back, leading a secondary that will also include Teano.
Look for St. Cecilia to win seven or eight in the regular season and advance in the playoffs. (Psst...this is the kind of team that could get hot late and make it to the finals...pass it on...)
Sutton
MUSTANGS
Building around a veteran line the Mustangs return seven starters on both offense and defense from last year's 7-3 team which won a playoff game.
"We will have an experienced line that includes three returning all-district players but will need to count on some new faces at the skill positions," says head coach Steve Ramer, a 1994 graduate of Peru State College and a winner of 116 games in his career.
One proven commodity in the skill department is senior running back Noah Johnson (6-1, 210), a 2014 all-state candidate and returning two-time all-district player who last year rushed for 950 yards and caught three passes for 109 yards and two TDs. One of last year's returning all-district linemen, senior Tristan Sheridan (6-0, 200) will move to fullback where he'll be a factor as both a runner and blocker.
Promising sophomore Tanner Peterson (6-2, 180) will step into the starting quarterback role and will be playing catch with a couple of real talented wide receivers, juniors Nick Hohensee (6-5, 185) and Tyler Bailey (5-6, 150).
The offensive line will be led by rising junior Garrett Clark (5-11, 260), an all-district player in both lines, and also include returning all-district players in junior Garrett Stone (6-0, 200) and Jared Lemkau (6-0, 180). Seniors Dalton Schmer (5-11, 200) and Kane Majors (6-2, 210) and sophomore Ryan Oschner (6-0, 200) will add depth to an athletic bunch which will be one of C-2's best offensive lines.
Johnson, Sheridan and sophomore Kristian Stengel (5-11, 175) are returning starters at linebacker with sophomores Garrett Leach (5-11, 155) and Alex Griess (6-0, 170) also in the mix for playing time. Peterson returns at one defensive end with Clark (4 FR) and Stone returning to the interior of the D-line and Oschner, Schmer and Majors bidding for playing time.
Bailey (3 INTs) and Hohensee are both returning all-district DBs and leads the secondary.
Love that line, enough to believe the Mustangs will not only match last year's win total but exceed it, with something like eight in the regular season, and advance in the playoffs.
Southern Valley
EAGLES
Former Hyannis head coach Bob Frederickson takes the reigns at Southern Valley where the Eagles return five starters on both offense and defense from last year's 4-5 playoff team.
"We have a great group of returning lettermen and our strength will be at the skill positions where we return several starters, including a four-year starter at quarterback," says Coach Frederickson, a 1994 graduate of California State Unversity-Bakersfield. "Our initial weakness will be rebuilding a line that was dominated by seniors last year."
Perkins (6-1, 175) is one of the premier athletes in Class C-2, a two-time returning all-district player who last year passed for 1,091 yards and 13 touchdowns and also rushed for 405 yards and five scores. When he throws he's going to be looking for senior Hunter Quinn (6-3, 165), another outstanding athlete at receiver who last season pulled in 28 passes for 645 yards and six touchdowns. That's one of the best passing combos in C-2, right there.
Small but sturdy senior Christian Lewis (5-6, 150) returns as the team's leading rusher, last year gaining 510 yards on the ground, scoring three times, with junior letterman Lane Barker (5-8, 185) another candidate for carries.
Senior center Tre Norman (5-8, 175) is the lone returning starter in the line with other prospects including seniors Cole Haase (5-11, 230), Tucker Bergquist (6-0, 160) and JJ Soderlund (6-0, 265) and juniors Jacob Kramer (5-8, 165), Trak Lewis (5-10, 255) and Jesse Jackson (5-11, 175).
Perkins (95 tackles) and junior Chance Best (5-8, 150), who last season racked up 77 tackles and broke up seven passes, return at linebacker as does Lewis (23 tackles) and Barker (22 tackles). Quinn (66 tackles, 7 PBU, 5 INTs) is a playmaker in the secondary where Hunt (38 tackles) is another returning starter.
Bergquist (48 tackles, 3 FR) will lead the defensive line with Lewis (19 tackles) and Kramer (22 tackles) other leaders of that unit.
A tough schedule (NP St. Pat's, Doniphan-Trumbull, St. Cecilia) will make it tough for the Eagles to better last year's four wins.
Sandy Creek
COUGARS
Previously a Sandy Creek assistant and former head coach at Shickley, Bump Novacek takes command of the Cougars' program, which returns six starters on both offense and defense from last year's winless team.
"We have a good group of players with a lot of experience. That will serve us well this season," says Coach Novacek, a 1990 graduate of Fresno State University.
Senior Blake Skolaut (6-1, 170) gives the Cougars a dependable quarterback, last season passing for 927 yards and six touchdowns. His leading returning receiver is senior tight end Logan Searle (6-3, 205), who last season pulled in 14 catches for 249 yards, and senior Kendall Dickson (6-6, 200) returns at the other tight end position. Junior Corbin Hansen (6-0, 140) is a returning starter at wide receiver with senior lettermen Austin Bailey (6-1, 150) and Colton Shuck (5-10, 150) adding depth at that position.
Junior fullback Brook Svoboda (5-10, 180) is the team's most veteran running back.
The only returning starter in the interior offensive line is senior Emmet Caldwell (5-10, 200) with junior letterman Chandler Soucie (6-3, 175) also expected to start.
Dickson (55 tackles) and Svoboda (28 tackles) return at linebacker with Caldwell (17 tackles) and senior Logan Wenske (6-0, 200) returning starters in the defensive line, an area where Soucie should help out. Hansen, Shuck and Bailey will be among the candidates to play the secondary.
You should be able to expect three wins or so out of the Cougars in 2014.
Superior
WILDCATS
Superior was winless in 2013 and will have a new head coach. Superior did not return a football preview information form to HPR.
Class C2-8
Hershey
PANTHERS
For a second straight season Hershey won a playoff game, completing a historic unbeaten regular season before finishing 9-1 on the year. Head coach Ryan Smith returns seven starters on offense and six on defense.
"2014 should be a good season for us. Depth on the offensive line and at linebacker needs to be addressed but we return five of six skill players and we have good offensive linemen returning, including some young players who could make an impact," says Coach Smith, a 1996 Chadron State College graduate who enters his 17th year as HHS head coach. "Defensively we will be pretty good up front and on the back end. If we can stay healthy and build some depth we should have a solid, competitive team."
Foremost among those returning skill players is senior all-state candidate Gaige Marshall (5-10, 180), a two-time all-district running back who last season rushed for 1,333 yards and 11 touchdowns. Also back is senior QB Logan Weir (5-11, 170), who last year passed for 633 yards and 13 touchdowns,, as well as senior running back Josh Margritz (6-0, 195), who last year caught 14 passes for 171 yards and accounted for 11 total touchdowns.
Senior Chayton Crow (5-9, 165) and junior Mason Amweg (5-9, 160) will bolster the team's receiving corps.
Senior Jacob Kugler (6-3, 240), a returning all-district selection, anchors a big, physical offensive line which also includes 5-9, 270-pound junior as a returning starter. Depth comes in the form of seniors Jacob Louder (5-9, 235) and Cody Morrow (6-0, 205), junior Alex Czarnick (6-0, 235) and rising sophomore Baylor Hellmuth (6-3, 260).
Crow (4 INTs) is an all-district defensive back and will lead a secondary that will include Marshall and Amweg with junior letterman Jaydn Foster (5-9, 150) in the mix for playing time. Richardson is a returning all-district defensive lineman and leads a unit that will include sophomore Jason Davis (6-3, 295), Kugler and Hellmuth and a host of others. Host, I tell you.
Margritz will carry a leadership role as the only returning starter at linebacker with Czarnick and juniors Ryan Cox (6-0, 225) and Wyatt McConnell (6-0, 210) as candidates to fill the other slots in the lineup.
Hershey will face three 2013 playoff quarterfinal teams in the first five weeks and face eight playoff teams in total. Still, this program has the hang of winning and should check in with seven or eight wins and compete for the district title, maybe more.
North Platte St. Pat's
IRISH
For a fourth consecutive season the Irish reached the playoff quarterfinals, losing to what would prove to be unbeaten state champion Doniphan-Trumbull. The Irish finished last season 9-2 and return an outstanding crop of returning starters, including eight on defense and seven on offense.
One of the truly great triple threats in small school football, senior Drew McClellan (5-10, 150) could be an all-stater at any of three different positions. On offense he's a big-play receiver who last year caught 18 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns and don't be surprised to see him take some snaps at running back. Other options in the running game include senior Trey Dodson (5-8, 140), juniors Matthew Ferguson (5-7, 155) and sophomores Aaron Allison (5-7, 140) and Lane Knisely (5-7, 145), lettermen all.
Look for junior Bryce Byrn (6-0, 150) to step into the starting quarterback role. Byrn is a smart athlete who does a capable job of running the option and makes good decisions, says Coach Dodson.
