This time NPR will give you a small capsule look at each team and our pick. Congratulations to everyone on the success of your teams. And Goodluck !
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Class A
Championship Game.... Millard West vs North Platte
* Millard West --- This team starts with a great defense lead by Iowa State commit Nick Leaders, with strong support from Scott McLaughlin, Bob Danenhauer, and Eric Fischer. Qb Rob Morrissey has improved every game this season and has shown that he has the ability to lead this offense. The runningbacks are Jake Dugger and Keith Hoff.
* North Platte --- Not given a great deal of respect at the beginning of the season. North Platte has shown that they just know how to win games. The emergence of Dan and Ben Woodhead has increased the offensive options for North Platte. Senior All-State RB Kade Pittman has seen only limited play in recent games and North Platte has continued to compete and win. A strong offensive line has helped all season lead by Adam O'Rouke, Tim Kelley, Paul Maseberg, Darren Mohr, and Josh Bokoskie. The defense has been solid.
**** the pick ... Millard West 24-13
Class B
Championship Game .... Crete vs Seward
* Crete --- Everyone looks to another team to beat the Cardinals in a big game but they have found a way to win two years in a row. Led by Garrett Mehl at QB, Bryan Florendo at RB and a solid offensive line the offense is able to put the points on the board when they need to. Crete's defense has been a strenght all year. Maybe not the most talented but no defensive unit will battle you harder for 48 minutes. Senior lineman Mike Heuesinkrelt anchors both lines.
* Seward --- For the last two years something has always derailed the Seward hopes of getting to Lincoln and playing for the state title. This year they go to Lincoln and must face old rival Crete. This is a District 4 matchup for the state title. Seniors Jeff Luebbe, Andy Kadavy, Scott Keller, Jeff Aldrich, and Ben Siebert lead the Bluejays.
**** the pick ... Seward 14-13; it is hard to beat a team twice.
Class C-1
Championship Game .... Pierce vs Boone Central
* Pierce --- The no.1 rated Pierce Bluejays returned 7 starters on defense and 9 starters on offense. Matt Herian has been a marked man all season after committing early to Nebraska. A gifted athlete his teammates showed last week that they are able to step their game up if he is not available. Also key to the Pierce attack are John Pospisil, Tony Drahota, Travis Test, Chris Martinson, Travis Retzlaff and Devin Watts. They offer a good mix of speed and power.
* Boone Central --- Another team not rated early but has shown that they belong in the elite of the class. NPR felt that Boone Central might have problems with teamwork early in the year as they are a new combination school. But the talent has blended nicely and given depth to the team. Key players include Whit Palmer, Adam Flanagan, Cole Henn, Josh Inman, Scott Levander, and Scott Reinhart.
**** the pick ... Boone Central 17-16
(if Herian is able to play a role Pierce could win 27-10)
Class C-2
Championship Game ....
Hartington Cedar Catholic vs Lawrence-Nelson
* Hartington Cedar Catholic --- QB Jesse Hochstein is a four year starter rare at any level. A solid line and kicking game makes them a hard team to move the ball on OR to stop on offense consistently. Key players include Derrick Leise, Craig Lammers, Chris Bruening, Sam Heine, Ben Hochstein, and Kent Kent Hochstein.
* Lawrence-Nelson --- A move up to 11 man football from 8 man has been very successful for the Raiders. L-N was runnerup in D-1 last year so have done the playoff path before. Led by Qb Corbin Biltoft and all-state lineman Adam Theer. Kirk Peterson is a standout on defense to watch for.
**** the pick ... Lawrence-Nelsen 23-19
Class D-1
Championship Game .... Howells vs Bloomfield
* Howells --- The reigning state championship team started the year with only two starters from last year in Eric Wiemann and Gerad Brichacek. Experience was there though as several lettermen returned. Key players include Brian Recker, Justin Mastny, and Mat Eikmeier. A winning attitude of a champion is also a part of the team.
* Bloomfield --- Dropped from 11 man to 8 man football and has adjusted well. An explosive offense and depth are keys to the Bees success. Key players include Travis Mlady, Brian Frank, Carsten Mlady, Matt Hanson, Matt Doerr, Chase Rohrer and an improving Zach Millikan. Both teams will be playing 48 minutes of great 8 man action.
**** the pick ... Howells 35-33
### you must beat the champs to wear the crown but Bloomfield is capable ###
Class D-2
Championship Game .... Lewiston vs Greeley
* Lewiston --- Lewiston is led by three outstanding two-way players, seniors Ben Ideus at RB/WR/DB; Dion Parks at QB/LB; and junior Tim Theis at RB/DB. The offense has been explosive when all three have shared the ball and other teams attention.
* Greeley --- After an 11-1 season in 2000 the team of 2001 was to be good by not state title good. Greeley has hit a couple of bumps in the road during the season allowing a strong defense to carry the team till the offense developed. Maybe not as explosive on offense as some other D-2 teams Greeley has been able to put points on the board. The team is led by Derek Ryan, Travis Herman, Jeremy Poss, and Shawn Harrahill.