Game Notes | Bennington vs. Waverly 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>I was out this Thursday and Friday as high school football action kicked off across the state. On Friday, I traveled out to Bennington to watch the reigning back-to-back-to-back Class B champion Bennington Badgers host a tough Waverly team that finished 11-1 last season. Bennington came in looking to continue their 39-game win streak after having to reload at several key positions, and the Vikings were looking to put an end to the streak.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The game started with both teams trying to find their footing offensively while playing smothering defense. Both teams exchanged turnovers and sacks before Bennington was able to break through offensively, with the game's first score coming near the end of the first quarter. Badger sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='433165' first='Ty' last='Bouaphakeo'] would score two rushing touchdowns to build a 14-0 lead going into halftime. The second half would continue to be a defensive battle. Eventually, a [player_tooltip player_id='1315021' first='Houston' last='Hill'] rushing touchdown and a [player_tooltip player_id='319575' first='Kyler' last='Lauridsen'] sack/safety sealed the deal for Bennington, as they would go on to win 23-0.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bennington travels to Gretna East to battle the Griffins. Waverly will head to Seward to take on the Bluejays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check out my standouts from Friday night's game:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">Player of the Game:</span></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='319575' first='Kyler' last='Lauridsen'] | 2025 | LB | Bennington | </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://x.com/kyler_lauridsen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Kyler continued to show why he is one of the best players in Class B (and the state) with another dominant performance for the Badgers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Lauridsen was an absolute menace when rushing off the edge, flashing great speed and explosiveness coming off the ball. He's relentless in his pursuit and can quickly hawk down ball carriers when coming from the backside of the play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- He is just as good in coverage as he is, providing pressure. He's very fluid with his change of direction and can match physicality with any receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Excellent tackler with good technique.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Kyler holds offers from Wayne State and Sioux Falls. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">Notable Players:</span></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1573596' first='Trev' last='Greve'] | 2025 | DB | Waverly </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17190212/Trev-Greve" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Trev came up huge for the Waverly defense with two big time interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Both of his interceptions were a result of him being able to read the QB and having the quickness and ball skills to undercut the route and snag it away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Good mobility in coverage. Roams between the seams very well with the quickness to flow out to the sidelines or get downhill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='433165' first='Ty' last='Bouaphakeo'] | 2027 | QB | Bennington | 5'11" 190 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13264515/Ty-Bouaphakeo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/BouaphakeoTy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We only saw Ty come in at QB in short yardage and redzone/goal line situations, so we didn't get a full sample size but still impressed with his 2 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Ty is a strong runner with a power base that helped him drive right through the heart of the Waverly defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Great athlete who should find more opportunities to get on the field this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1192420' first='Gavin' last='McMillan'] | 2027 | CB | Waverly | 6'2" 175 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19744834/Gavin-McMillan">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/GavinMcMillan20">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This was my first in-person look at [player_tooltip player_id='1192420' first='Gavin' last='McMillan'], who flashed as a freshman, but I haven't been able to see a lot of tape on him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Passes the eye test for a CB with a bigger, taller frame with good length. His size allows him to match up well with most receivers while flashing a physical play style in coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Solid speed and athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1059047' first='Tysen' last='Fleischman'] | 2025 | DL | Bennington | 6'3" 200 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13274017/Tysen-Fleischman">Hudl</a> | <a href="https://x.com/TysenFleischman">Twitter</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Returning starter from last year who could have an even bigger season this time around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Tall DE who does a great job using his size and length to create separation at the LOS.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- I was impressed with his explosiveness getting off the ball and how hard he pursues the ball carrier. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Very under the radar— should change this season!</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 -->