Senior Andrew O'Neill (6-0, 180) is a returning all-district player and will again line up at tight end on offense. There is plenty of depth in the offensive line with seniors Ryan Dilley (5-8, 180), Evan Klinkefus (5-8, 180), Mike Elsten (6-0, 170), David Treierweiler (5-10, 170), Miguel Martinez (6-1, 240), Kolbey Fourtner (5-11, 280) and Alex Mackley (5-11, 175) all having experience starting experience.
McClellan (8 INTs) is also an outstanding DB and will lead a secondary that will also include Byrn, who had two interceptions in 2013, with Dodson and Allison also in the mix. O'Neill will lead a set of linebackers that will include Klinkefus, Trierweiler and junior Adam Mackley (6-0, 170).
McClellan is also the team's punter (35.5) and place kicker, last year earning first-team all-state honors after booting 41 PATs and five field goals. The kid can do it all, I tell you.
There is a certain irony opening at Doniphan-Trumbull but when the dust settles look for the Irish to win eight games or so in the regular season and advance in the playoffs.
Bridgeport
BULLDOGS
Last season the Bulldogs were one of the feel-good stories of the year, breaking a decade-long playoff drought and finishing 6-3. Head coach Jerod Dean returns a veteran squad, too, including seven starters on both sides of the ball.
"We lose four seniors who contributed a great deal of talent and leadership but we also return a very good group of athletes and a new group of seniors who got a taste of the playoffs last season," says Coach Dean, a Bridgeport High and University of Northern Colorado graduate who enters his fifth year at his alma mater. "We will have a new quarterback but an experienced line and a good running back. With a tough nine-game schedule our guys will have to be ready to compete at a high level."
One of the best underclassmen in Class C-2 football, junior running back Wyatt Pankowski (6-3, 210) is as sledge hammer, last year rushing for 1,164 yards and 12 touchdowns. He will be joined in the running game by senior Kaden Hall (6-1, 150) and junior Anthony Barrett (5-8, 155), helping take some pressure off new starting QB Jason Amateis (5-9, 150), who moves over from wide receiver.
Senior Ty Weborg (5-10, 145) and junior Logan Linch (5-8, 145) will bring a veteran edge to the wide receiver position.
Great experience in the offensive line, where four starters return, including senior Taylor Janicek (6-0, 200), juniors Will Frerichs (6-4, 270) and Isaias Mancias (6-3, 295) and sophomore Jerrod Fedorchik (6-1, 175), with senior Andrew Barrett (6-2, 180) and junior Tyler Gregory (6-1, 210) also in the mix. Also returning is outstanding senior tight end John Pappas (6-5, 220).
Amateis (43 tackles, 8 PBU) is a returning all-district DB who will lead a secondary that will also include Weborg, Linch and senior Trevor Benavides (5-7, 120). Hall (51 tackles, 7 TFL), an all-district lineman who moves to linebacker, and Pankowski return at that position with junior Lawrence Schneider (5-8, 155) also expected to play.
Fedorchik (25 tackles, 4 TFL) will lead a defensive line that will include Frerichs, Janicek, Mancias and Gregory.
Coaches like it when you can turn, hand the ball to a big, strong running back and have him plunge into the line behind a big, strong offensive line. Bridgeport will do that enough to win five, maybe six this regular season.
Cambridge
TROJANS
They HAVE held the playoffs without Cambridge in the field - once in the past 24 years. The Trojans qualified again in 2013, finishing 4-5, and now return seven starters on offense and six on defense.
"As always for us, it boils down to line play and senior leadership. We have to run the ball well to be successful and we have struggled to do that the past couple of years, so we have struggled to win games," says head coach Josh Graves, who has won 53 games in his eight seasons at Cambridge. "We have 12 seniors, with eight of them returning starters, so we are hoping they are the type of leaders the rest of the team needs. We have a great group of committed athletes and they have a strong desire to compete and carry on the tradition of Trojan football. What we lack in size we will need to make up in aggressiveness."
Senior Zach Moore (6-1, 170) is a returning all-district player who last season rushed for 461 yards and two touchdowns and caught eight passes in 2013. He will be a critical piece of the offensive puzzle for Cambridge, which will count on senior Ryan Rice (5-10, 160) to step in at quarterback senior Brandon Andrews (5-11, 160) to take on a bigger role in the running game. Last season Andrews caught 10 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns.
The Trojans will feature a pair of senior three-year starters in guard Jake Whipple (6-4, 220) and center Alex Burke (6-1, 215), with juniors Josh Holtze (6-0, 205) and Devin Hoelscher (6-2, 190) also returning starters. Seniors Calvin Wineland (6-0, 165), Nick Martin (5-10, 250), Braxton Miller (5-11, 240) and Dusty Runner (6-0, 170) lend depth to the line.
Moore (62 tackles, 3 FR) and senior Jared Andrews (5-9, 145) while Whipple (19 tackles, 2 FR), Burke, Holtze (25 tackles) and Hoelscher return in the defensive line. There is also good depth in the secondary with Andrews (43 tackles), Rice and senior Evan Jones returning to that unit. Senior letterman Sam Pearson (6-2, 185) will also be expected to contribute to the secondary.
Eight - count 'em, eight - playoff teams on Cambridge's schedule so let's say the Trojans settle in somewhere around four or five wins.
Kimball
LONGHORNS
Second-year head coach Nick Kuxhausen returns an outstanding veteran corps from last year's 4-5 playoff team, including nine starters on both offense and defense.
"We will have a very strong senior class this season with eight of the nine having four years of experience," says Coach Kuxhausen, a 2012 graduate of Doane College. "Our team's strengths will be experience and team speed and we will have good depth at the skill positions. We will need to build depth in both the offensive and defensive lines as the season progresses."
One of the premier running backs in Class C-2 football for 2014, senior Jonathan Withrow (5-8,165) is an all-state candidate following a season in which he rushed for 1,412 yards and 11 TDs and caught 14 passes for 172 yards and two more touchdowns. Also returning is senior fullback AJ Spicer (5-10, 190), who rushed for 403 yards and four touchdowns.
Senior Colton Stull (6-0, 170) returns as the team's quarterback, last year passing for 505 yards and seven touchdowns and scoring six touchdowns rushing, and his leading returning receiver is senior Michael Ferguson (6-2,160), who caught 14 passes for 213 yards and a score. Junior Angel Flores (5-5, 125) is also a veteran receiver.
Leading the offensive line is returning all-district tackle Damien Rutledge (5-6, 220) with seniors Ben Sauter (6-2, 190) and Enrique Cajero (5-10, 190) other returning starters up front. Junior letterman Dalton Pruett (6-1, 175) is a leading contender for one of the remaining starting spots.
Stull (32 tackles), Cajero and junior Justin Mohr (5-7, 140), who last year finished with 22 tackles and two fumble recoveries, will play linebacker with sophomore Logan Stahla (5-8, 145) adding depth at that position. Ferguson (36 tackles), is a returning all-district safety and leads a secondary that will also include Withrow (45 tackles, 3 TFL), Flores (20 tackles) and junior Ethan Land (17 tackles).
Rutledge (59 tackles) leads the D-line where Sauter (40 tackles), Spicer (29 tackles) and junior Trent Rutledge (27 tackles, 6 TFL) also return.
Cajero returns as the team's punter (31 yards per) and place kicker, last year kicking 20 PATs and two field goals.
No matter the level of football seniors are a mighty important commodity, especially those who are experienced and productive. Look for Kimball to win five or six games and be a big factor in the district race.
Bayard
TIGERS
In 2013 the Tigers reached the postseason for the third time in four seasons and return seven offensive starters and six defensive starters from that 3-6 team.
"We will have good leadership from our upperclassmen but we will also need our younger players to keep working hard at developing if we are to reach our full potential," says head coach Randy McKibbin, a 1986 graduate of Doane College.
Bayard football has enjoyed a decade of outstanding quarterbacks, the latest being graduated Zac Rice, a four-year starter. Stepping into those shoes will be junior letterman Jacob Hoff, a job made somewhat easier by the return of senior receiver Bryce Hargens (6-5, 200), who last year caught 24 passes for 285 yards and a score; senior Phillip Schuller (5-10, 145) will be counted upon for leadership at the receiver position, says Coach McKibbin. Another top skill player for the Tigers will be senior running back Tristan Hunter (6-3, 230), who last year rushed for 267 yards and two touchdowns and showed good hands for a big back, catching 11 passes.
Three junior starters return in the offensive line, including Alex Wamboldt (6-2, 200), Ethan Marker (6-2, 230) and Zaine Gallegos (5-10, 250), while seniors Roger Roach, Henry Schmall and JD Wurm will be counted upon to add depth in the line.
