Playoffs Semi-Final Round: How We Got Here?

<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Class A:</strong></span> #2 Omaha Westside vs. #3 Bellevue West This matchup features the two most recent champions in Class A. Bellevue West beat Westside in the 2019 State final, marking Westside’s last loss. Westside would use that loss to fuel their run at an undefeated 2020 season in which they bested Elkhorn South in the championship. Both of these squads how a ton of firepower on offense and muscle on defense. Each team will try and set the tempo behind the legs of two of the most talented backs in the state. The Thunderbird will be running behind the booming [player_tooltip player_id="147818" first="LJ" last="Richardson"] and Westside will ride the smooth [player_tooltip player_id="147817" first="Dominic" last="Rezac"] to Lincoln. Bellevue West’s offense has been red-hot throughout the playoff, with convincing wins against Papillion-La Vista (63-26) and Grand Island (52-20). Even with these impressive wins, they look like they can hit another gear. Westside has been riding a wave of dominant running and overwhelming defense. Since October, Westside has outscored their opponents 217- 36 (The game against Bryan was forfeited) and has only surrendered a field goal in their two playoff games. This is going to be a tough game with the potential of fireworks. <strong>Prediction:</strong> Bellevue West’s firepower proves to be too dynamic to slow down. BW 45 - 40 Westside <em><strong>Bellevue Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="147818" first="LJ" last="Richardson"] RB</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11715434/6175ec720661850558fa3876" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="147853" first="Arden" last="Jenkins"] |2022 | DL |</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14477306/61511dd664df48094c743e1d" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="180286" first="Kyrell" last="Jordan"] | 2023 | WR/DB</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15547584/616b770864dfaa0ab4e3c864" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>Westside Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="157566" first="Grant" last="Guyett"] | 2022 | WR | 6’ 190</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11436341/617f5948ab9272091069f3cd" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="156068" first="Tommy" last="Connelly"] | 2022 | LB | 6’1" 195</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11436362/6186049b23477f031c593661" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: <em>Caleb Benning | 2024 | DB/WR | 5’11"</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11436362/6186049b23477f031c593661" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> #5 Gretna vs. #16 Omaha North One of the unlikeliest matchups comes from Omaha North and their ability to defy the odds. After missing the 2020 season due to COVID concerns, the talented Vikings squad stumbled to an 0-5 record. With playoffs looking bleak, they decided to get their nose to the grindstone and ride out the season with one goal; WIN OUT. 4 straight wins to end the season secured them the #16 spot and a dance with the mighty #1 Millard South. In one of the biggest Nebraska playoff upsets, they pulled off the 49-42 win. After their emotional win, the Vikings hit the road to face the tough North Platte squad. More resiliency and late-game guts helped them eek out the win. On the other side, we have the Gretna Dragons, who have had the opposite experience. Although they faced a tough schedule, they managed to find themselves pulling out the win more often than not. The man under center is the biggest factor for their success. [player_tooltip player_id="217055" first="Zane" last="Flores"] has been surgical this season and has led one of the most efficient offenses in the state. They took care of business in a shootout against Lincoln East and their gunslinger [player_tooltip player_id="147508" first="Noah" last="Walters"]. Then they were able to shake off Elkhorn South in a fistfight. Will North’s momentum continue to propel them deeper in their playoff run, or will this cinderella run go up in flames at the hands of the Dragons? <strong>Prediction: </strong>This is a tough one to call. It can either be a fire-fest or 60 minutes of punishment. North continues their miracle ride in a close one. Early Gretna 2022 hype train starts here. North 24 - 16 Gretna <em><strong>Gretna Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="217055" first="Zane" last="Flores"] | 2023 | QB | 6’3" 190</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12454878/61658dd95eedae0b94b91a83" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="191170" first="Jake" last="Lukis"] | 2022 | DL | 6’3" 265</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11583855/617836825eec5708e84e5a98" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="228771" first="Brayden" last="Chaney"] | 2022 | DB |</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11583448/616ee406386e090ef4078526" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>Omaha North Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="164281" first="Keshaun" last="Williams"] | 