Program Profiles: Trojans Take on Class 2A

With the season now under a week away, we're wrapping up the Program Profiles series by turning our attention to the 2A ranks. While this classification level is one of the lowest in the state, there's without a doubt some big-time competition within it. There's powerhouse programs such as Rossville and Silver Lake, and then there's also contenders like Beloit, Hillsboro, and Nemaha Central. These teams are likely to receive quite a bit of buzz throughout the '22 campaign, but there is a newcomer in the division that is looking like a dangerous squad.   After a phenomenal year in Class 3A last season, the Southeast of Saline Trojans will be making the switch to Class 2A during the 2022 season. The Trojans have been a respectable program in Class 3A the past few years, but they surprised fans in 2021 after winning 11 games in a row, and coming up just short of a state title game appearance. They absolutely dominated their competition; scoring 48 points per game while surrendering under eight points per game. They did graduate some key players on both sides of the ball, but this group of skill position players make them legitImate title contenders this season.   Offense:   [player_tooltip player_id='317201' first='Luke' last='Gebhardt'], 6'0”, 175, QB, Class of '23   [player_tooltip player_id='317201' first='Luke' last='Gebhardt'] was arguably one of the top players in all of Class 3A last season, and he is likely to be in that conversation for Class 2A this year. The 16th ranked signal caller in the Class of '23 rankings is one of the most overlooked prospects in this senior class. It won't be easy for him to replicate the numbers he put up in 2021, but he'll still have the opportunity to shine during his senior campaign. Expect for Gebhardt to be one of the top quarterbacks in Class 2A this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='87705' first='Michael' last='Murray'] & <a href="https://twitter.com/jakegeb00?s=21&t=ol-7BtoBQQ_Lvmu-6ujlxQ" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/jakegeb00?s=21&t=ol-7BtoBQQ_Lvmu-6ujlxQ">Jake Gebhardt</a>, WR's, Class of '23   A significant chunk of [player_tooltip player_id='317201' first='Luke' last='Gebhardt']'s production this season is likely to come from this dynamic duo. [player_tooltip player_id='87705' first='Michael' last='Murray'] is an established prospect in the Class of '23 rankings, and <a href="https://twitter.com/jakegeb00?s=21&t=FBrAzke71_pjg6EPLeai2g" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/jakegeb00?s=21&t=FBrAzke71_pjg6EPLeai2g">Jake Gebhardt</a> is an under the radar player that could make his debut in the next update. Murray is one of the most explosive athletes in this senior class, and he is the Trojans' top vertical threat. He racked up 800 all-purpose yards as a junior, but could very well eclipse that mark as a senior. The Gebhardt to Gebhardt connection is surely going to be heard several times this season. <a href="https://twitter.com/jakegeb00?s=21&t=ol-7BtoBQQ_Lvmu-6ujlxQ" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/jakegeb00?s=21&t=ol-7BtoBQQ_Lvmu-6ujlxQ">Jake Gebhardt</a> proved to be a reliable option as a junior, as he finished second on the team in receiving last season with 38 receptions for 524 yards and six touchdowns. Defenses are going to have their hands full trying to contain these two.   Defense:   Caden Isaacson, 5'11”, 185, LB, Class of '23   The Trojans graduated defensive standouts such as Matthew Rodriguez and Dalton Bunch, and while it won't be easy replacing those two, the Trojans still have defenders like Caden Isaacson returning this season. Isaacson was a breakout player during his first season starting, as he'd finish second on the team total tackles. He piled up 77 total on the year, and he came away with a sack and an interception as well. His presence on defense will play a huge role in the Trojans' success.   <a href="https://twitter.com/landenall23?s=21&t=ol-7BtoBQQ_Lvmu-6ujlxQ" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/landenall23?s=21&t=ol-7BtoBQQ_Lvmu-6ujlxQ">Landen Allen</a>, 5'11”, 190, LB, Class of '23   <a href="https://twitter.com/landenall23?s=21&t=ol-7BtoBQQ_Lvmu-6ujlxQ" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/landenall23?s=21&t=ol-7BtoBQQ_Lvmu-6ujlxQ">Landen Allen</a> will be another impactful defender for the Trojans this fall. He'll be one of Saline's most experienced players, as he heads into the '22 campaign with two varsity seasons now under his belt. Through his first two varsity seasons he's racked up 100 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. Year three for the outside backer could be his best yet.   Breakout Players:   [player_tooltip player_id='1107796' first='Nathan' last='Friesen'], 5'11”, 170, RB, Class of '24   The Trojans will be searching for their feature back after graduating their leading rusher from last season. While they can use [player_tooltip player_id='317201' first='Luke' last='Gebhardt'] in the run game, they will still need another option. This is where [player_tooltip player_id='1107796' first='Nathan' last='Friesen'] comes in. His carriers were limited during his sophomore year, but he was a player that consistently moved the chains when he touched the ball. Friesen ended the '21 campaign with 164 yards rushing on 11 carries with two touchdowns. If given the opportunity to start, Friesen could surprise folks this season.   <a href="https://twitter.com/luke_obermeyer?s=21&t=RVqEpIp8YqgWGPARYY3gPA" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/luke_obermeyer?s=21&t=RVqEpIp8YqgWGPARYY3gPA">Luke Obermeyer</a>, 6'3”, 180, LB, Class of '24   Isaacson and Allen have been highlighted as two standout defenders for the Trojans, but folks also need to be on the lookout for <a href="https://twitter.com/luke_obermeyer?s=21&t=RVqEpIp8YqgWGPARYY3gPA" data-type="URL" data-id="https://twitter.com/luke_obermeyer?s=21&t=RVqEpIp8YqgWGPARYY3gPA">Luke Obermeyer</a> this year. Obermeyer played well at outside linebacker in his first full season at the varsity level in 2021. He accumulated 39 total tackles, two sacks, and one interception. The junior possesses a long reach, which helps him wrap up ball carriers in the backfield, and it can help fight off blockers. Given his rangy frame and experience, Obermeyer could be a disruptive player off the edge during the '22 campaign.

With the season now under a week away, we're wrapping up the Program Profiles series by turning our attention to the 2A ranks. While this classification level is one of the lowest in the state, there's without a doubt some big-time competition within it. There's powerhouse programs such as Rossville and Silver Lake, and then there's also contenders like Beloit, Hillsboro, and Nemaha Central. These teams are likely to receive quite a bit of buzz throughout the '22 campaign, but there is a newcomer in the division that is looking like a dangerous squad.