Hunter (70 tackles, 3.5 sacks) is a returning all-district linebacker and junior Chandler Cox (6-0, 185), who last year turned in 34 tackles and two INTs, also returns at that position. Schuller will part of the solution in the secondary while Hargens (31 tackles), Marker (26 tackles), Wamboldt and Gallegos return in the defensive line.
Coach McKibbin adds a good freshman class will add depth to the squad.
Wins might be hard to come by for the Tigers this season but let's say they find a way to grab a couple of Ws.
This post was edited on 8/25 12:55 PM by Huskerland Bob
Oakland-Craig
KNIGHTS
Counting on a solid, veteran class the Knights look to improve upon last year's 5-4 record and a seventh playoff berth in eight seasons. Head coach Joe Anderson returns eight starters on both sides of the ball.
"We return a good nucleus, including 10 seniors who have started a lot of games over the last two years," says Anderson, who has a 70-38 career coaching record, leading Plainview to the Class C-2 title in 2005. "Last year was disappointing but we lost to four very good football teams and we were competitive in each of those games. Our schedule is going to be tough right out of the gate so our kids will have to be ready to go from Week 1. They are determined to help our program take the next step and I believe we can be a very good football team if we stay healthy and continue to develop depth as the season goes along."
A two-time all-stater, senior running back Nick Arlt (5-10, 170) overcame injuries to still rush for 1,302 yards and 13 touchdowns and catch 16 passes for 149 yards and a score. He's an explosive player can score from anywhere on the field. Senior fullback Joel Johnson (5-11, 180) last season rushed for 102 yards and a score and senior wingback (5-10, 160) will also make some plays on offense.
Junior QB Cole Mitchell (5-10, 175) emerged as an outstanding dual threat in 2013, passing for 876 yards and 15 TDs and rushing for another 444 yards and nine touchdowns, making first-team all-district in the process.
Senior Cameron Kiner (6-4, 215) is a tight end who last season was also the all-district kicker, converting 42-of-45 PATs. Never hurts to have that kind of weapon.
Other returning starters in the offensive line include seniors Ted Maline (6-0, 195), Justin Smith (6-0, 210) and Blake Uhing (6-1, 240) and junior Conner Thiele (6-1, 200). Senior Job Egbers (6-1, 260) and junior Mitch Smith (5-10, 165) are lettermen who will add depth to the O-line.
Arlt (91 tackles) leads a secondary that will also include senior returning starter Tyler Groth (5-10, 160), who had 32 tackles in 2013, with senior Michael Fischer (5-9, 150) and junior Cody Mace (5-10, 160) lettermen who will be in the mix for playing time. Kiner (48 tackles) and Maline (30 tackles) lead a defensive line which will include Smith and Uhing, another group which should be strong.
Thiele (89 tackles) is a returning all-district linebacker and with him, Johnson (70 tackles) and Uhing (28 tackles) on the field at the same time linebacker seems like its in pretty good shape.
True enough, opening with Archbishop Bergan and Battle Creek will provide the Knights with a challenge but we see O-C making up for last year, winning the close ones and winding up with about seven wins and a playoff berth.
Ponca
INDIANS
Coming off another playoff season the Indians will field a youthful team that aims to match or better last year's 4-5 mark.
"We will have a very young team so experience early in the season will be very beneficial to us," says fifth-year head coach Troy Evans. "Again, we play a brutal schedule but that's football in northeast Nebraska."
Carrying a big load for the offense will be senior Michael Wash, a returning all-district running back who last year rushed for 964 yards and 14 touchdowns, both team bests. Seniors Alex Rickett and Sean Uhl return at fullback while seniors Colton Oswald and Brady Krusemark return in the offensive line and senior Tommy Gill is back at tight end. Junior Corey Ryker is expected to compete for the other tight end position.
Ponca has a good football program and it would be expected the Indians will find a way to reach .500 or so even with all that youth.
Stanton
MUSTANGS
Lots of experience at Stanton where the Mustangs will build around eight returning starters on both offense and defense, trying to better last year's 2-6 mark.
"We will need to replace some great seniors but return quite a bit of experience, with our lines being the most experienced," says fifth-year head coach Jeff Wall, a 1995 graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan. "We will still be searching for the best combination of players at the skill positions and we will need good team leadership and from more than just the seniors."
Junior Josh Krentz returns as the team's starting quarterback after last year passing for 301 yards and five TDs with junior Grant King the leading returning rusher after gaining 311 yards in 2013. Junior tight end Michael Sieh is the team's leading returning receiver.
Anchoring the line will be all-district senior Christian Heppner with senior Coltt Kremlacek, junior Christian Stallbaum and sophomores Trey Erbst and Mason King other returning starters in a very deep line.
Heppner (37 tackles, 2 FR), Kremlacek and sophomore Dylan Hunt (33 tackles, 4 sacks) will anchor the defensive line with Sieh (78 tackles, 2 FR) and outstanding linebacker who will lead a unit that will also include Grant King (20 tackles) and senior Ross Locke (28 tackles).
Warnke (36 tackles) leads a secondary that will include senior Justin Bowers, junior Kyle Sperl (17 tackles) and sophomore letterman Hunter Stallbaum.
Look for the Mustangs to win something like four or five games this season.
Laurel-Concord/Coleridge
BEARS
New head coach Jordan Taylor will take over a program that returns 10 players with starting experience from a team that finished 2-6.
An outstanding dual threat quarterback, junior Dillan Wolfgram last year rushed for 586 yards and six touchdowns and threw for another 533 yards and four touchdowns; he's the leader of the team's offense. Seniors Collin Dirks and Colton Jansen bring experience to the running game and senior Brad Steffen will also help at the skill positions. Sophomore Jayden Reifenrath has experience at the wide receiver position.
Senior Chayce Hirschman and juniors Billy Barelman (6-1, 185) and Dominic Anderson are returning starters in the line while senior Jackson Metheny returns at tight end.
Wolfgram leads the way on defense, too, last year checking in with 72 tackles and three interceptions, with Metheny (59 tackles, 3 TFL) a solid linebackers. Barelman (32 tackles, 6.5 TFL) and Hirschman (35 tackles, 4 TFL) are playmakers in the line while Dirks (33) and Steffen (22) are other leading returning tacklers on defense.
Wins might be hard to come by this season but this is the type of team that could pull an upset or two before it's all over.
Wisner-Pilger
GATORS
With eight starters back on defense and six on offense the Gators will look to improve over last year's disappointing 1-7 finish.
"We will be younger and a little smaller up front this season," says seventh-year head coach Brent Bauer. "Leadership will be important to this team and we look to be competitive in all our games."
A returning all-district player, senior Rion Wisniewski (5-10, 165) will power the run game, coming off a season in which he gained 619 yards and scored eight touchdowns. Senior Joey Beacom (5-11, 180) will also be a factor in the running game and sophomore letterman Cobe Porter (5-11, 175) will also be in the mix.
Sophomore letterman Cooper Von Seggern (5-10, 170) will open as quarterback with senior Colton Knust (6-54, 165) his leading receiver after last season catching 13 passes for 152 yards and four touchdowns. Junior Mason Rabe (5-10, 170) and senior Chase Ott (5-10, 150) along with senior letterman Christian Stastny (6-2, 175) will compete for playing time at that position.
A rising talent, junior Lucas Troyer (6-5, 240) is an all-district player who will lead the offensive line with senior Dean Peterson (6-3, 200) also returning. Seniors Miah Mauch (5-10, 210) and Gavin Johnston (6-6, 250) will battle for playing time in the line.
Beacom (75 tackles) is an outstanding tackler and will lead a group of linebackers that will also include Rabe and sophomores Von Seggern and Porter while Knust, Ott and Wisnieski return in the secondary. Peterson (65 tackles) is a returning all-district defensive lineman and along with Troyer will provide a solid foundation in the D-line, with Johnston and Mauch among the candidates to start up front.
A couple of wins would probably make this a successful season for this young team as it faces a strong schedule.
Homer
KNIGHTS
There is a good deal of experience returning at Homer, which has seven starters back on both offense and defense after last year finishing 1-7.
"Our offensive and defensive lines will be young, inexperienced and we will lack depth. Our season will be determined by how much the lines improve over the course of the season," says head coach Dan Schmitt, a 1988 graduate of Augustana (SD) College who enters his eighth year at Homer.
A three-year starter and returning all-district player, junior Wyatt Tremayne (5-8, 190) returns as the team's starting quarterback and should be, says Coach Schmitt, "one the better players in Class C-2." The numbers seem to back him up, too, as Tremayne last year set a single-game school record for passing yards (344) on the way to throwing for 1,389 yards and 10 touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 421 yards and eight more scores.
His go-to receiver is a school record breaker in his own right - he broke four of them last year - as senior Austin Weber (5-7, 150) last year caught 53 passes for 775 yards and seven touchdowns. Also returning at receiver are seniors Preston Bodlak (6-2, 210) and Connor Woodard (5-9, 170) and junior Alex Lundeen (5-9, 155).
