2022 Team Previews: Elkhorn South

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Team Overview:</span></strong> One of the more interesting teams in Class A is Elkhorn South. Elkhorn South has a solid group of senior leaders committed to continuing their winning ways. Among them is Husker commit and two-way starter, DL/OL [player_tooltip player_id='217060' first='Maverick' last='Noonan'], who enters the season as one of the top players in the state. RB/S [player_tooltip player_id='227026' first='Cole' last='Ballard'] is another experienced varsity starter that has emerged as one of the more prolific runners in the state. The rotation of [player_tooltip player_id='227097' first='Noah' last='Bustard'], [player_tooltip player_id='340486' first='Henry' last='Prochazka'], [player_tooltip player_id='416970' first='Ashton' last='Murphy'], and [player_tooltip player_id='416971' first='Cole' last='Mackie'] should make the Storm defensive line one of the stingiest in the state. A few players that could breakout in a big way are seniors [player_tooltip player_id='416962' first='Josh' last='McWilliams'], [player_tooltip player_id='416961' first='Jackson' last='Moeller Swan'], and [player_tooltip player_id='416964' first='Kory' last='Salanoa'] who will be major contributors as pass catchers and in the secondary. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='416963' first='Carter' last='Jorth'] and Koen Tomsen will step into the vacant OL spots left from last year's group. [player_tooltip player_id='340487' first='Carson' last='Rauner']'s development over the offseason could push him over the top for the QB1 spot. Despite having to fill in some holes left from a talented 2022 class, this is a team that is not limited on talent and is deep with players hungry to step up into those roles. Don't count out the Storm making a nice run in the playoffs if all the pieces fall into place.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Head Coach:</span></strong> Coach Guy Rosenberg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2021 Record:</span></strong> 9-2 (Lost in Playoff Quarterfinals)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2022 Team Record:</span></strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 1 - @ Lincoln Southeast</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 2 - Millard South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 3 - Papillion-La Vista South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 4 - @ Omaha Central</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 5 - Omaha Northwest</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 6 - @ Fremont</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 7 - @ Grand Island</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 8 - Omaha Burke</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Week 9 - Omaha North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Players to watch:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='217060' first='Maverick' last='Noonan'] (2023) | DL/EDGE | 6'4" 230 lbs | Husker Commit</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12930515/Maverick-Noonan" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/MaverickNoonan" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The strength of the Storm will be their big, tough, physical defensive line that will feature one of the best overall players in the state, DE/EDGE rusher [player_tooltip player_id='217060' first='Maverick' last='Noonan']. Maverick is looking to pick up where he left off last year and that was blowing up RBs and sacking quarterbacks. Noonan is an absolute menace in the trenches with a well-rounded bag of pass rush moves. He plays with vicious hands and can turn the dial from power to speed rush in a flash. Noonan may receive several double teams but even that might not be enough to hold back a bigger, stronger, hungrier Maverick.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb379c0286e","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12930515/6189c80719a6a704c4bfa8cd' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227026' first='Cole' last='Ballard'] (2023) | RB/DB | 6'0" 190 lbs </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12930516/Cole-Ballard" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/cole_ballard5" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The running back spot will continue to be in good hands with one of the most consistent backs in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='227026' first='Cole' last='Ballard']. Cole will be back as a third year starter for the Storm and will be looking to build on his 1,200+ yard and 23 touchdown season. Ballard is a gamer that can produce wherever and however you use him. He is a shifty runner with exceptional vision and balance. Cole is also a sneaky threat in the passing game as a receiving back out of the backfield. Along with his offensive prowess, Ballard will be a pivotal player in the Elkhorn South secondary at safety. Personally, I think Cole is being underrecruited at the moment, but another monster season should put him over the top in recruiting circles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb37d40286f","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12930516/619b10d2066bbd0594982dd7' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227097' first='Noah' last='Bustard'] (2023) | DL/LB | 6'2" 225 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10329915/Noah-Bustard" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/noahbustard" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL/LB [player_tooltip player_id='227097' first='Noah' last='Bustard'] is a major candidate for breakout of the year. Bustard is a versatile defender that can be played virtually anywhere along the front seven. He is primarily used on the defensive line, but can also move to inside or outside linebacker. Noah is quick and agile in the trenches with lots of power in his punch. He is a player that has experienced a lot of growth in the offseason and looked disruptive at the practice I attended. Noah should see a nice increase in production now that he'll hold a bigger role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb37f102870","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10329915/6189743fb5347c07e4b02a67' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='340486' first='Henry' last='Prochazka'] (2024) | DL/EDGE | 6'4" 210 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14865255/Henry-Prochazka" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/HenryProchazka" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Storm