PRZNE 2025 Gretna-Blair Scouting Reports: Gretna Standouts

<!-- 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>Week 3 led me to check out the Thursday night game between the Gretna Dragons and Blair Bears. It was quite the battle with the Bears striking first before the Dragons rattled off 21 unanswered points to take the 21-7 lead into the 4th. However, Blair remained in it until the end, as they were able to make it a one-score game with a long rushing touchdown, before the Dragons shut the door on a comeback with their own score. Gretna closed out the game with a 28-14 win over Blair.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are a few of the Dragons' standout players, and keep an eye out for my Blair standouts as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Player of the Game:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1895968,"width":"295px","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/IMG_5302.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1895968" style="width:295px" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1895035' first='Ayden' last='Furstenau'], 2028 - RB </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Dragons feature a great backfield tandem that includes two sophomore running backs. [player_tooltip player_id='1895035' first='Ayden' last='Furstenau'] stepped up big time when his running mate went down with an injury and helped spearhead the offense to a win. Furstenau carried the ball 27 times for 120 yards and a rushing touchdown in a tough display of running against a solid front seven. Furstenau really impressed with his willingness to dish out punishment to would-be tacklers, showing that he will drop his pads to drive through a defender's chest or look to stiff-arm them away. Shifty footwork allowed him to make subtle cuts when running the ball in tight quarters and to attack creases in the defense. Ayden also proved to be a reliable target out of the backfield with five receptions for 57 yards, showing he can take checkdown passes for a decent gain after the catch. Ayden should continue to develop into a solid prospect in these upcoming seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Notable Players:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='402158' first='Michael' last='Knudsen'], 2026 - QB - 6'3" 205 lbs - Northwest Missouri State Commit - <a href="https://x.com/mike_knudsen31" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@mike_knudsen31)</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The NW Missouri State Bearcats' QB pledge, [player_tooltip player_id='402158' first='Michael' last='Knudsen'], had a strong outing against the Bears in which he completed 17 of 24 pass attempts (70%) for 212 yards and three passing touchdowns. Knudsen looked poised when presented a clean pocket, but also showed the mobility to evade the rush, roll out, and throw accurately on the run. He displayed nice zip and placement on the ball with a few sharp throws over the middle of the field, one of which resulted in a TD. Michael also did a good job working through his progressions and finding the open target if the primary receiver wasn't available. Very talented passer headed to Maryville next fall!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1895964,"width":"295px","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/IMG_5309.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1895964" style="width:295px" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1818746' first='Talon' last='Daharsh'], 2027 - DB/WR - 6'1" 180 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/TalonDaharsh4">(@TalonDaharsh</a><a href="https://x.com/TalonDaharsh4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">4</a><a href="https://x.com/TalonDaharsh4">)</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1818746' first='Talon' last='Daharsh'] was very impressive against the Bears as he flashed on both sides of the ball. Daharsh recorded five receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown while also recording four tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and an interception on defense. Defensively, Talon impressed with his quick instincts and well-rounded skill set for the safety position. He does a good job reading and diagnosing offensive plays and has the speed to get to a good spot to make a stop. He transitions nicely in coverage with a good change of direction and is willing to get physical and challenge receivers at the catch point. Daharsh also showed he can step into the box to help out against the run as well. Offensively, Talon does a good job filling in soft spots in coverage and can use his bigger frame to create separation from defenders. Strong hands make him a reliable target at the catch point. Definitely someone to start adding to your radars asap!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19602744/68c8bc063a197426b6e6c52a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68cb8c212ebcd"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":1895963,"width":"295px","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/IMG_5367.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1895963" style="width:295px" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1895037' first='Brody' last='Sliva'], 2026 - DL - 5'11" 205 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/brody_sliv" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@brody_sliv)</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were some great battles along the trenches with several standout players, including Gretna's [player_tooltip player_id='1895037' first='Brody' last='Sliva']. Brody recorded a total of seven tackles, two TFLs, and 1.5 sacks while helping the Dragons limit the Blair offense to 14 points. Brody may not be the biggest defensive lineman on the field, but he does a good job using his natural leverage and quickness to win his 1v1s against blockers. He maintains great pad level to keep his leverage when engaged, while using his strong base to move blockers off their spot. Even when Sliva wasn't getting all the way home for the sack, he was constantly pressuring the QB and helping disrupt running lanes. Great motor, high effort player who can help bolster a DL group at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1895250,"width":"295px","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/IMG_5254.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1895250" style="width:295px" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1895040' first='Keagan' last='Burns'], 2026 - DL/OL - 6'5" 210 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1895040' first='Keagan' last='Burns'] was another lineman who flashed for the Dragons as he started on offense and rotated in on defense. His defensive efforts led to two tackles, a TFL, and a sack while playing defensive end. Burns has a taller, lengthier frame at 6'5", 210 pounds, with room to continue adding mass at the next level. I think he projects best on the defensive side of the ball, where he could develop into an effective pass rusher either as a defensive end or outside linebacker. He does a good job using his length to make first contact at the point of attack and has the athleticism/burst to beat slower linemen. Burns also flashed his power rushing abilities on his sack, where he had an effective punch, landing his hands inside, then bullied his way into the backfield, where he was able to reach for the QB to finish the play. This was my first time seeing Burns in general, so he really opened my eyes... lots of upside here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1429588' first='Bryce' last='Lakers'], 2026 - WR/DB - 6'1" 175 lbs - Nebraska-Kearney Commit - <a href="https://x.com/BryceLakers15" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@BryceLakers15)</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I already considered Nebraska-Kearney commit, [player_tooltip player_id='1429588' first='Bryce' last='Lakers'], one of the top receivers in his class, but he made a case for one of the top two-way players with his performance at DB. Lakers made several great plays on the defensive end, including an interception and several impressive pass breakups. He has a great feel in coverage with the speed/agility to stay in a receiver's pocket. Bryce closes on the ball well and isn't afraid to attack the pass like he's the receiver. On the offensive side of the ball, Bryce finished with three catches for 44 yards and a receiving touchdown. Great route runner who can create separation and attack all three levels of the field. Bryce joins a great group of receivers in the Lopers '26 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make sure to follow&nbsp;<em>@PRZ_OscarG</em>&nbsp;for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->