Junior Chad Pies (5-7, 165) is the team's most experienced running back.
Two starters return in the offensive line including senior Michael Abney (6-0, 270) and sophomore Jonah Schmitt (6-0, 205).
Tremayne also is a school record holder for tackles (113) and will return at linebacker along with Woodard and Pies (18 tackles). Weber (42 tackles, 2 INTs) leads the secondary while Bodlak (19 tackles), Abney, Lundeen and Schmitt will man the defensive line.
Homer could make a jump up if the line comes together and, either way, we see the Knights grabbing a couple of wins.
Class C2-5
Hartington Cedar Catholic
TROJANS
Churning out another outstanding season in 2013, going 7-3 and winning a playoff game, Cedar returns a strong group of veterans, including eight starters on both sides of the ball.
"I would say the greatest strength of this years team is going to be the leadership and depth of our senior class. Many of these kids have been playing since they were sophomores so we're excited to to see how they finish up their careers," says head coach Chad Cattau, who led Cedar to the Class C-2 title game in 2001 and 2009. "It's always interesting to see how team leadership evolves during the summer months and this year's group has done an excellent job in taking that role head on. We have very high expectations for this senior class as the season gets underway. I know they will do everything in their power to make sure they are successful both on and off the field this season."
Entering the final year of an outstanding high school career, senior James Kaiser (155) will move from receiver, where he was an all-stater, to quarterback. To give you an idea of what he's capable of, last season Kaiser caught 33 passes for 657 yards and 11 TDs. He'll also be an outstanding runner when given the chance.
Another all-state caliber player, senior Ryan Becker (185) returns after last season rushing for 1,202 yards and eight touchdowns. He'll lead a running game that will also include senior fullback Jared Wiebelhaus (165), who last year rushed for 234 yards and three touchdowns.
Even with Kaiser's move the Trojans return a couple of solid receivers, in senior wide receiver Tristan Steffen (160) and senior tight end Ty Becker (170). Last season Steffen caught 13 passes for 174 yards while Becker caught 10 passes for 122 yards and a score.
There is good size and experience in the line, a group led by senior Chase Kelley (245) and junior Kendrik Goeden (265) and also including seniors Austin Koch (210) and Tucker Loberg (190). It should prove to be one of the best offensive lines in Class C-2.
Kaiser (43 tackles, 6 PBU) and Steffen (38 tackles) will lead a secondary that could get some help from senior letterman Luke Burbach (160) while Wiebelhaus (90 tackles). Ryan Becker (51 tackles) and Fischer (47 tackles) give the team an outstanding set of linebackers.
Kelley (46 tackles) leads a defensive line that will also include Goeden, Koch, Loberg and Ty Becker.
Great experience, some big-time talent at key positions, and a winning tradition make Cedar a C-2 title contender in 2014. Look for Eight or nine wins in the regular season and maybe a playoff finals run.
Lutheran High Northeast
EAGLES
Coming off another strong season - 9-2 record, state quarterfinals - Lutheran High seems poised for more, returning eight starters on defense and seven on offense.
"We have a lot of experience coming back but we will need to stay healthy and work hard in the weight room to keep physically developing," says eighth-year head coach Darin Suckstorf, who has a 43-25 career record. "We do that and I think we can have another great year."
Despite injuries which limited him to six games in 2013, senior Nick Stolze (5-10, 165) still churned out 819 yards and should become one of C-2's best backs. Senior Kyle Rosberg (6-1, 165) is another veteran back, having rushed for 250 yards last season, with senior Taylor Friedrich (6-0, 160) and junior Ryan Brand (6-1, 165) adding depth to the running game.
Junior Ayden Wiederin (6-0, 155) is the team's most veteran QB and gets first crack at the full-time job. Senior Nate Stolze (5-11, 165) is another versatile skill player for the Eagles, a quality receiver and runner who will line up in the slot. Senior Keaton Alberts (6-1, 160) will also be a factor in the receiving corps.
Another team strength will be in the offensive line where four starters return, including seniors Ethan Rockwell (6-4, 215), Andy Lutz (6-3, 250) and Colby Fuxa (6-2, 205) and junior Collin Riley (6-3, 280). It's a big, talented group with Rockwell and Fuxa leaders of the pack.
Rosberg (92 tackles, 4 INTs) is an athletic and active safety and leads a secondary which will include Nate Soltze (42 tackles), Alberts and junior Ryan Brand (6-1, 165). Rockwell and Lutz will anchor a D-line that figures to include senior lettermen Kevin Sullivan (6-2, 210) and Josh Miller (6-1, 185).
There are some holes to fill at linebacker but with athletes like Fuxa, Nick Stolze (3.5 sacks) and junior John Freudenburg (6-1, 185) ready to take charge, things will be just fine.
Here's a program that's been hot in recent seasons and you shouldn't expect it to cool off in 2014. Look for the Eagles to win seven or eight in the regular season and advance in the playoffs.
Battle Creek
BRAVES
It was like old times for the Braves in 2013, as one of the state's most storied programs jumped back into the spotlight, finishing 11-1 and reaching the playoff semifinals. Third-year head coach Andrew Carlson returns five starters on offense and three on defense.
"Our team strength will be in both lines, as we are very experienced in both," says Coach Carlson, a Midland Lutheran University graduate. "It will be important for us to develop depth with our second units and we will have new cornerbacks and I-backs but we have kids who are ready for those opportunities.
Establishing himself as one of the state's premier linemen during a breakout 2013 campaign, senior all-stater Louis DeJager (6-0, 260) will anchor both lines. Senior Alex Tucker (6-2, 260) and senior tight end Jake Finkral (6-0, 185) also return in the offensive line and the Braves get a boost from Norfolk High transfer Will Kersten, a 6-3, 235-pound tight end, and look for junior Drew Lanman (5-8, 185) to also be very good in the line.
Senior Zach Bellar (5-11, 165) had a big season in 2013, passing for 771 yards and eight touchdowns and scoring eight touchdowns of his own. His go-to receiver is senior Jared Bellar (5-11, 165), who last season caught 16 passes for 233 yards.
Emerging in the playoffs last season, junior Derek Renner (5-11, 175) proved himself capable as a varsity starter, rushing for 519 yards and eight touchdowns. The return from injury by senior Jordan Zautke (5-10, 180) - "he's an outstanding athlete," says Coach Carlson - will give the running game some added spark.
Jared Bellar (5 INTs) was an all-state DB last year and will lead a defensive backfield that includes Zach Bellar, Renner and possibly Zautke - that's a lot of athletes in one secondary. Finkral (66 tackles) is the leader of the defense, an outstanding tackler and returning all-district player, and Kersten and senior Dustin Walters (5-10, 180) will team with him to form an excellent set of linebackers.
DeJager is a dominant defensive lineman, leading a unit that will also include Tucker at nose guard and Lanman, also in the middle, with senior letterman Paxton Prauner (6-2, 245) one of the prospects at defensive end.
Bellar (30 yards per try) returns as the team's punter.
The Braves showed some guts in overcoming adversity to reach last year's semifinals. We see them winning another seven or eight in the regular season and making the playoffs.
Crofton
WARRIORS
With six starters back on both sides of scrimmage Crofton sets out to make it 13 straight trips to the playoffs. Last season the Warriors reached the C-2 postseason, finishing 6-4.
"We have 25 boys on our team, 13 of them freshmen and sophomores, and only four of them seniors. We will rely on our talented younger players for depth and hope to get better as the season goes along," says head coach Tony Hoffman, who has compiled a 113-36 record in 15 years at Crofton, including a trip to the 2003 Class C-2 state title game.
The Warriors will be strong in the line, a unit that will build upon the shoulders of returning starters like senior tackles Brock Mueller (6-2, 225) and Anthony Mota-Morales (6-4, 320) and senior tight end Tyler Koch (6-2, 220), the latter last year also catching 10 passes for 178 yards and a TD. Sophomore Grant Wragge (6-1, 145) "has a lot of potential" at the other tight end position and sophomore lettermen Chase Zimmerman (6-0, 230) and Dylan Potts (5-10, 200) will also press for starting positions.
Another sophomore, Tanner Crosley (6-0, 180), won his only start last year and will be the team's quarterback with sophomore Josh Allen (5-7, 160) on of the wingbacks. Incoming freshman Ethan Poppe (5-8, 190) will also be in the running game mix, if healed from a track season injury and sophomore letterman Noah McFarland (6-1 ,165) is another possibility.
Koch, Mueller and Mota-Morales are veterans in the defensive line with sophomore Derek Maibaum (5-11, 240) and Zimmerman also likely to play a lot. Senior Lathan Maibaum (6-1, 160) is a returning starter in the secondary and Allen and McFarland will also play in that unit.
