Bishop Neumann(2) vs Grand Island CC(4) C-2 Championship Preview

Tuesday night's C2 Nebraska State Championship matchup between the No. 2 Bishop Neumann Cavaliers and the No. 4 Grand Island Central Catholic Crusaders should be a great one.   Bishop Neumann enters the title game coming off a dominant 34–0 win over third-seeded Kearney Catholic, a game they controlled from start to finish. The Cavaliers return to Memorial Stadium seeking redemption after falling short in last year's championship against Norfolk Catholic. They opened the 2024 season by avenging that loss with a 21–14 win over NC, then rolled to an 11–1 record, with their lone setback coming against conference rival Malcolm.   Led by QB [player_tooltip player_id='1625811' first='Beau' last='Fujan'], the RB duo of Landon Sund and [player_tooltip player_id='1115000' first='Jack' last='Van Slyke'], and a physical offensive line, the Cavaliers feature one of Class C2's most potent rushing attacks, averaging 265 yards per game on the ground.   On the other side, GICC is the “new kid on the block,” making its first championship appearance in over two decades. The Crusaders have been trending up since head coach Jeff Ashby took over three seasons ago, and this year's squad has been impressive from the jump — they didn't allow a defensive touchdown until Week 6!   With playmakers [player_tooltip player_id='1115010' first='Grayson' last='Sack'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1115008' first='Connor' last='Haney'] leading the way, this is a balanced, high-powered offense capable of hurting teams both through the air and on the ground.  On the other side of the ball, their defense is led by two Sophomore standouts [player_tooltip player_id='1652202' first='Owen' last='Price'] and Jackson Gangwich – Price currently being the 10th ranked player in the state for his class.   In the trenches, expect a heavyweight fight. Bishop Neumann's size and strength up front will test a Crusader offensive line anchored by [player_tooltip player_id='1192426' first='Will' last='Maser']. The Cavaliers' run game has been a force all season, with two 1,000-yard rushers powering the attack.   These two teams couldn't be more different stylistically — Bishop Neumann leans on a physical option-run identity, while GICC brings a balanced, vertical passing attack.   Contrast, physicality, and high stakes — everything you want in a state championship game.   Keys to the Game – Bishop Neumann Cavaliers: Offensively, Fujan and Co must manage the ball and keep the chains moving.  Having the size advantage should help them win the line of scrimmage battle and make running lanes for Fujan, Sund, and Van Slyke.  The best defense is not being on the field at all!  By running the ball effectively and controlling the time of possession, the Cavaliers will be able to limit GICC's possessions.  Defensively, it is going to come down to discipline and their ability to maintain run gap responsibilities.  The Cavaliers mishaps have come on bad eyes from LBs and safeties leading to explosive runs by opponents.  Being able to track Sack in the run game will allow them to limit explosives and allow their DBs to keep at depth to not allow Haney to get open behind them on play actions.   Keys to the game – Grand Island Central Catholic Crusaders:  Get [player_tooltip player_id='1115010' first='Grayson' last='Sack'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1115008' first='Connor' last='Haney'] clicking early and often.  If the Crusaders can get the passing attack working early, it will open up their entire offense and create holes and havoc.  Sack's option runs with Jack Alberts will have more to space to work with and more of a runway to get downhill and 1on1 opportunities in the open field.  The more GICC can score, the more pressure it will put on the BN offense to keep up in an offense that is best when winning.  On the defensive side it's going to come down to how well can they fit the run.  They have the speed to play 1on1 on the outside and negate the few big passes a game, but they will need to stay stout inside.  Getting bodies to the football and boxing the ball back inside where there's help will be the key to containing the triple option and this 3-headed rushing attack of Bishop Neumann.   Game Prediction: Head-to-Head both teams played Cecelia and West Point-Beemer.  The pair handedly defeated Cecelia, but WPB proved to be quite the challenge for Bishop Neumann, in a close win 28-27.  Looking at the positional matchups, Neumann has the size advantage on the OL which seems to be the case with most of Neumann's opponents and their run heavy offense should negate the Crusader pass rush and [player_tooltip player_id='1652202' first='Owen' last='Price']. In the back end though, I'm worried GICC's speed offensively might be hard to keep up with for the Cavaliers, especially [player_tooltip player_id='1115008' first='Connor' last='Haney'] in man-to-man.   