2022 | WR/DB | 6’1" 180</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10748606/615b125bda523308041e1deb" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="211333" first="Orlando" last="Hernandez"] | 2022 | DL | 6’2" 250</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11665646/61746047bed6e40854280d8e" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: <em>Jordan Williams | 2022 | QB | 6’3" 170</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14469813/617fa05f3453160178a00c07" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Class B:</strong></span> #1 Bennington vs. #4 Elkhorn First of all, this game is going to be an absolute dogfight. Both of these teams are super physical with the ability to rush the ball down the throat of the opposing defense. Bennington has the leading rusher in [player_tooltip player_id="192723" first="Dylan" last="Mostek"], who has been running rampant on every team he comes across. Behind arguably the best offensive line in Nebraska, they have dominated games at the line of scrimmage. Elkhorn has a similar playing style, except they use a stable of backs to keep defenses discombobulated. With the trio of [player_tooltip player_id="193815" first="Henry" last="Kroger"], Mikey Hart, and [player_tooltip player_id="156056" first="Hayden" last="Stec"], planning against all of them feels like a fool’s task. They can wear a defense down then continue to attack way past the defense’s breaking point. Whichever team can establish a passing game will more than likely hold the upper hand. [player_tooltip player_id="217057" first="Trey" last="Bird"] is a very underrated and overlooked QB who has shown no fear and could take the game over with his dual-threat ability. Will Bennington take down the reigning champs?? Prediction: Bennington has gotten a lot of monkeys off their backs this season, so why not another one. They break through to the state championship for the first time since 1989. Bennington 35 - 28 Elkhorn <em><strong>Bennington Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="192723" first="Dylan" last="Mostek"] | 2022 | RB | 5’10" 295</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14907948/61871788478d6106b0a1455d" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="191202" first="Austin" last="Holtz"] | 2022 | LB | 5’10" 175</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11380308/6152a2dc02bc020878d1bed0" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="147989" first="Cayden" last="Bluhm"] | 2022 | WR | 6’1" 170</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14895076/6175b564e97ae8072850e4b0" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>Elkhorn Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="193815" first="Henry" last="Kroger"] | 2022 | RB/DB | 5’10" 190</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13133863/615761eea018f9099c28ebce" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="156056" first="Hayden" last="Stec"] | 2022 | DB/RB | 6’1" 205</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13168696/618a925102b1d40f48cdac0b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: <em>Dane Peterson | 2022 | DL/TE | 6’4" 205</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13174933/6177208e23476108f883fafb" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> #2 Aurora vs. #6 Skutt Catholic This will be a matchup between two teams with playoff history and that had somewhat odd seasons. Aurora is looking to make it back to the championship game and avenge their loss from last year. After stumbling out of the gate to an 0-2 start, they have been all gas, no brakes. Their 1-2 punch of [player_tooltip player_id="151106" first="Mack" last="Owens"] and [player_tooltip player_id="217059" first="Carlos" last="Collazo"] has been brutal and left many broken defenses along the way. Aurora has the roster and chip on their shoulders to make a run all the way to their first championship since 2018 and first Class B title since their 2008-09 repeat titles. The Skutt Sky Hawks are no strangers to making deep playoff runs. However, after showing signs of struggling, it was a wonder if this would be an early exit year. They have rallied behind their Dual-Threat QB [player_tooltip player_id="147507" first="Caden" last="Becker"] and their stingy defense to beat Norris and a Plattsmouth team that was favored to beat Skutt Catholic. In the end, this will be a classic matchup between talented, well-coached playoff rivals. Prediction: Aurora’s running game continues to steamroll the competition. The Huskies force the Sky Hawks to match their offensive production, but they can’t. Aurora 48 - 20 Skutt Catholic <em><strong>Aurora Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: [player_tooltip player_id="217059" first="Carlos" last="Collazo"] | 2023 | RB/SS | 5’9" 200 <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11920487/6181866a4ba81909307f8dab" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="192724" first="Brekyn" last="Papineau"] | 2022 | LB | 5’9" 210</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9963347/5ffdb3320c53861078088e02" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: <em>Carsen Staehr | 2023| WR/DB/ATH | 5’11" 