Junior Luke Dohrman (6-0, 190) will return at linebacker Crosley, sophomore Jaxson Guenther (5-9,175), Poppe and sophomore Levi Honeywell (5-8,160) among those competing for the other starting positions.
Koch (32.1 per attempt) is a dependable punter.
It'll be a season of transition for Crofton, which we see winning right five games this fall.
West Holt
HUSKIES
With five starters back on offense and seven on defense the Huskies will look to make it five straight trips to the postseason, last year reaching the C-2 postseason and finishing the year 4-5.
"We should be strong on defense with seven starters back and our team speed should be a strength," says West Holt head coach Steve Neptune, who enters his fifth season at the school. "We are going to be inexperienced in the offensive line and we need to find a quarterback."
The quarterback race is sort of fascinating, with junior Riley Bilstein (6-0, 175), senior Josiah McAllister (5-9, 155) and incoming freshman Bryce Kirkman (5-8, 150) all in the mix. The fulcrum to the offense will be senior running back Viktor Jonseth (6-1, 190), a powerful athlete who last year rushed for 400 yards and caught six passes for 90 yards. Senior Jeff Judge (5-9, 165) returns at wide receiver after last year catching 13 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns, as does junior Grant Wallinger (5-9, 160) and senior Dillon Larby (6-0, 155).
Two interior linemen return - senior Tate Mathis (6-3, 245) and junior Kyle Linders (5-8, 225) - as do senior tight ends Kolby Cone (6-3, 185) and Ryan Linders (6-0, 195). Junior Jaret Laible (6-2, 240) figures to earn a spot in the offensive front.
Jonseth (80 tackles, 2 FR) is a returning all-district linebacker and will be joined by Cone (88 tackles, 3 FR), Ryan Linders (50 tackles) and Wallinger to give the Huskies an outstanding set of linebackers. Judge (53 tackles), Bilstein (56 tackles), McAllister (27 tackles) and Larby return to give the team a solid, veteran secondary.
Mathis and Linders are returning starters in the defensive line, where Laible will have a chance to earn a starting position. A freshman class of 10 will have a chance to add some limited varsity depth.
If the line and QB situations come to a happy solution the Huskies should be back in business, winning something like five games.
Ainsworth
BULLDOGS
Last season the Bulldogs snapped a long losing streak but still finished just 1-7. Third-year head coach Wade Alberts returns eight starters on defense and six on offense to help turn things around.
"We return a lot of starters and we have some strong leaders in our senior class. Increased numbers on our roster will also help us be more competitive," says Coach Alberts, a 1995 graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan.
Senior Josh Finley (5-11, 165) returns as the team's quarter after last season passing for 455 yards and a touchdown. His leading receiver is senior Marcus Osborn (5-9, 165), who last year pulled in 13 receptions for 119 yards and a score. Juniors Dominic Henry (5-7, 135) and Wyatt Killon (5-7, 140) will compete for carries in the running game and incoming freshman Payton Allen (6-0, 165) is expected to help at the skill positions.
Rising junior Ben Allen (6-0, 220) leads an offensive line that also returns seniors Nathaniel Goodloe (5-8, 170) and Jake Wilkins (6-1, 190) and junior Kyle Erthum (6-1, 230), with sophomores Jacce Beck (5-11, 225) and Jacob Fernau (5-9, 175) other O-line prospects.
Allen (94 tackles, 3 FR) is a linebacker who will lead the defense that will include Erthum (36 tackles) at nose guard and Wilkins (50 tackles) at end and Osborn (42 tackles), Finley (41 tackles), Henry (20 tackles) and senior Jayden Philben (5-9, 150) in the secondary. Payton Allen also figures to play in the secondary.
Ainsworth will be the underdog in every regular season game it plays but here's hoping the Bulldogs break through with a couple of wins.
District C2-6
Centura
CENTURIONS
First-year head coach Larry Baker takes over a program that returns nine starters on defense and seven on offense from a 4-5 playoff team.
"We return a large number of lettermen, we have great senior leadership, good team speed and physicality, plus we will be very strong at the skill positions," says Coach Baker, a graduate of UN-Kearney. "We need to shore up our offensive line and we are a program in transition, where the new coaching staff will be tasked with building a program based on positive relationships between coaches and players alike."
One of the best underclassman players in Class C-2, 6-3, 200-pound junior Travis Holcomb is a two-time returning all-district player who last year caught 47 passes for 706 yards and six touchdowns. Also back at receiver is senior Lucas Kyhn (5-11, 170), who last year caught nine passes for 185 yards and four touchdowns, while sophomore Jose Guzman (5-10, 145) proved valuable as both a receiver and rusher.
Slowed by injury last year, but an 800-yard all-district rusher as a sophomore, senior Levi Rosenquist (5-8, 175) is once again healthy and will lead the Centura running game. Also returning is senior fullback Jacob Christensen (5-11, 190).
There will be a battle for the starting quarterback position between junior Hunter Caspersen (6-1, 170) and sophomore Wyatt Gleason (5-10, 150). "Both can run our offense the way we'd like and that type of competition will only make our team better," says Coach Baker.
Returning starters in the offensive line include seniors Bailey Brown (5-11, 205), Ben Serr (6-3, 195), Hunter Nance (6-3, 250), Brandon Callahan (6-9, 395) and Tristan Krolikowski (6-2, 210). Sophomore letterman Heath Hostetler (5-11, 170) will also compete for time in the line.
Holcomb (19 tackles, 3 sacks), Brown (25 tackles) and Christensen (21 tackles) return at linebacker while all-district safety Kyhn (21 tackles, 4 PBU) leads a secondary that will also include Guzman and Gleason. Serr, Nance, Callahan, Krolikowski and Hostetler will man the defensive front.
If that quarterback thing works out this is a team capable of winning seven or more in the regular season and winning the district.
Gibbon
BUFFALOES
Moving down from Class C-1 to Class C-2, the Buffaloes will return five starters on both offense and defense from last year's 5-4 playoff team. And travel 1,350 miles to and from away games. Just sayin'.
"We return most of our skill players on offense, including two quarterbacks with good experience and I feel like we will have some explosive players in our backfield, but also return only one starting lineman," says head coach Mark McLaughlin, who enters his sixth season at GHS. "On defense we return a lot of experience in the secondary but our front eight will be completely new.
"We have challenging road games early at Bayard and at Bridgeport and we play in what I believe is the most balanced district in the state. Any of the six teams could win it."
Junior Bradyn Snell (5-9, 160) last season passed for 651 yards and rushed for another 444 yards, scoring a total of 13 touchdowns, and he'll stay put while senior Gareth Stroh (6-1, 170) moves to wide receiver. Stroh is an accomplished athlete - when he played QB last year he passed for 592 yards, rushed for 313 yards, accounted for 13 TDs - but he moves to wide receiver where he should be exceptional. There is great depth in the receiving corps thanks to the return of juniors Oscar Cuellar (5-8, 145) and Korbin Hynes (5-8, 145); last season Cuellar caught 15 passes for 227 yards and three TDs and Hynes 15 for 187 yards and three TDs.
Senior Jeff Hall (5-7, 150) gives the Buffaloes a dependable option in the running game, last season rushed for 442 yards and three touchdowns.
Leading the offensive line will be senior Ozzy Rodriguez (5-11, 250) with Jesse Walker (6-1, 250), Brian Zimmer (6-0, 190) and Juan Ledezma (5-8, 175) likely to step into starting roles.
Stroh (38 tackles) will lead a secondary that will include Snell, Cuellar and Hynes while Rodriguez (72 tackles) is tremendously active at the line of scrimmage for a player his size. Look for Walker and Polo Ramirez (5-11, 195) to also be factors in the defensive line.
Hall (77 tackles, 3 TFL) is the team's leading returning tackler and Coltin Brown (5-11, 180), who is returning from knee surgery, will also be in the mix at linebacker. Snell served as the team's punter last season, averaging 31.9 per attempt.
Look for Gibbon to match last year's five wins in the regular season and be a serious contender for a district title and playoff berth.
Ravenna
BLUEJAYS
With six starters back on both sides of the ball the Bluejays are bent on bettering last year's uncharacteristic 2-6 mark.
"We should be better than last year, with depth and injuries deciding whether we are 3-6 or 6-3," says 12th year head coach Mark Hudson, a 1997 graduate of UN-Kearney. "Our line should be improved but we still need to find a number one receiver and back-up quarterback."
A three-year starter and two-time all-district player, senior QB Blake Chramosta (5-11, 155) is a dynamic offensive force, last year passing for 1,021 yards and five touchdowns and rushing for another 538 yards and 11 more touchdowns. He's one of the better quarterbacks in Class C-2.
Senior Josh McGuigan (5-6, 155) is the team's most veteran running back, last season rushing for 123 yards and a touchdown, with Chance Bouk (6-0, 165) a senior veteran at wide receiver.