This game is going to come down to execution, and who can play a more-sound game.  While BN will have more experience as a team and in big games, I'm going to take the upstart Crusaders in this one due to their explosiveness and young [player_tooltip player_id='1970032' first='Jackson' last='Gangwish'] to keep this defense together.  35-31 Grand Island Central Catholic over Bishop Neumann in the Nebraska C2 State Championship and give the city of Grand Island their first state championship since 1985.       Bishop Neumann Spotlight Players:     Cavaliers' X-Factor: Matthew Thulin, [player_tooltip player_id='1115001' first='Dylan' last='Choutka'], and the rest of the Bishop Neumann OL    At 6'5 275, [player_tooltip player_id='1395758' first='Matt' last='Thulin'] is one of the biggest athletes you will find in this C2 Nebraska division.  Committed to NW Missouri St, Thulin has a good get off defensively and some COD athleticism for his size which is shown off in his Pick 6 against Palmyra earlier this season.  At his projectable spot on the OL, Thulin isn't afraid to run his feet after contact and put kids in the ground.  When striking he does his best to keep his elbows tucked in when striking to maintain power.  His matchup against GICC DE [player_tooltip player_id='1652202' first='Owen' last='Price'] is one I'm super excited for and can't wait to see him against top edge talent.     Choutka stood out to me on film at first by his effort.  On both sides of the ball, he shows no stop hustle, chasing in pursuit, climbing and looking for work in the run game, and blocking for teammates on INTs going the other way.  At his Offensive Guard spot, the love pulling him where he's stands out on kick out blocks and does a good job staying square to the line of scrimmage when pulling for LBs - staying prepared for any late threats shooting the gap.      At the helm for this Cavalier offensive attack, is SR QB [player_tooltip player_id='1625811' first='Beau' last='Fujan'].  At 6'2 180, Fujan has high-hipped frame and a long stride that is difficult to bring down when he sees open grass ahead.  In this option heavy offense, what first sticks out is his decision making - consistently making the right reads and making defenses pay averaging 9.3 yds per carry.  In the passing game, Fujan does a good job quickly flipping and aligning himself to his backside targets on play actions/RPOs to hit WRs downfield.  Finally, I love how he carries out his ball fakes and post give demeanor to distract defenders.       At 5'11 220, [player_tooltip player_id='1115000' first='Jack' last='Van Slyke'] is a extremely tough to bring down. Built with a thicker upper half and strong lower body, Van Slyke does a great job not stopping his feet on contact and running behind his pads making it so difficult for defenders to take him down. Van Slyke also leads the team in tackles with 139 on the season from his middle LB spot.     Landon Sund is the second 1000-yard rusher for this Bishop Neumann team.  At 170lbs, he has a compact build that is difficult to bring down due to his tough running and ballet-like balance.  He runs with great pad level and forward lean and shows some wiggle at full speed to change his run angle and feint defenders.  Sund is also a standout wrestler and placed 5th in states as a JR.     Alex Barry is the top receiving threat for Cavaliers averaging 52.3 yds per game.  He is extremely strong with the ball in his hands and through the catch.  He's got good length which comes in handy when run blocking on the perimeter on this.  Finally, Barry does a great job tracking the ball in the air and being able to adjust to the ball late downfield.     [player_tooltip player_id='1588476' first='Quin' last='Schutt'] is a do it all guy for Bishop Neumann.  At his TE spot he does a great job opening up his hips to the ball and fluidly continuing his momentum towards the endzone through the catch.  He also blocks well in space, attaching and moving defenders to create holes at the LOS and downfield.  On defense he plays a hybrid S/LB spot playing some man to man on slots and Will LB in zone.  He has a nose for the football with 101 tackles on the year, third on the team with 8.4 per game.  Last but not least, Schutt had a blocked FG in last year's championship matchup, and I hope he finds another edge on ST to boost his team tomorrow.     Kobe Miller is a two-way standout for this Bishop Neumann team.  Offensively Miller gives them a passing threat in heavy personnel, to split out and beat CBs consistently on slants which he does a good job of getting them on their toes showing good hands and has the ability to take these to the house.  He also can line up in-line and win 1on1 in the run game, beating up DEs and LBs with his size and strength.  