Central City Bison

Coming off a 5-5 state playoff season last year, the Central City Bison are primed for another competitive season. Head coach Troy Huebert and a quality group of assistants have shown an ability to create strong game plans and that will be needed with another tough schedule ahead.

Quarterback Quandary: A unique situation presented itself with three potential starting quarterbacks, but the picture became more clear moving towards the season - Carter Simonsen, who dazzled last season off the bench, has chosen cross country this year, Blake Jensen who was sidelined due to injury last year, and Centura transfer Jakob Ruhl, who had impressive stats both in the air and on the ground. The Bison have options with both Jensen and Ruhl at the quarterback position and also spread out as a playmaker.

Offensive Overview: Young running backs like Corbin Kyes and Colby Schneider bring speed and agility to the backfield, while Hunter Thornton, Bladen Kohl, and Wyatt Dent freshen up the Bison's receiving unit. Freshman Turner Hanke promises to be a game-changer at tight end. A welcomed addition with Ayden Zikmund not going out for football in his senior season and Truman Ryan opting to transition to the cross country team this fall.

Defensive Front: Led by senior Jacob Kucera, the Bison's defense is robust, especially with two-time starting juniors Bryce Kunz and Colter Lueders. Injuries and potential starting shifts, especially with freshman Colbin Peters, will be crucial factors for the Bison's defensive stance. The same names will be vital in the success of the Herd, the Bison offensive line, as they have a strong group with Leyton Dalland also added into the mix.

Ryan’s Bold Prediction: Last year the Bison lost to only the best of the best, but last year was a long time ago. This season many are skeptical that Central City will find the same level of success, but hold on just one minute. A three-win season is our worst-case scenario and we see another five-win season not out of the realm of possibility. If this team plays beyond their years at certain positions, we put the ceiling even higher.

High Plains Community Storm

Last year's 3-5 season for the Storm promises to be just the build-up for a successful 2023. With a more seasoned line-up returning, the Storm is set to rise.

Offensive Powerhouses: Dual-threat quarterback Hayden Helgoth is back, along with potent running backs Wyatt Urkoski and Gage Friesen. Ayden Hans, with an extraordinary stat line from the previous season, is making a significant shift to the line.

Defensive Prowess: Wyatt Urkoski takes the lead in defense, assisted by Friesen and Hans. The secondary is strengthened by Helgoth, with Hudson Urkoski and Morris adding depth.

Ryan’s Bold Prediction: The Storm had some rough years after their departure from the glorious StormDog experiment. Those days are over and we are expecting to see this year’s Storm team battling in the playoffs.

Nebraska Christian Eagles

Post a 6-4 season that witnessed a third consecutive playoff win, the Eagles are facing a revamp, retaining just four starters on offense and three on defense.

Offensive Strategies: With Oliver Herman at the quarterback position, the Eagles are equipped with a strong arm and agile feet. The running back position sees competition with Brodey Flynn, Jonah Green, and Vendell Juzyk vying for starts.

Defensive Dynamics: Linebackers Flynn, Juzyk, and Green provide a solid defensive line, while Falk and Bailey fortify the D-line. Herman adds an extra layer of security returning at safety.

Ryan’s Bold Prediction: While there have been significant changes, the Eagles' recent track record of excellence provides optimism. Oliver Herman is a dude and we love us some Brodey Flynn and Vendell Juzyk. We say that it may be rough in some games early on, but watch out for this team late in the season and potentially in the playoffs yet again.

With the kick-off approaching, Central City, HPC Storm, and the Nebraska Christian Eagles are gearing up for an action-packed season, promising exhilarating matches and nerve-wracking finishes. Stay tuned to the Central City Republican-Nonpareil and RN Sports for regular updates.