Three starters return in the line, led by junior Conagher Jonak (6-4, 215), already a two-year starter who seems ready for a breakout year, as well as senior Kobe Schirmer (5-10, 180) and junior Luke Keileg (5-11, 180), with Caleb Gross expected to contend for a starting role.
McGuigan (55 tackles) returns at linebacker as does Keileg, with Chramosta back at safety and Bouk at cornerback, with Sean McFadden in contention for a starting role in the secondary. Jonak should be outstanding in the D-line, joined by Schirmer as a returning starter.
Look for the Bluejays to improve a little bit, win three or four games, maybe more if the line comes together.
Arcadia-Loup City
REBELS
A new cooperative program, Arcadia six-man last year and Loup City played in Class D-2. The newly named Rebels will have a new head coach, Mike Scott, and elected not to return a preseason information form.
Twin River
TITANS
There are signs the program is headed in the right direction at Twin River, where the Titans return seven starters on offense and six on defense from last year's 1-7 team.
"We have a team with more experience, with players who have been more competitive at the JV level, and we want to translate in varsity games," says third-year head coach Todd Connelly. "We return most of our skill people, including our leading rusher, but we also have to replace two linemen who have played a lot of football for us the past couple of seasons. The schedule we face is much different than in the past and we are excited to see how we can compete."
A returning all-district player, senior fullback Joey Hagerbaumer (6-1, 200) is the centerpiece of the Twin River offense, last year leading the team with 774 yards rushing, including eight TDs, and catching seven passes for 49 yards. A three-year starter, senior Devin Miller (5-10, 185) returns at running back, where he last year rushed for 245 yards and two touchdowns, as does junior Jeremy Preister (6-2,175), who last year led the team with 13 catches for 140 yards and a score. Junior Parker Koziol (5-8,165) was a part-time starter last season and will also be a factor in the backfield.
After starting four games last season sophomore Preston Connelly (6-6, 190) becomes the team's full-time quarterback. That's a lot of quarterback to line up in the wishbone set favored by the Titans.
Lettermen who could help at the skill positions include senior Luke Wilcynski (5-11, 170), juniors Blake Fehringer (5-9, 150) and Matt Euse (6-0, 150) and sophomore Beau Wattier (6-2,165).
Senior Caleb Frenzen (5-11, 240) is a two-year starter who will lead an offensive line that returns juniors Jayce Ellenwood (6-0, 205), Tanner Marker (6-1, 210) and junior tight end Jerrad Konz (6-3, 195).
Hagerbaumer (43 tackles) and Miller return at linebacker while Frenzen (28 tackles), Ellenwood (25 tackles), Marker (27 tackles, 3 sacks) and senior Bruce Kummer (20 tackles) return in the line. Preister, Konz and Koziol will also be part of the defense, as could Wattier and sophomore lineman Sergey Parry (5-11, 165).
Look for Twin River to win a couple games, maybe three this season.
Wood River
EAGLES
Second-year head coach Ben Fehringer will work with seven returning starters on both offense and defense in an effort to improve his team's 1-7 mark from 2013.
"We have a good mix of older and younger kids who saw varsity playing time last year and this will be the second year in a new system, so I expect our team to improve," says Coach Fehringer.
Three-year starter Dan Boshart (6-0, 190) returns at quarterback after last year passing for 376 yards and a touchdown and rushing for another 121 yards and a score. His leading returning receiver is senior Chris Loy (6-0, 180) with juniors Nate Bahe (5-9, 140) and Jamie Rojas (5-8, 140) other options.
Expect talented junior Tanner Gideon (5-10, 175) to be a major contributor in the running game; he's all-district kid who just needs the carries.
The only returning starter in the interior offensive line is junior guard Keaton Husak (5-9, 190) but junior Christian Thompson (5-10, 165) is back at tight end and senior Jeff Weber (5-9, 185) and juniors Tavian Tank (5-8, 220) and Paul Soto (5-9, 150) will compete for the other starting positions in the line.
Boshart, Loy and Thompson are returning starters at linebacker, Bahe, Rojas and Gideon (5-10, 175) will play in the secondary and Husak is the lone returning starter in the defensive line, with Weber, Tank and Soto expected to also play.
In one of the more balanced districts wins will be hard to come by for Wood River but let's say the Eagles grab a couple of them.
District C2-7
Doniphan-Trumbull
CARDINALS
Following the greatest season in the program's history - 13-0, state championship, et al - the cupboard isn't completely bare at Doniphan-Trumbull as the Cardinals return five starters on defense and three on offense.
Who doesn't return is former head coach Brent Breckner, who left his coaching position to move into administration. Former assistant Clint Head is the team's new head coach.
"We are going to be very young at a lot of spots on both sides of the ball but we have skilled and talented kids, they just need as much playing time as possible," says Coach Head, a 1998 graduate of Simpson (Iowa) College. "Our seniors have played in a lot of meaningful games and our underclassmen are more than capable of helping us have a successful 2014 campaign."
Stepping in at quarterback will be sophomore Tate Mazour (6-0, 175), who saw limited action last year, while junior Braden Schuppan (5-10, 150) and sophomore Tom Pfeiffer (5-11, 160) are in line to take over the ball carrying duties. Last season Pfeiffer rushed for 249 yards and three touchdowns while Schuppan gained 142 yards and scored twice, all that production coming in supporting roles.
Three veteran receivers return, including senior tight end Noah Keller (6-1, 175), who caught nine passes for 173 yards and two TDs; senior wide receiver Zach McNally (5-6, 140), who caught 13 passes for 222 yards and three TDs; and senior wide receiver Johnny Gomez (6-0, 175), who caught 15 passes for 177 yards and two scores.
There are only two players with starting experience in the interior line, including seniors Kalen Garrett (6-0, 215) and Blake Williams (5-6, 170), with juniors Skylar Jenkins (6-0, 175) and Blake Rainforth (5-11, 190) and sophomores Trey Sterner (6-0, 230) and Kyler Kroeger (5-11, 210) also competing for starting positions.
Senior Jacob Critel (6-2, 180) is an all-state type linebacker, last year totaling 115 tackles, 10 for loss, six sacks and two fumble recoveries. Also returning at linebacker will be Williams (96 tackles, 3 sacks) and Keller (18 tackles) with junior letterman Skylar Jenkins (6-0, 175) also competing for playing time.
McNally (52 tackles, 5 TFL, 4 INTs) is a playmaker and leads a secondary that will include Gomez, Schuppan and Pfeiffer. Kroeger, Sterner and Rainforth figure in the defensive line mix.
Gotta get settled at quarterback and opening with North Platte St. Pat's is no bargain but expect the Cardinals to round into form and win something like six or seven in the regular season and advance in the playoffs.
Hastings St. Cecilia
BLUEHAWKS
There are a lot of programs which would return only one starter on defense and be sunk for the season. St. Cecilia isn't one of them. The Bluehawks also return six starters on offense from last year's 8-3, state playoff quarterfinal team.
"Our defense will be our strength, with the six starters, and on offense our lack of experience will be made up for by having some really talented athletes on that side of the ball," says head coach Carl Tesmer, who has won 313 games in his hall of fame career. "We will have good size in the lines and our JVs were unbeaten and unscored upon last year. We will be tough to beat."
Sophomore Grant Schmidt (6-2, 170) figures to start at quarterback with senior Dan Harden (6-2, 180) stepping into the starting role at running back. Junior Zach Kitten (6-4, 195) will provide some pop in the running game and senior Jake Kadow (6-1, 180) is a big play receiver who last year turned 13 catches into 383 yards and three touchdowns. Also at receiver, junior Alex Teano (5-8, 145) will put is 4.6 in the 40 speed to good use.
Coach Tesmer wasn't just whistling Dixie about the size of his line - projected starters include seniors Sam Young (6-2, 270), Amel Gonzalez (6-2, 260) and John Walz (6-2, 225) and junior Brady Poppe (6-2, 270). In a word, yikes.
Senior Cody Zeckser (6-0, 200) and junior Mike Walz (5-10, 185) will be as good a pair of defensive tackles as you will find in Class C-2 football, with Young also filling a role in the defensive line. Kitten has that all-state look at linebacker, with senior Gus Clark (5-8,160) another returning starter and junior Dayton Sealey (6-0, 170) is a strong candidate to snap up another starting spot.
Kadow (6 INTs) is an all-state type of defensive back, leading a secondary that will also include Teano.
Look for St. Cecilia to win seven or eight in the regular season and advance in the playoffs. (Psst...this is the kind of team that could get hot late and make it to the finals...pass it on...)
Sutton
MUSTANGS
Building around a veteran line the Mustangs return seven starters on both offense and defense from last year's 7-3 team which won a playoff game.
"We will have an experienced line that includes three returning all-district players but will need to count on some new faces at the skill positions," says head coach Steve Ramer, a 1994 graduate of Peru State College and a winner of 116 games in his career.