150</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11920503/61815a0eb01a1d08ece6ba82" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>Skutt Catholic Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="147507" first="Caden" last="Becker"] | 2022 | QB | 6’4" 225</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14224170/613beed90c544409f025e1ee" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="228787" first="Jackson" last="Chandler"] | 2022 | LB | 6’ 200</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11242066/6176099bbed6e408542a6545" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="226969" first="Maccoy" last="Holtam"] | 2023 | RB/LB | 6’2" 185</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/7835568/613bb4d01761c905203c3f81" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Class C1: </strong></span></p> <em><strong>#2 Kearney Catholic vs. #11 Columbus Lakeview</strong></em> All season long, Kearney Catholic has grinded out games of all shapes and sizes. They saw shutouts (Holdrege 46-0), blowouts (Wood River/Shelton 52-12), and squeakers (Broken Bow 9-6). Regardless of how the game transpired, the Stars continued to shine en route to a perfect season. They have turned it up a notch in the playoffs by shutting out Boys Town 26-0 and beating down on a tough Wahoo team 33-7. The Stars have many players, but at the helm of their dominance are [player_tooltip player_id="193774" first="Brett" last="Mahony"] and [player_tooltip player_id="193777" first="Riley" last="Grieser"] gassing defenses while [player_tooltip player_id="193775" first="Koren" last="Conrad"] and [player_tooltip player_id="193776" first="Dylan" last="Merz"] win the line of scrimmage on defense. Columbus Lakeview is playing as hot as any team right now. Since their 1-2 start, they have completely dominated the opposition, adding beating after beating with the passing weeks. Lakeview has seen the success of Kolby Blaser and [player_tooltip player_id="193835" first="Adam" last="Van Cleave"] elevate the play of everyone around them. Lakeview has taken out two very strong squads in Boone Central and Milford in their two playoff games. If they continue their hot play, they could definitely shake up the C1 championship picture. <strong>Prediction:</strong> I’m giving Kearney Catholic the win here. BUT I could see Kearney getting caught looking forward to the big game and underestimating Lakeview. TRAP GAME ALERT. Kearney Catholic 20 - 18 Lakeview Offensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="193777" first="Riley" last="Grieser"] | 2022 | RB/LB | 6’2" 190 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10996824/6182f6d87bdd430824c44b11" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="193775" first="Koren" last="Conrad"] | 2022 | DL/OL | 6’4" 215 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10996975/615b43b3da523308041e43b6" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="193774" first="Brett" last="Mahony"] | 2022 | QB/LB | 6’4" 215 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10996845/61893e72ff02490550bfc8b4" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>Columbus Lakeview Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="193835" first="Adam" last="Van Cleave"] | 2022 | RB | 5’10" 165</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11238850/61817a0c478cc60a40ecd124" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: <em>Eli Osten | 2022 | DL/OL | 6’1" 230 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11235524/5fcd88640dc1400a1c42fd33" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: <em>Kolby Blaser | 2022 | QB | 6’ 165 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11235527/6176b15bab9297023c3614c7" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>#9 Pierce vs. #12 Battle Creek</strong></em> This game has the potential for some serious fireworks with both teams featuring quarterbacks that can sling it all day long, strong running games, and certainly no love lost between the two rivals. The Pierce Blue Jays are the reigning C1 champions and are looking as strong as ever. Their star QB junior [player_tooltip player_id="217056" first="Abram" last="Scholting"] has been phenomenal as the leader of the Pierce offense. His connection with Ben Brahmer and the running of Matt Christensen &amp; Michael Kruntorad have pushed this offense over the edge, averaging 41 points a game. It looked like the champs would run the table until they lost a close one to Boone Central and another crushing loss against Friday’s opponent, Battle Creek. At 3-3, Battle Creek was at a crossroads and was still anticipating matchups with the champs Pierce, O’Neill, and a sneaky North Bend Central team. They were able to weather the storm, win out to finish 6-3, and knock off a super tough Chadron team in the panhandle and C1 juggernaut Columbus Scotus. QB [player_tooltip player_id="164350" first="Dylan" last="Amick"] is not backing down to anyone and will have his teammates follow him into this epic clash. <strong>Prediction:</strong> This game will be another close, hard-fought battle. In the end, Pierce’s firepower and big-game experience will push them over. Pierce 32-28 Battle Creek <em><strong>Pierce Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="217056" first="Abram" last="Scholting"] | 2023 | QB | 6’ 180 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10108846/61757405f55fb70524fdc4c5" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="227540" first="Tristan" last="Kuehler"] | 2023 | LB | 5’10" 160 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10195479/6174536406613e08cc1582d2" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="180276" first="Benjamin" last="Brahmer"] | 2023 | TE/WR | 6’6" 200 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9939090/6147707919a58f08807777db" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>Battle Creek Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="164350" first="Dylan" last="Amick"] | 2022 | QB | 6’3" 175 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11490176/615fadbba0199f0bc069b4d1" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: <em>Korbyn Battershaw | 2022 | SS/WR | 5’11" 178 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11490151/6175bcae47979009c4624820" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: <em>Trent Uhlir | 2024 | ATH/RB | 6’1" 220 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14438374/6186f55fb01896075093679a" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Class C2:</strong></span></p> <em><strong>#1 Norfolk Catholic vs. #13 Wilber-Clatonia</strong></em> #1 ranked Norfolk Catholic is coming into this game with a very impressive resume. Despite a season-opening loss to Boone Central, t<span style="font-size: 1rem;">hey nearly edged out Archbishop Bergan for the top seed after a grueling schedule. </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Norfolk Catholic has been on a mission this season and has taken no prisoners on its way to the C2 semis. Along the way, they have beat Bishop Neumann, Ord, Oakland-Craig, and Crofton and Ceder Catholic twice each. They have a great rushing attack spearheaded by their junior RB tandem Karter Kerkman and [player_tooltip player_id="227091" first="Kanyon" last="Talton"], as well as QB Carter Janssen that can do damage in the air and on the ground. Wilber-Clatonia is a team that many had pegged to be a top seed. They showed this potential to start the season with a hot 4-0 start. Things, however, seemed to fall off the rails for a bit during a three-game stretch against tough opponents (Bishop Neumann, Yutan, and Centennial). In the playoffs, they have been able to right the ship and are playing great football. They got some revenge on Yutan in the first round and bounced Hastings St. Cecilia in round 2. </span> <strong>Prediction:</strong> Norfolk Catholic is a very, very good team, and if they can jump out to a double-digit lead, they will win. However, with a cold, bitter forecast due for Friday, this may come down to a "grind it out" type of matchup. Wilber is very gritty and overlooked because of a 3-game skid. Wilber-Clatonia 17-13 Norfolk Catholic <em><strong>Norfolk Catholic Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: <em>Karter Kerkman | 2023 | RB/ATH | 6’1" 195</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12914072/61818d2f7bdd430824c34375" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="227095" first="Kade" last="Pieper"] | 2023 | DL/OL | 6’4" 240</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12914100/615a515f5eedff0bd8c40167" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: <em>Mason Timmerman | 2023 | WR/DB |</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14026293/617384c9a67723070867b6bb" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>Wilber-Clatonia Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: <em><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Coy Rosentreader | 2023 | QB | 6’ 180</span></em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/2/15029/6181aaa57bdd430824c35189" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <span style="font-size: 1rem;">Defensive Player of the Game:</span> <em>[player_tooltip player_id="193831" first="Adam" last="Kotas"] | 2022 | DL/OL | 6’ 215</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11681164/61521b705ca8cf0bb0c822bd" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: <em>Mason Combs | 2022 | RB/DB </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11804825/61352394d21c6605acd7e1e6" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>#2 Archbishop Bergan vs. #3 Ord</strong></em> This game will be a rematch of last year’s C2 championship matchup. Only this time sequel will feature a more mature Bergan team. Bergan will be riding a wave of stellar offensive and defensive play. They have used their athletes in many ways and have steamrolled their way to an 11-0 record. Koa and [player_tooltip player_id="180279" first="Kade" last="McIntyre"] is arguably the most dangerous connection in C2 football. It will be tough to slow down this offense that has scored at least 35 points in every game and is averaging an absurd 47.8 points per game. The defending champs are no slouches and definitely aren’t backing down to any team. They have their own dual-threat QB in Dylan Hurlburt, who has done a fantastic job leading this offense while scoring a total of 