2023 Program Previews | Bennington Badgers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For our next program preview, we take a look at the Class B state champions, the Bennington Badgers. Bennington faced several questions and challenges going into last year, despite coming off an all-time 13-0 championship season. Several losses on defense, the loss of a 4,000-yard rusher, and an entire OL loomed large for the Badgers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nonetheless, they met every challenge face-on and saw many young players step up, with several of them outplaying their inexperience. The result was no different, as the Badgers ended the year in Memorial Stadium, celebrating their second straight undefeated championship season. This season they will see a lot of similar challenges, including losing a QB, RB, and WR trio that was firing on all cylinders. Some games to circle on the Badger's schedule include the season opener against Class B power Skutt Catholic. York, who usually fields a tough squad, will travel to Bennington in Week 3. Week 5 &amp; 6 feature tough matchups against physical teams in Elkhorn and Blair. Elkhorn North in Week 8 is one that I will definitely be watching closely. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Key Games:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 1 @ Skutt Catholic, Week 3 York, Week 5 Elkhorn, Week 6 Blair, Week 8 Elkhorn North</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022 Record:</span></strong> 13-0, Class B State Champions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2023 Schedule:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/15 - Skutt Catholic (A)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9/1 - Plattsmouth (H)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9/8 - York (A) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9/15 - Pius X (H)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9/22 - Elkhorn (A)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9/29 - Blair (H)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/6 - Omaha Westview (A)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/13 - Elkhorn North (H) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/20 - Mount Michael Benedictine (H)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Team Hudl:</span></strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/team/v2/469/Bennington-Varsity-Football" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/team/v2/469/Bennington-Varsity-Football</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Team Social Media:</span></strong> <a href="https://twitter.com/Badger_FB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://twitter.com/Badger_FB</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Seniors to Watch:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='245883' first='Gunnar' last='Lym'] | DB | 6'0" 180 lbs | North Dakota Commit</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17241544/Gunnar-Lym" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/gunnarlym2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top defenders in the state, senior safety [player_tooltip player_id='245883' first='Gunnar' last='Lym'], will be back for his third year as a varsity starter for the Badgers. Gunnar has been a key defensive player in Bennington's dominant two-year stretch. He's an extremely rangy defender with excellent ball skills and instincts that allow him to make splash plays. Gunnar racked up 92 tackles, a tackle for loss, four interceptions, and over 650+ yards on kick and punt returns. Lym decided to shut down his recruitment with his recent commitment to the North Dakota Fighting Hawks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/gunnarlym2/status/1673438952349392897?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/gunnarlym2/status/1673438952349392897?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='533082' first='Jimmy' last='Miller'] | OL | 6'2" 240 lbs </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14867205/James-Miller">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/jimmy_miller12" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jimmy stepped up big time last season as the Badgers looked to pivot from losing their entire OL. Miller did more than hold his own, showing a great level of physicality and technique. He ended the season on a great note and has only continued to improve throughout the offseason working on his fundamentals and bulking up to 240 pounds. Miller holds offers from Peru State, Graceland, and Midland.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14867205/638d671f4ba85201c091746b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf265005071"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='516212' first='Ben' last='Gilliland'] | LB | 6'0" 195 lbs </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14899599/Ben-Gilliland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BenGilly35" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ben is a dude that loves to get after it on defense. He ended the season with 65 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and six sacks as he patrolled one of the inside linebacker spots. Ben does a great job attacking his gaps and can track the ball in the backfield very well. Once Ben gets to his guy, it's over, as he does very well with his tackling mechanics. Don't overlook this guy!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14899599/6370d6bf90ef4e0ae85a7521' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf26500509f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>KJ Taffa Jr | WR | 5'8" 155 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14877037/Kawiyou-Taffa-Jr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Kawiyoutaffajr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>KJ is a shifty, agile receiver that should get quite a few looks out of the slot. Taff will be the returning leader in receiving yards with 350 yards on 17 receptions and two touchdowns. I got the chance to watch him at the STB Showcase in June, in which he did a great job in 1v1s and shined during the combine portion. KJ runs clean routes, can explode from his cuts, and has 4.5 speed to challenge defenses vertically. He holds an offer from Nebraska Wesleyan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14877037/63b2601af56a5d09dc4f8e20' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf2650050bd"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='846289' first='Ben' last='Jorgensen'] | WR/TE | 6'0" 170 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14867166/Ben-Jorgensen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/benjorgensen15" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ben is a bit of a tweener at his position falling into that TE-WR hybrid role on the Badger offense. In 2022, Ben caught 17 receptions for 177 yards and two touchdowns while lining up as a tight end and slipping to the outside. He does a great job finding the weak spots in the opposing coverage and finding an open window to give his QB a safety valve target. Ben is also a great asset as a blocker. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14867166/638cdfbb4ba85201c090cae9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf2650050d9"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='250693' first='Kale' last='Kaufmann'] | DL | 5'11" 265 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14867180/Kale-Kaufmann" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/KaleKaufmann" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kale started for the Badgers on the defensive line last season and registered 57 tackles, a tackle for loss, and a sack. He will be back to clog up the interior lanes on the defense. I don't have a ton of tape on Kale, so I can't say too much about his game, but with 57 tackles, it speaks for itself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14867180/6397e3ff041dee066494c222' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf2650050f5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='703717' first='Quinton' last='Archer'] | RB | 5'6" 165 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14871446/Quinton-Archer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/archer_quinton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quinton will be returning as the team leader in rushing yards with 318 yards on 53 carries and scored three touchdowns. Archer looks ready to continue the recent run of elite running backs in the Bennington Badger. Quinton is a shifty back that can cut and juke his way to the open field with great acceleration when he clears the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14871446/6342b4e7066c110e0c07f997' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf265005110"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Other Players to Watch:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='489657' first='Jack' last='Jansen'] | 2025 | OL | 6'2" 225 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16387028/Jack-Jansen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/jackj2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A great surprise from the rebuilt OL a year ago, only a sophomore, [player_tooltip player_id='489657' first='Jack' last='Jansen'], did not flinch as he took over the right tackle spot. Now a junior, Jack is ready to get back to dominating in the trenches. He's a very fluid mover with great footwork and lateral quickness. Physical at the point of contact and always in a good position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16387028/638ffd56a0183504bc8b75bd' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf26500512c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='319576' first='Jacob' last='Strader'] | 2025 | OL | 5'11" 190 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16387027/Jacob-Strader" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/JacobStrader16" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another key returner on the offensive line. [player_tooltip player_id='319576' first='Jacob' last='Strader'] took over the center spot and did a great job providing inside running lanes for his backs all season. He's not a big lineman, but he plays bigger and stronger than his listed size (although he probably bulked up this offseason). Uses leverage very well and fights all the way through the whistle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16387027/63bb1030bd752e0984e5893f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf265005147"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='546019' first='Layne' last='Boever'] | 2025 | LB | 5'8" 170 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16387003/Layne-Boever" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/LayneBoever" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior [player_tooltip player_id='546019' first='Layne' last='Boever'] stepped up into one of the inside linebacker roles last season and wreaked havoc with 71 tackles, two tackles for loss, an interception, a fumble recovery, and a safety. He is a smart, instinctive 'backer that does a great job getting downhill and filling his gaps. Layne also does a great job in pass coverage with solid range and ball skills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16387003/638d0e0e5ef6250a983f2864' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf265005162"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='319575' first='Kyler' last='Lauridsen'] | 2025 | LB | 5'10" 160 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16387022/Kyler-Lauridsen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/kyler_lauridsen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top returning tacklers in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='319575' first='Kyler' last='Lauridsen'], lit up ball-carriers all season long in his first year on varsity. Kyler finished the season with 102 tackles, 14 TFLs, four sacks, and three interceptions as only a sophomore. Similar to Layne, Kyler is a player that you can assign to do anything, and he'll do it at a high level. He's very physical and a great, sound tackler that can defend the run and rush the QB. Kyler also does a great job dropping back into coverage and showed great ball skills/hand use with three picks and several PBUs. I believe he played last season around 145ish (not 100% sure), so seeing him listed at 160 should be a scary sight for opposing ball carriers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16387022/6384d5874deb6c092ca5dfdd' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf05b99a944"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='488219' first='Kaleb' last='Fahnholz'] | 2026 | WR | 6'0" 160 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18049102/Kaleb-Fahnholz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/KalebFahnholz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Badgers will need players to step up at receiver, and one that could do that is sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='488219' first='Kaleb' last='Fahnholz']. Kaleb is a tall, lengthy receiver who generates a great burst off the line. I don't have a ton of tape on Kaleb, but from the clips I've seen, he does a great job stretching defenses and providing a deep ball option.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18049102/6325fcda421039052c9728ca' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf05b99a96f"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /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 -->