One proven commodity in the skill department is senior running back Noah Johnson (6-1, 210), a 2014 all-state candidate and returning two-time all-district player who last year rushed for 950 yards and caught three passes for 109 yards and two TDs. One of last year's returning all-district linemen, senior Tristan Sheridan (6-0, 200) will move to fullback where he'll be a factor as both a runner and blocker.
Promising sophomore Tanner Peterson (6-2, 180) will step into the starting quarterback role and will be playing catch with a couple of real talented wide receivers, juniors Nick Hohensee (6-5, 185) and Tyler Bailey (5-6, 150).
The offensive line will be led by rising junior Garrett Clark (5-11, 260), an all-district player in both lines, and also include returning all-district players in junior Garrett Stone (6-0, 200) and Jared Lemkau (6-0, 180). Seniors Dalton Schmer (5-11, 200) and Kane Majors (6-2, 210) and sophomore Ryan Oschner (6-0, 200) will add depth to an athletic bunch which will be one of C-2's best offensive lines.
Johnson, Sheridan and sophomore Kristian Stengel (5-11, 175) are returning starters at linebacker with sophomores Garrett Leach (5-11, 155) and Alex Griess (6-0, 170) also in the mix for playing time. Peterson returns at one defensive end with Clark (4 FR) and Stone returning to the interior of the D-line and Oschner, Schmer and Majors bidding for playing time.
Bailey (3 INTs) and Hohensee are both returning all-district DBs and leads the secondary.
Love that line, enough to believe the Mustangs will not only match last year's win total but exceed it, with something like eight in the regular season, and advance in the playoffs.
Southern Valley
EAGLES
Former Hyannis head coach Bob Frederickson takes the reigns at Southern Valley where the Eagles return five starters on both offense and defense from last year's 4-5 playoff team.
"We have a great group of returning lettermen and our strength will be at the skill positions where we return several starters, including a four-year starter at quarterback," says Coach Frederickson, a 1994 graduate of California State Unversity-Bakersfield. "Our initial weakness will be rebuilding a line that was dominated by seniors last year."
Perkins (6-1, 175) is one of the premier athletes in Class C-2, a two-time returning all-district player who last year passed for 1,091 yards and 13 touchdowns and also rushed for 405 yards and five scores. When he throws he's going to be looking for senior Hunter Quinn (6-3, 165), another outstanding athlete at receiver who last season pulled in 28 passes for 645 yards and six touchdowns. That's one of the best passing combos in C-2, right there.
Small but sturdy senior Christian Lewis (5-6, 150) returns as the team's leading rusher, last year gaining 510 yards on the ground, scoring three times, with junior letterman Lane Barker (5-8, 185) another candidate for carries.
Senior center Tre Norman (5-8, 175) is the lone returning starter in the line with other prospects including seniors Cole Haase (5-11, 230), Tucker Bergquist (6-0, 160) and JJ Soderlund (6-0, 265) and juniors Jacob Kramer (5-8, 165), Trak Lewis (5-10, 255) and Jesse Jackson (5-11, 175).
Perkins (95 tackles) and junior Chance Best (5-8, 150), who last season racked up 77 tackles and broke up seven passes, return at linebacker as does Lewis (23 tackles) and Barker (22 tackles). Quinn (66 tackles, 7 PBU, 5 INTs) is a playmaker in the secondary where Hunt (38 tackles) is another returning starter.
Bergquist (48 tackles, 3 FR) will lead the defensive line with Lewis (19 tackles) and Kramer (22 tackles) other leaders of that unit.
A tough schedule (NP St. Pat's, Doniphan-Trumbull, St. Cecilia) will make it tough for the Eagles to better last year's four wins.
Sandy Creek
COUGARS
Previously a Sandy Creek assistant and former head coach at Shickley, Bump Novacek takes command of the Cougars' program, which returns six starters on both offense and defense from last year's winless team.
"We have a good group of players with a lot of experience. That will serve us well this season," says Coach Novacek, a 1990 graduate of Fresno State University.
Senior Blake Skolaut (6-1, 170) gives the Cougars a dependable quarterback, last season passing for 927 yards and six touchdowns. His leading returning receiver is senior tight end Logan Searle (6-3, 205), who last season pulled in 14 catches for 249 yards, and senior Kendall Dickson (6-6, 200) returns at the other tight end position. Junior Corbin Hansen (6-0, 140) is a returning starter at wide receiver with senior lettermen Austin Bailey (6-1, 150) and Colton Shuck (5-10, 150) adding depth at that position.
Junior fullback Brook Svoboda (5-10, 180) is the team's most veteran running back.
The only returning starter in the interior offensive line is senior Emmet Caldwell (5-10, 200) with junior letterman Chandler Soucie (6-3, 175) also expected to start.
Dickson (55 tackles) and Svoboda (28 tackles) return at linebacker with Caldwell (17 tackles) and senior Logan Wenske (6-0, 200) returning starters in the defensive line, an area where Soucie should help out. Hansen, Shuck and Bailey will be among the candidates to play the secondary.
You should be able to expect three wins or so out of the Cougars in 2014.
Superior
WILDCATS
Superior was winless in 2013 and will have a new head coach. Superior did not return a football preview information form to HPR.
Class C2-8
Hershey
PANTHERS
For a second straight season Hershey won a playoff game, completing a historic unbeaten regular season before finishing 9-1 on the year. Head coach Ryan Smith returns seven starters on offense and six on defense.
"2014 should be a good season for us. Depth on the offensive line and at linebacker needs to be addressed but we return five of six skill players and we have good offensive linemen returning, including some young players who could make an impact," says Coach Smith, a 1996 Chadron State College graduate who enters his 17th year as HHS head coach. "Defensively we will be pretty good up front and on the back end. If we can stay healthy and build some depth we should have a solid, competitive team."
Foremost among those returning skill players is senior all-state candidate Gaige Marshall (5-10, 180), a two-time all-district running back who last season rushed for 1,333 yards and 11 touchdowns. Also back is senior QB Logan Weir (5-11, 170), who last year passed for 633 yards and 13 touchdowns,, as well as senior running back Josh Margritz (6-0, 195), who last year caught 14 passes for 171 yards and accounted for 11 total touchdowns.
Senior Chayton Crow (5-9, 165) and junior Mason Amweg (5-9, 160) will bolster the team's receiving corps.
Senior Jacob Kugler (6-3, 240), a returning all-district selection, anchors a big, physical offensive line which also includes 5-9, 270-pound junior as a returning starter. Depth comes in the form of seniors Jacob Louder (5-9, 235) and Cody Morrow (6-0, 205), junior Alex Czarnick (6-0, 235) and rising sophomore Baylor Hellmuth (6-3, 260).
Crow (4 INTs) is an all-district defensive back and will lead a secondary that will include Marshall and Amweg with junior letterman Jaydn Foster (5-9, 150) in the mix for playing time. Richardson is a returning all-district defensive lineman and leads a unit that will include sophomore Jason Davis (6-3, 295), Kugler and Hellmuth and a host of others. Host, I tell you.
Margritz will carry a leadership role as the only returning starter at linebacker with Czarnick and juniors Ryan Cox (6-0, 225) and Wyatt McConnell (6-0, 210) as candidates to fill the other slots in the lineup.
Hershey will face three 2013 playoff quarterfinal teams in the first five weeks and face eight playoff teams in total. Still, this program has the hang of winning and should check in with seven or eight wins and compete for the district title, maybe more.
North Platte St. Pat's
IRISH
For a fourth consecutive season the Irish reached the playoff quarterfinals, losing to what would prove to be unbeaten state champion Doniphan-Trumbull. The Irish finished last season 9-2 and return an outstanding crop of returning starters, including eight on defense and seven on offense.
One of the truly great triple threats in small school football, senior Drew McClellan (5-10, 150) could be an all-stater at any of three different positions. On offense he's a big-play receiver who last year caught 18 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns and don't be surprised to see him take some snaps at running back. Other options in the running game include senior Trey Dodson (5-8, 140), juniors Matthew Ferguson (5-7, 155) and sophomores Aaron Allison (5-7, 140) and Lane Knisely (5-7, 145), lettermen all.
Look for junior Bryce Byrn (6-0, 150) to step into the starting quarterback role. Byrn is a smart athlete who does a capable job of running the option and makes good decisions, says Coach Dodson.
Senior Andrew O'Neill (6-0, 180) is a returning all-district player and will again line up at tight end on offense. There is plenty of depth in the offensive line with seniors Ryan Dilley (5-8, 180), Evan Klinkefus (5-8, 180), Mike Elsten (6-0, 170), David Treierweiler (5-10, 170), Miguel Martinez (6-1, 240), Kolbey Fourtner (5-11, 280) and Alex Mackley (5-11, 175) all having experience starting experience.