is just pumping out game-wreckers at defensive line and the next man up is junior [player_tooltip player_id='340486' first='Henry' last='Prochazka']. Prochazka started to make some noise last year as part of the defensive line rotation, but should be one of the key contributors on that unit this year. Henry's motor and tenacity on the field pops right off the screen when you watch his tape and even more so in person. He is explosive off the snap and has great field speed for someone his size. Henry's ability to match his quickness with his violent hands have made him one of the better block-shedders in his class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb381802871","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14865255/61b75e57c119bf0640bfa179' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='340487' first='Carson' last='Rauner'] (2024) | QB | 6'3" 190 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12187556/Carson-Rauner" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/CarsonRauner" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The QB position is still unsettled for the Storm, however junior [player_tooltip player_id='340487' first='Carson' last='Rauner'] has begun to emerge as the frontrunner after a busy summer. Carson was all over the place this offseason with camps at Northern Iowa, Wyoming, Princeton, Northwestern, Harvard, Stanford, and Colorado. Carson definitely has all the tools to step into the QB1 spot and dominate. He is an accurate passer, stands tall in the pocket, and can fit the tight windows. Carson has huge upside and could put Class A on notice this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb383702872","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12187556/618c6f12578d0b03e022d9fc' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='416970' first='Ashton' last='Murphy'] (2024) | DL/OL | 6'5" 225 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14899852/Ashton-Murphy" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/AshtonMurphy24" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another member of Elkhorn South's insane DL rotation is junior [player_tooltip player_id='416970' first='Ashton' last='Murphy'] who has continued to make strides in the offseason and should be a big contributor this season. Murphy's size and athleticism is what immediately grabs your attention when you see him. He has a lenghty frame with long arms that he uses to create separation at the line of scrimmage. At the practice I attended, he looked very quick off the snap but also had lots of power to his game as well. This defensive line could finish among the best in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Other players to watch:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='416963' first='Carter' last='Jorth'] (2023) | OL/DL | 5'11" 240 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12930507/Carter-Jorth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/carter_jorth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='416962' first='Josh' last='McWilliams'] (2023) | WR/DB | 6'0" 190 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12930527/Josh-McWilliams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshMcW18" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb33b60286c","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12930527/628317b12aa65a08fc99d285' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='416964' first='Kory' last='Salanoa'] (2023) | WR | 5'11" 165 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12930533/Kory-Salanoa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/SalanoaKory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='416961' first='Jackson' last='Moeller Swan'] (2023) | WR/CB | 6'1" 185 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12930512/Jackson-Moeller-Swan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Jackson_Swan_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb38f702873","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12930512/61874cdc0dcaab066023d3e0' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='416973' first='Koen' last='Thomsen'] (2023) | OL | 6'0" 240 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12930525/Koen-Thomsen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/KoenThomsen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb397202874","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12930525/61f2e4e8a0190505588626e1' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='416965' first='Mason' last='Cain'] (2023) | OLB/RB | 5'9" 180 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12930502/Mason-Cain" target="_blank">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/Mason_Cain11" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='416971' first='Cole' last='Mackie'] (2024) | OL/DL | 6'6" 240 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14865261/Cole-Mackie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/Cole_Mackie06" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='245877' first='Landon' last='Tate'] (2025) | ATH | 5'10" 170 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16359611/Landon-Tate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/LandonTate8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb39a702875","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16359611/61718ef9ff032b0748403bce' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='236546' first='Madden' last='Riggs'] (2025) | QB | 6'2" 165 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16138862/Madden-Riggs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MaddenRiggs1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb39c002876","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16138862/61650478664b6e011426da7e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='245867' first='Gavin' last='Shanahan'] (2025) | RB/LB | 5'9" 175 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16359598/Gavin-Shanahan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/GavinShanahan24" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"id":"block_62fb37750286d","name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16359598/617082e2f31deb0a14aee3f8' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Make sure to follow @PrepRedzoneNE on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all your Nebraska prep recruiting news.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->