Plug N Play GOTW: Elkhorn North vs Bennington Standouts

Last Friday night, the Wolves traveled east to see if they could upset the four-time defending Class B champs. The game turned into a defensive battle and Bennington's physicality was too much to overcome. This article will provide the players who made an impact in a hard-fought semifinal.    Lauridsen showcased his versatility and athleticism with a standout performance, running for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns, recording 8 tackles, blocking a punt, and handling punting duties five times. A gifted athlete with a relentless motor, he plays physical, downhill football on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he ran for tough yards, shedding tackles and spinning to fall forward, consistently keeping his team in positive situations. Lauridsen's "do what it takes" mentality and his special athletic ability make him a high-priority recruit for any college program.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Junior year highlights 108 Tackles -64 solo 20 TFL 3 INT 13-0 State Champions<a href="https://t.co/wFhplaUluP">https://t.co/wFhplaUluP</a>— [player_tooltip player_id='319575' first='Kyler' last='Lauridsen'] (@kyler_lauridsen) <a href="https://twitter.com/kyler_lauridsen/status/1734681115280261267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>     Gutz is a physical runner who showcased maturity and strength between the tackles while also demonstrating good speed outside. He finished with 23 carries for 95 yards, proving tough to bring down and unafraid to run through defenders. Gutz came up big on a game-separating drive, delivering key runs to put the Badgers up two scores. With his power, consistency, and ability to grind out tough yards, the Badgers have found their next star back—one who will undoubtedly draw scouts to the Northwest suburbs in the near future.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Check out my highlight - <a href="https://t.co/QWdmjYVDV8">https://t.co/QWdmjYVDV8</a> sophomore year regular season highlights 900+ rushing yards 9 touchdowns 5th in class B 5'11” 180 ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNE</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/NENextt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NENextt</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/COACHMCLAU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@COACHMCLAU</a>⁩⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBibbs52?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBibbs52</a>⁩— William Gutz (@wgutz2027) <a href="https://twitter.com/wgutz2027/status/1853643564426617096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2024</a></blockquote>     The Badgers relied on their run game to establish physicality on offense and turned to Miller to enforce it on defense. Miller delivered several big hits and was relentless in his pursuit, terrorizing the Wolves throughout the game. He finished with 7 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery, showcasing excellent gap integrity and the quickness to seal edges and chase down ball carriers or the quarterback. His effort, intensity, and impact at the linebacker position will undoubtedly draw significant interest from college programs.      <a href="https://x.com/TingelhoffJett">https://x.com/TingelhoffJett</a>   A dynamic two-way player, this explosive back showcased his ability to impact both sides of the ball. With sharp vision, he identifies creases and attacks decisively, using his track speed to burst into the second level. Offensively, he carried the ball 17 times for 85 yards, while defensively, he led his team with 16 tackles, including 7 solo. A South Dakota Coyote commit, his decisiveness and athleticism make him a player poised to thrive at the next level.      A big-bodied receiver with strong hands, Uchtman delivered an impressive performance, hauling in 8 catches for 91 yards and the Wolves' lone touchdown. He showcased his toughness with contested catches through contact and contributed as a physical blocker. On defense, he locked down opponents' top receivers, using his physicality and hand technique to gain positioning and disrupt plays. His combination of size, skillset, and football IQ makes him a standout on both sides of the ball and a prospect sure to attract multiple offers.     A big-bodied receiver with strong hands, Uchtman delivered an impressive performance, hauling in 8 catches for 91 yards and the Wolves' lone touchdown. He showcased his toughness with contested catches through contact and contributed as a physical blocker. On defense, he locked down opponents' top receivers, using his physicality and hand technique to gain positioning and disrupt plays. His combination of size, skillset, and football IQ makes him a standout on both sides of the ball and a prospect sure to attract multiple offers.    Honorable Mentions:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Aidan Smith | Bennington | WR/LB | 2025 | 6'0" 175lbs Smith was all over the field on the defensive side with 8 tackles, 2 passes defensed, a fubmle caused and nearly picked up a blocked punt and returned it. He gives maximum effort and always finds himself around the ball.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1059047' first='Tysen' last='Fleischman'] | Bennington | DL | 2025 | 6'3" 200lbs Fleischman showed off his strength and speed, spending alot of time in the Elkhorn North backfield. He finished with 8 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 2 blocked punts. His solid technique and speed will provide a spark to any university.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='488116' first='Jase' last='Reynolds'] | Elkhorn North | WR/LB | 2026 | 6'2" 170lbs A true Linbacker skillset, Reynolds is a sideline to sideline player. He is able to diagnose and attack quickly. Reynolds had 15 tackles, 6 solo, and always was in position to make a play.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1229775' first='AJ' last='Paladino'] | Elkhorn North | DE/OT | 2025 | 6'1" 230lbs Against a run heavy offense, Paladino displayed the ability to shed off blocks to make plays. His strength was an issue for the Badgers. He penetrated their offensive line multiple times finishing with 10 tackles, 2.5 for a loss, and a sack.</li> </ul>

Last Friday night, the Wolves traveled east to see if they could upset the four-time defending Class B champs. The game turned into a defensive battle and Bennington's physicality was too much to overcome. This article will provide the players who made an impact in a hard-fought semifinal.