McClellan (8 INTs) is also an outstanding DB and will lead a secondary that will also include Byrn, who had two interceptions in 2013, with Dodson and Allison also in the mix. O'Neill will lead a set of linebackers that will include Klinkefus, Trierweiler and junior Adam Mackley (6-0, 170).
McClellan is also the team's punter (35.5) and place kicker, last year earning first-team all-state honors after booting 41 PATs and five field goals. The kid can do it all, I tell you.
There is a certain irony opening at Doniphan-Trumbull but when the dust settles look for the Irish to win eight games or so in the regular season and advance in the playoffs.
Bridgeport
BULLDOGS
Last season the Bulldogs were one of the feel-good stories of the year, breaking a decade-long playoff drought and finishing 6-3. Head coach Jerod Dean returns a veteran squad, too, including seven starters on both sides of the ball.
"We lose four seniors who contributed a great deal of talent and leadership but we also return a very good group of athletes and a new group of seniors who got a taste of the playoffs last season," says Coach Dean, a Bridgeport High and University of Northern Colorado graduate who enters his fifth year at his alma mater. "We will have a new quarterback but an experienced line and a good running back. With a tough nine-game schedule our guys will have to be ready to compete at a high level."
One of the best underclassmen in Class C-2 football, junior running back Wyatt Pankowski (6-3, 210) is as sledge hammer, last year rushing for 1,164 yards and 12 touchdowns. He will be joined in the running game by senior Kaden Hall (6-1, 150) and junior Anthony Barrett (5-8, 155), helping take some pressure off new starting QB Jason Amateis (5-9, 150), who moves over from wide receiver.
Senior Ty Weborg (5-10, 145) and junior Logan Linch (5-8, 145) will bring a veteran edge to the wide receiver position.
Great experience in the offensive line, where four starters return, including senior Taylor Janicek (6-0, 200), juniors Will Frerichs (6-4, 270) and Isaias Mancias (6-3, 295) and sophomore Jerrod Fedorchik (6-1, 175), with senior Andrew Barrett (6-2, 180) and junior Tyler Gregory (6-1, 210) also in the mix. Also returning is outstanding senior tight end John Pappas (6-5, 220).
Amateis (43 tackles, 8 PBU) is a returning all-district DB who will lead a secondary that will also include Weborg, Linch and senior Trevor Benavides (5-7, 120). Hall (51 tackles, 7 TFL), an all-district lineman who moves to linebacker, and Pankowski return at that position with junior Lawrence Schneider (5-8, 155) also expected to play.
Fedorchik (25 tackles, 4 TFL) will lead a defensive line that will include Frerichs, Janicek, Mancias and Gregory.
Coaches like it when you can turn, hand the ball to a big, strong running back and have him plunge into the line behind a big, strong offensive line. Bridgeport will do that enough to win five, maybe six this regular season.
Cambridge
TROJANS
They HAVE held the playoffs without Cambridge in the field - once in the past 24 years. The Trojans qualified again in 2013, finishing 4-5, and now return seven starters on offense and six on defense.
"As always for us, it boils down to line play and senior leadership. We have to run the ball well to be successful and we have struggled to do that the past couple of years, so we have struggled to win games," says head coach Josh Graves, who has won 53 games in his eight seasons at Cambridge. "We have 12 seniors, with eight of them returning starters, so we are hoping they are the type of leaders the rest of the team needs. We have a great group of committed athletes and they have a strong desire to compete and carry on the tradition of Trojan football. What we lack in size we will need to make up in aggressiveness."
Senior Zach Moore (6-1, 170) is a returning all-district player who last season rushed for 461 yards and two touchdowns and caught eight passes in 2013. He will be a critical piece of the offensive puzzle for Cambridge, which will count on senior Ryan Rice (5-10, 160) to step in at quarterback senior Brandon Andrews (5-11, 160) to take on a bigger role in the running game. Last season Andrews caught 10 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns.
The Trojans will feature a pair of senior three-year starters in guard Jake Whipple (6-4, 220) and center Alex Burke (6-1, 215), with juniors Josh Holtze (6-0, 205) and Devin Hoelscher (6-2, 190) also returning starters. Seniors Calvin Wineland (6-0, 165), Nick Martin (5-10, 250), Braxton Miller (5-11, 240) and Dusty Runner (6-0, 170) lend depth to the line.
Moore (62 tackles, 3 FR) and senior Jared Andrews (5-9, 145) while Whipple (19 tackles, 2 FR), Burke, Holtze (25 tackles) and Hoelscher return in the defensive line. There is also good depth in the secondary with Andrews (43 tackles), Rice and senior Evan Jones returning to that unit. Senior letterman Sam Pearson (6-2, 185) will also be expected to contribute to the secondary.
Eight - count 'em, eight - playoff teams on Cambridge's schedule so let's say the Trojans settle in somewhere around four or five wins.
Kimball
LONGHORNS
Second-year head coach Nick Kuxhausen returns an outstanding veteran corps from last year's 4-5 playoff team, including nine starters on both offense and defense.
"We will have a very strong senior class this season with eight of the nine having four years of experience," says Coach Kuxhausen, a 2012 graduate of Doane College. "Our team's strengths will be experience and team speed and we will have good depth at the skill positions. We will need to build depth in both the offensive and defensive lines as the season progresses."
One of the premier running backs in Class C-2 football for 2014, senior Jonathan Withrow (5-8,165) is an all-state candidate following a season in which he rushed for 1,412 yards and 11 TDs and caught 14 passes for 172 yards and two more touchdowns. Also returning is senior fullback AJ Spicer (5-10, 190), who rushed for 403 yards and four touchdowns.
Senior Colton Stull (6-0, 170) returns as the team's quarterback, last year passing for 505 yards and seven touchdowns and scoring six touchdowns rushing, and his leading returning receiver is senior Michael Ferguson (6-2,160), who caught 14 passes for 213 yards and a score. Junior Angel Flores (5-5, 125) is also a veteran receiver.
Leading the offensive line is returning all-district tackle Damien Rutledge (5-6, 220) with seniors Ben Sauter (6-2, 190) and Enrique Cajero (5-10, 190) other returning starters up front. Junior letterman Dalton Pruett (6-1, 175) is a leading contender for one of the remaining starting spots.
Stull (32 tackles), Cajero and junior Justin Mohr (5-7, 140), who last year finished with 22 tackles and two fumble recoveries, will play linebacker with sophomore Logan Stahla (5-8, 145) adding depth at that position. Ferguson (36 tackles), is a returning all-district safety and leads a secondary that will also include Withrow (45 tackles, 3 TFL), Flores (20 tackles) and junior Ethan Land (17 tackles).
Rutledge (59 tackles) leads the D-line where Sauter (40 tackles), Spicer (29 tackles) and junior Trent Rutledge (27 tackles, 6 TFL) also return.
Cajero returns as the team's punter (31 yards per) and place kicker, last year kicking 20 PATs and two field goals.
No matter the level of football seniors are a mighty important commodity, especially those who are experienced and productive. Look for Kimball to win five or six games and be a big factor in the district race.
Bayard
TIGERS
In 2013 the Tigers reached the postseason for the third time in four seasons and return seven offensive starters and six defensive starters from that 3-6 team.
"We will have good leadership from our upperclassmen but we will also need our younger players to keep working hard at developing if we are to reach our full potential," says head coach Randy McKibbin, a 1986 graduate of Doane College.
Bayard football has enjoyed a decade of outstanding quarterbacks, the latest being graduated Zac Rice, a four-year starter. Stepping into those shoes will be junior letterman Jacob Hoff, a job made somewhat easier by the return of senior receiver Bryce Hargens (6-5, 200), who last year caught 24 passes for 285 yards and a score; senior Phillip Schuller (5-10, 145) will be counted upon for leadership at the receiver position, says Coach McKibbin. Another top skill player for the Tigers will be senior running back Tristan Hunter (6-3, 230), who last year rushed for 267 yards and two touchdowns and showed good hands for a big back, catching 11 passes.
Three junior starters return in the offensive line, including Alex Wamboldt (6-2, 200), Ethan Marker (6-2, 230) and Zaine Gallegos (5-10, 250), while seniors Roger Roach, Henry Schmall and JD Wurm will be counted upon to add depth in the line.
Hunter (70 tackles, 3.5 sacks) is a returning all-district linebacker and junior Chandler Cox (6-0, 185), who last year turned in 34 tackles and two INTs, also returns at that position. Schuller will part of the solution in the secondary while Hargens (31 tackles), Marker (26 tackles), Wamboldt and Gallegos return in the defensive line.
Coach McKibbin adds a good freshman class will add depth to the squad.
Wins might be hard to come by for the Tigers this season but let's say they find a way to grab a couple of Ws.
This post was edited on 8/25 12:55 PM by Huskerland Bob