27 touchdowns (15 passing and 22 rushing). With playmakers like [player_tooltip player_id="191193" first="Gage" last="Racek"], [player_tooltip player_id="167098" first="John" last="DeRiso"], and emerging sophomore Talan Bruha also in the fold, this team can match up with anyone. <strong style="font-size: 1rem;">Prediction:</strong><span style="font-size: 1rem;"> The Brothers McIntyre wreak havoc on their way to Lincoln. Ord is very talented, but Bergan takes the revenge game after last year’s championship game. Archbishop Bergan 48- 30 Ord</span> <em><strong>Archbishop Bergan Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="147831" first="Koa" last="McIntyre"] | 2022 | QB/S | 6’ 190</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11425149/5f4e57f30c5e9212f0610cb4" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="167149" first="Jarett" last="Boggs"] | 2022 | LB/RB | 5’10" 170 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10156534/6165eadf5eedae0b94b96bfe" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="198093" first="Lucas" last="Pruss"] | 2022 | LB/WR | 6’2" 180 lbs</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/6516649/614fca1fe97abd052cf67bd2" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>Ord Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: <em>Dylan Hurlburt | 2024 | QB | 5’8" 165 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14438762/6185ee619a9c0e0f9cb471bf" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: <em>Ryan Gabriel | 2023 | LB | 6’1" 220</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12820881/617dc0e8f31dc909dc441a24" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="167098" first="John" last="DeRiso"] | 2022 | WR/DB/ATH | 6’2" 190 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11079006/6180350c04284b0438326262" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Class D1:</strong></span></p> <em><strong>#1 Burwell vs. #5 Howells-Dodge</strong></em> This matchup of undefeated teams is going to be a dogfight from start to finish. Burwell, the 2020 D1 runner-up, has been on a revenge tour that has been a sight to see this season. With [player_tooltip player_id="164804" first="Caleb" last="Busch"] and [player_tooltip player_id="193780" first="Cash" last="Gurney"] leading the charge, the Longhorns have been running rampant on their D1 foes. Save for two close games, they have blown out teams by a fairly significant margin. Caleb passed the 5,000 career rushing yard milestone and would love to cap it off by hoisting the trophy in Memorial. Howells-Dodge is also a very impressive team that has run through a tough schedule to an 11-0 record. Along the way, handing losses to Cross County, Stanton, Clarkson/Leigh, Dundy County-Stratton, who were playoff teams. They have done so with a stingy defense and a rushing attack that features four solid backs. Prediction: Burwell 42 - 24 Howells-Dodge <em><strong>Burwell Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: [player_tooltip player_id="164804" first="Caleb" last="Busch"] | 2022 | RB | 6’ 180 <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11450826/61513e2e3deb11082c55abee" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: [player_tooltip player_id="193781" first="Alex" last="Gideon"] | 2022 | DL/TE | 6’4" 215 <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11450741/6186b3d638639105ec6f0437" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: [player_tooltip player_id="193780" first="Cash" last="Gurney"] | 2022 | RB/ATH | 6’1" 180 <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11450773/5fd045b0578d52083c5ec6b7" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>Howells-Dodge Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: <em>Levi Belina | 2022 | RB | 5’11" 150 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11086179/616894bd664b24099c9b45b3" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: Aandy Dominguez | 2023 | DL | 5’11" 180 Sleeper Hero: Lance Brester | 2023 | RB/LB | 6’ 150 &nbsp; <em><strong>#6 Hitchcock County vs. <span style="font-size: 1rem;">#10 Cross County</span></strong></em> Another D1 semifinal, another dog fight in Class D1. This game will be a battle between two 10-1 teams that are beginning to elevate their play at the right time. For Hitchcock County, confidence is high after strong playoff wins over West Holt, Neligh-Oakdale, and Perkins County. Keynan Gaston has delivered as a dual-threat QB by passing for 640 yards and 12 touchdowns to 1 interception. On the ground, he racked up a team-leading 1,178 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. He is one of three Hitchcock runners with 800+ yards and double-digit rushing touchdowns (Braydn Hutto 1,018 &amp; 18; Andrew Scott 815 &amp; 10). On the other sideline, Cross County has [player_tooltip player_id="164887" first="Carter" last="Seim"], running as hard as anyone in the state. He has put together highlight-reel runs, stiff-arming and tossing defenders on his way to the endzone. The whole team seems to be feeding off of these thunderous runs and has been dominant throughout the playoffs. Their road has not been easy as they eliminated Clarkson/Leigh 45-12, Weeping Water 67-36, and LCC 58-51 on their