Defensively, Miller leads the team with 2 sacks and 2 FFs on the season, showing his relentless play and agility to avoid blockers and make tackles.    Grand Island Central Catholic Spotlight Players:     Crusaders' X-Factor:  [player_tooltip player_id='1115010' first='Grayson' last='Sack']    The engine of this Crusader offense, [player_tooltip player_id='1115010' first='Grayson' last='Sack'] is a dual threat QB that truly impacts the game with his arm and legs.  Sack's motion is smooth and effortless with a strong wrist flick.  He's extremely accurate downfield passer, consistently putting on the chest or facemask of his WRs and does a good job hitting his guys in stride for YAC.  In the pocket, he feels pressure and slides calmly while keeping his eyes downfield and finding open targets.  When he feels it's necessary, Sack will scramble and use his quick feet to evade pressure and get downhill.  He is equally as effective on designed QB runs showing off his vision and quickness to pick up big gains.  Defensively, Sack is a contributor as a CB and does a good job breaking on the ball and causing disruptions at the catch point and some fluid hips to adjust to routes and the ball in flight.     A big day from [player_tooltip player_id='1115010' first='Grayson' last='Sack'] will go a long way for this high-powered offense.  His ability to run will keep this defense honest and ensure that all eyes are on him, while getting the ball to [player_tooltip player_id='1115008' first='Connor' last='Haney'] in space will be the key to outscoring Bishop Neumann and capping off their tremendous season with a state chip.     Catches the ball consistently away from his body.  Does a good job picking up yards after the catch, finding blockers downfield and reading the flow of the defense.  Shows a good speed cut and an ability to run through passes to maintain momentum, averaging 78 yds per game, Haney is the top receiving threat for this Crusader offense.  Defensively, he's got quite the range as the middle of the field safety.  Doing a great job reading the QB for run/pass and finding the threats in the pass game and having a nose for the ball with 4 INTs and 2 FFs.  In the state semis Haney was instrumental in all three phases having a big KOR for 40 yards, a INT in man coverage in the slot, and 60-yd receiving TD off a great double move to lose his defender.  They do a good job of moving him around on defense to maximize his impact - putting him as a stand-up edge and manned up on slot WRs.     At 6'0 185, [player_tooltip player_id='1970032' first='Jackson' last='Gangwish'] is a budding two-way star for this GICC football team.  At his MLB spot, Gangwish's downhill abilities pop off the tape, doing a good job triggering and closing space in the run game.  He also times up his blitzes very well, creating havoc early and often.  At QB Gangwish is prepared to take over after Sack graduates, showing great poise and decision making with the ball in his hands.  I love his motion, which is quick, replicative, and shows advanced dissociation while throwing.  He shows the ability to throw on the run to his left and right.  Leading the team with 10.9 tkls per game, Gangwish is a premier 2-way player and QB in Nebraska in the class of '28 and I am excited to see the next steps he takes in his development.     At 6'3 190, [player_tooltip player_id='1652202' first='Owen' last='Price'] has great size and strength at his stand-up edge position.  He has a strong upper body which is shown by how much force he creates when he hits ball carriers. He shows good hands, hips, and feet and explosiveness in his pass rush around the edge that most OTs he faces can stop. Although the stat sheet shows 6 sacks on the year, Price has countless pressures leading to at least 3 INTs (one's I've seen on film) which shows how much of an impact he has on opposing passing games.  This offseason I want to see Price engage his lower half more when engaged.  With 8 tkls and 4 hurries last week, Price is up for one of his biggest matchups of his career in 6'5 OT [player_tooltip player_id='1395758' first='Matt' last='Thulin'].  While Price is a prolific pass rusher, tomorrow will show how well of a run defender he is at this stage of his career.     [player_tooltip player_id='1192426' first='Will' last='Maser'] is an enforcer in the trenches for Sack and Co.  He plays with a nasty edge and isn't afraid to dump defenders for pancakes and snatch moves.  Maser has good size at 6'2 270 and strength with his strong hands and base.  He has the strength to anchor against heavy NTs and create vertical displacement in the run game.   He does a good job turning guys out at the POA.

Tuesday night's C2 Nebraska State Championship matchup between the No. 2 Bishop Neumann Cavaliers and the No. 4 Grand Island Central Catholic Crusaders should be a great one.