2023 Class B Preseason Top 10: The Why

An attempt, albeit a poor one, to try to explain previous actions.

Class B Elite 33

2023 Class B Preseason Top 10

  1. Bennington(13-0, Class B State Champions) – Pretty simple. Bennington has reigned victorious the last 26 times it has played varsity football, including two Class B state championships. Some key figures depart from last season, but North Dakota pledge Gunnar Lym could see his role expanded on offense after his outstanding junior year in the secondary and in special teams. Ben Gilliand leads an outstanding linebacker corps that includes highly-productive juniors Kyler Lauridsen and Layne Boever along with many holdovers from a defense that allowed just 8.7 points per game. Until somebody steps up to the plate and dunks the Badgers, Bennington is your No. 1 team in Class B high school football until further notice.
  2. Elkhorn North (7-4, Class B Quarterfinals) – Some questions will need to be answered at quarterback, but the Wolves are primed and ready to make a run at a state championship in year four of the program. Coming off its first playoff appearance in school history, lineman Sam Thomas (committed to Northern Iowa) will lead the Wolves along with Brock Marler on a strong front. Junior tight end Chase Loftin enters the season with multiple Power 5 offers. Eight key returnees on defense are crucial for the Wolves. Elkhorn North was the team Bennington struggled with the most last season in two meetings. They are a lot closer to No. 1 than you may think.
  3. Blair(5-5, Class B First Round) – The suburban metro in Class B is no joke, either. Blair navigated a brutal schedule, losing close games to Elkhorn and Elkhorn North which had an adverse effect on playoff seeding. The battle-tested Bears return quarterback Bode Soukup, who is arguably the top signal caller in Class B. Brady Brown and Ethan Baessler provide viable pass catching targets in the passing game, while Gavin Ulrich will lead the front. Ben Holcomb leads a defense where underclassmen will fill pivotal needs for the Bears.
  4. Scottsbluff (10-2 – Class B Quarterfinals) – Four-time Class B runner-up Scottsbluff has qualified for the playoffs in 13 straight seasons. With talented holdovers returning to the fold in 2023, expect that trend to continue. Running back Sebastien Boyle enters as one of the top players at his position in the state with 3,700 career yards and 51 touchdowns to his credit. A new quarterback will need to emerge. Cord Symons leads the defense along with Carter Reisig. If questions can be answered up front, Scottsbluff will find itself in a good position in November.
  5. Omaha Skutt (7-4 – Class B Quarterfinals) – This could be one of those years where the well-coached Skyhawks navigate through Class B parity to end up where it wants to be in the end. Quarterback Bennett Turman gives the five-time state champions capable and steady hands operating the controls of the offense. Linebackers Sam Brummund and Anthony Heithoff are expected to lead the defense.
  6. Waverly (9-3 – Class B Semifinals) – Waverly earned every bit of its semifinal appearance from 2022. After a successful summer, a quarterback prospect to watch is Nolan Maahs. Evan Kastens nearly eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards a year ago and returns to lead the backfield. A tricky schedule will be manageable for the Vikings, who are looking to advance past the semifinals in the playoffs for the first time since winning it in 1980. The Vikings have a chance to be really good offensively. Landon Oelke will provide an additional playmaker on offense.
  7. York (7-4 – Class B Quarterfinals) – Class B state champions in 2017, the Dukes searching for their third straight playoff appearance. Carter Stenger gives York returning experience at quarterback, while the headliner is running back/linebacker Seth Erickson. A junior to watch is tight end/defensive end Leyton Snodgrass, nephew of head coach Glen Snodgrass. If its offense is able to improve, this will be a dangerous team come playoff time.
  8. Elkhorn (7-3 – Class B First Round) – By its lofty standards that include six Class B state championships, the Antlers may appear to be “down” on paper. That is actually not the case as the program is currently reloading with a talented junior class. Mason VillWok and Audric Bernal will provide senior leadership, while juniors to watch are quarterback Kayd Matthews, lineman WIllie Rush Jr., and linebacker prospect Charlie Lamski.
  9. Omaha Gross (12-1 – Class B Runner-Up) – With the likes of Colby Duncan returning at quarterback, the Cougars are in good shape. Ryan Weiss is the top returnee from an outstanding offensive line that graduated many key players. Henry Nobisch is the returning leading tackler for the Cougars.
  10. Grand Island Northwest (5-6 – Class B Quarterfinals) – One of the more pass-heavy attacks within Nebraska’a borders, Northwest threw for nearly 248 yards per game in 2022. Northern Illinois tight end pledge Joseph Stein will benefit whoever takes over at quarterback. Nathan Carkoski and Chase Wiegert will provide senior leadership for the Vikings, who have reached the postseason in nine straight seasons.

Outside Looking In

Beatrice (3-7) – Beatrice is looks to be poised to keep its streak of three straight seasons in the postseason going strong. The offensive front will be particularly good, led by Gage Wolter and Takeo Glynn.

Gering (2-7) – With wins available on its schedule, the Bulldogs could get on a roll. Quarterback Jackson Howard, playmaking running back Tanner Gartner, and defensive line stalwart Grady Robbins could lead Gering into the postseason for the first time since 2011.

Lincoln Pius X (5-5) – After coming down from Class A before last season, many expected Pius X to emerge from the pack and make a run in Class B. For whatever reason, that did not occur. Junior quarterback Kolbe Volkmer is good enough to push the Thunderbolts forward. Prestyn Oglesby is one of the top linemen in Class B.

Norris (4-6) – With having two legitimate college quarterback prospects available in Jarrett Behrends and sophomore Hayden Holdren and a FBS commit lurking in Jax Gates, Norris will enter some preseason lists. Eli Holt is expected to lead the defense. If the Titans improve up front, this is a team that could get on a roll.

Plattsmouth (4-6) – A team that will be outstanding up front with the likes of Dylan Eby and Orion Parker blocking, the Blue Devils would have been justifiable in the Top 10. Playmakers with experience on offense should keep Plattsmouth’s streak of four seasons in a row in the postseason alive.