Game Report: Omaha Central vs. Columbus

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Final: </strong>Omaha Central 45 - Columbus 28</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Overview:</strong></span></p> The highly anticipated return of Central Eagle football arrived on Friday night as they hosted the Columbus Discoverers. This matchup saw two of the top players in the state in Central’s OT, [player_tooltip player_id="147502" first="Deshawn" last="Woods"] (#1 Overall) and Columbus’ OLB [player_tooltip player_id="147506" first="Ernest" last="Hausmann"] (#5 Overall). Both rosters also have many promising, emerging players throughout their depth charts; Darnell Coles, Jaylen Davis, Jaylen Lloyd, Liam Blaser, Rylee Iburg, and Brody Mickey. After a year (and an hour’s weather delay) of suspended play due to COVID protocol, Central came out ready to play. After a slow start for both teams, Central’s RB J’ Dyn Bullion opened up the scoring late in the first, followed by a Columbus score. The biggest takeaway from the game was Central’s o-line and their ability to win the battle in the trenches. Woods, Jones, Uman, Butts, and the OL rotation set the tone early and moved bodies at will, allowing Jaylen Davis, J’ Dyn Bullion, and [player_tooltip player_id="171385" first="Jayden" last="Page"] to all rush for 125+ yards each and a combined 6 rushing touchdowns. Columbus’ backfield<span style="font-size: 1rem;"> (Liam Blaser, Levi Bloomquist, and Derek Line)</span><span style="font-size: 1rem;"> is full of tough, physical runners that will run it downhill. They did a great job gaining yardage; however, a shaky offensive line kept the offense from gaining serious momentum. Hausman showed his versatility and value as a two-way player, a leader on the defense, and a spark in the passing game, coming down with some clutch catches. Overall, a hard-fought clash between two physical teams, ultimately Central’s strength and size proved to be overwhelming for Columbus. Omaha Central will travel to Gretna to take on the Dragons on 9/3. The Columbus Discoverers set voyage to Norfolk for their week 2 matchup.</span> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Top Prospects:</strong></span></p> [player_tooltip player_id="147502" first="Deshawn" last="Woods"], 6’ 5" 290 lbs - Omaha Central Overall: 1 | OL: #1 Committed: Missouri Tigers <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11075134/612a352d2aa64405f433d931" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="147506" first="Ernest" last="Hausmann"], 6’3" 210 lbs - Columbus Overall: #5 | LB: #2 Committed: Nebraska Huskers <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11126135/612abd624deb9e057c954e04" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <span style="font-size: 1rem;">[player_tooltip player_id="164282" first="Darnell" last="Coles Jr"], 5’9" 150 lbs - Omaha Central</span> Overall: #60 | DB: #5 <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11075176/612a352c2aa64405f433d92f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Favorite Matchup:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;">The Trench Battle</p> Going into the game, you had two physical teams looking to establish the run early. To do so, they needed the big guys up front to win their battle. Omaha Central’s offensive line was able to do so and helped lead the Eagles to 400+ yards rushing and 6 rushing touchdowns. Columbus’ offensive line struggled at the beginning but began opening lanes for their bruising backs as the game went on. Central’s DL was also critical in disrupting the Discoverers’ tempo on offense. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Omaha Central Takeaways:</strong></span> <ul> <li>The passing game was a little reserved, but that is understandable when you rush for 400+ yards. Jaylen Davis attempted 7 passes with 3 completions for 106 yards. Davis to Lloyd is going to be dangerous.</li> <li>J’Dyn Bullion is a bulldozer at 6’1" 260 and a full head of steam. He is TOUGH.</li> <li>Central DB’s were flying all over the place. Very impressed with [player_tooltip player_id="164282" first="Darnell" last="Coles Jr"]. and [player_tooltip player_id="164479" first="Caden" last="Leach"] at the corner spots. Both of them were coming up and making tackles.</li> <li>After watching the game and looking at their roster, I have to say there is a lot to like about what is brewing at Central. They have the size and depth across the front seven and OL/Backfield, and they have speed and athleticism at the skill positions. Strong leadership from an exceptional group of seniors looking to make this year count. Good coaching and smart playcalling are also huge assets for this team. If they get the passing game going and clean up the small things on defense, look out for Central to make a run.</li> </ul> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Columbus Discoverers Takeaways:</strong></span> <ul> <li>RB/LB Liam Blaser is one tough dude. He ran hard all night, taking some lumps as a runner. Then turning around and dishing some out himself from the LB position.</li> <li>The OL is young, starting one senior, two juniors, and two sophomores. It was a rough start against a veteran DL, but they should continue to learn to mesh as a unit.</li> <li>The pass catchers are an underrated group. They have tons of players looking to step up and expand their roles.</li> </ul> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Player Notes:</strong></span> [player_tooltip player_id="147506" first="Ernest" last="Hausmann"] (LB/WR) - Columbus Hausmann did his thing on defense, making tackles and flying around. I was excited about what I saw from him in the passing game. He was able to catch a touchdown and made several catches that allowed for their drive to continue. https://twitter.com/joenuge/status/1430965778828910597?s=20 [player_tooltip player_id="147502" first="Deshawn" last="Woods"] (OL) - Central He came out firing on all cylinders. On run plays, he was constantly leading the way and moving defenders out of the way. It showed why he is ranked as high as he is. https://twitter.com/Deshawnwoods8/status/1431372748698357760?s=20 J’Dyn Bullion (RB) - Central 140 yards and 4 touchdowns, Bullion definitely made a statement this game. He showed just how physical and athletic he is as a runner. https://twitter.com/GalindoOsc12/status/1431462555680231428?s=20 Liam Blaser (RB) - Columbus He looked like a throwback fullback running downhill and lowering the pads. Blaser did a great job bringing the intensity on both sides of the ball. An up-and-coming junior prospect. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12902942/6056a1315ef74306e8a3599f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Jaylen Lloyd (WR) - Central In his first varsity start, he showed his playmaking ability with two deep catches for 86 yards. He has blazing speed and is willing to go up for the contested catch. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12782758/612a352c2aa64405f433d930" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Central Prospects:</strong></span> Jaylen Davis, 5’9" 165 lbs (QB) https://twitter.com/GalindoOsc12/status/1431462816192552965?s=20 [player_tooltip player_id="171385" first="Jayden" last="Page"], 5’11" 205 lbs (RB/LB) https://twitter.com/jaydenpage2004/status/1330342079294287874?s=20 [player_tooltip player_id="191159" first="Omar" last="Jackson"], 6’2" 270 lbs - (OL/DL) [player_tooltip player_id="171392" first="Quinton" last="Butts"], 6’3" 245 lbs -  (OL/DL) <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11225584/5dc46c620c5e660d28bac0cf" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="167996" first="Justin" last="Davis"], 5’9" 190 lbs (LB) <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11075160/5dc588a332dc120cf48174b2" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Columbus Prospects:</strong></span> Rylee Iburg, 6’ 200 lbs (WR/LB) https://twitter.com/GregSmithHV/status/1431438149859909643?s=20 Levi Bloomquist, 5’7" 185 lbs (FB) Joel Thomas, 6’4" 260 lbs (OL/DL)