way to the semifinals. If the defense continues to play lights out, this team could etch their spot in the title game. <span style="font-size: 1rem;"><strong>Prediction:</strong> Cross County 48-42 Hitchcock County</span> <em><strong>Hitchcock County Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: <em>Keynan Gaston | 2023 | QB/ATH | 5’9" 155</em> Defensive Player of the Game: <em>Drew Scott | 2023 | LB/RB | 5’8" 145</em> Sleeper Hero: <em>Braydn Hutto | 2022 | RB/LB | 6’ 180</em> <em><strong>Cross County Players to Watch:</strong></em> Offensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="164887" first="Carter" last="Seim"] | 2022 | RB/LB | 6’1" 210 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/8185205/618c2314c11a020954cce995" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Defensive Player of the Game: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="193786" first="Damon" last="Mickey"] | 2022 | DL/TE | 5’11" 215 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/8185173/613768d334530a09080544b4" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Sleeper Hero: <em>[player_tooltip player_id="192730" first="Cory" last="Hollinger"] | 2022 | TE/DL | 6’5" 225 | </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/8185042/618436050dc9ea0b046c56f6" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Class D2:</strong></span> <em><strong>#1 Sandhills/Thedford vs. #13 Elgin Public/Pope John</strong></em> <strong>Prediction:</strong> Sandhills/Thedford has so much talent and they’re all so versatile. ST continues their march. Sandhills/Thedford 52-20 Elgin Public/Pope John <em><strong>Sandhills/Thedford Players to Watch:</strong></em> <em>Trae Hickman | 2022 | RB/ATH | 5’9" 165<iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11360351/617d8524a019be054c32fa44" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></em> &nbsp; <em>[player_tooltip player_id="168049" first="Reece" last="Zutavern"] | 2022 | LB/ATH | 5’10" 190 <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11360336/615cffc6578da00d505ca260" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></em> &nbsp; <em>[player_tooltip player_id="167954" first="Dane" last="Pokorny"] | 2022 | RB/ATH | 6’3" 200<iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11360395/6185f1102ab0ba046473fe4e" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></em> <em><strong>EJJP Players to Watch: </strong></em> <em>Jack Wemhoff | 2023 | 5’9" 155</em> <em>Dylon Lueking | 2024 | 6’ 180 </em> Colton Wright | 2022 | 5’11" 155 <em><strong>#7 Kenesaw vs. #14 <span style="font-size: 1rem;">BDS</span></strong></em> <strong>Prediction:</strong> Kenesaw shows that their #7 ranking is just a number and that they are one of the top contenders in D2. They won’t be denied by BDS this year. Kenesaw 62-43 BDS Kenesaw [player_tooltip player_id="164483" first="Tyson" last="Denkert"] | 2022 | QB/ATH | 5’10" 185 <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11498906/616c8ea6578eb5032459f4b2" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="191188" first="Trey" last="Kennedy"] | 2022 | LB/RB | 5’11" 190 <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12470940/615e5a08578d42008097a6a4" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> [player_tooltip player_id="165556" first="Drake" last="Olson"] | 2022 | DL/OL | 6’3" 230 <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11543565/6148d7734debad08b830c877" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>BDS Players to Watch:</strong></em> <em>Zach Hoins | 2023 | WR | 6’2" 180 </em> <em>Eli Noel | 2022 | DL/OL | 6’4" 235 </em> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Class D6:</strong></span> <em><strong>#1 Potter-Dix vs. #13 Spalding Academy </strong></em> <strong>Prediction:</strong> Potter-Dix will continue to look like the juggernaut they have been all season. Spalding will come to play, but PD will pull away. Potter Dix 55-30 Spalding Academy <em><strong>Potter-Dix Players to Watch:</strong></em> <em>Jared Anton | 2022 | LB | 5’10" 180</em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/8856780/614b674306609f0808b504c1" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em>Luke Kasten | 2023 | QB/ATH | 6’3" 170</em> <em>Thomas Muldoon | 2022 | WR/DB | 6’2" 165 </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14887826/6180ba93478cc60a40ec3ebb" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>Spalding Academy Players to Watch:</strong></em> <em>Daniel Diessner | 2022 | RB/DL | 6’ 170</em> <em>Dawson Murphy | 2022 | ATH | 6’ 175 | </em> <em>Caidyn Carraher | 2023 | ATH | 5’10" 145 </em> <em><strong>#2 Cody-Kilgore vs. #6 Wallace</strong></em> <strong>Prediction:</strong> Cody’s three-headed beast ends up being too much to overcome. Cody-Kilgore 66-18 Wallace <em>Peyton Sterkel | 2022 | RB | 5’10" 160</em> <em>Cactus Millar | 2022 | RB </em> <em>Tucker Ravenscroft | RB/ATH </em> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12327532/614592e22aa6f30ab0a8db05" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em><strong>Wallace Players to Watch:</strong></em> <em>Carson Glunz | 2023 | RB/DB |</em> <em>Camden McConnell | 2022 | WR/LB | </em> <em>Trey Robertson | 2023 | LB |</em> &nbsp;