2023 Nebraska HS Football Preview: Class C-1 Preseason Top 10
The Top 10
- Boone Central (9-3, Class C-1 Semifinals) – With a large portion of its offense returning in 2023 with the exception of quarterback, Boone Central can be considered the favorite to win its first state championship since 2014. Parker Borer is explosive at running back, while Brant Benes is a viable receiving option for the Cardinals. Trent Patzel (6’7/285) will lead the way up front. Jaxon Lipker (6’6/200) has huge potential on the defensive line, while linebacker Hank Hudson is coming off an All-State performance. Its sophomore class also has huge potential.
- Ashland-Greenwood (9-2, Class C-1 Quarterfinals) – Searching for its first state title in school history, Ashland-Greenwood appears to be in line to make a serious run. The extremely accurate Dane Jacobsen returns at quarterback for the Bluejays, while big things could be in store for running back Drake Zimmerman. Linebacker Ty Carey will provide senior leadership on defense, while Landon Sobota (6’4/300) and wide receiver/defensive back Thomas Spears are the top juniors to watch for the Bluejays.
- McCook (10-1, Class C-1 Quarterfinals) – Two-time Class B state champion McCook went unbeaten in the regular season before losing a rematch in the playoffs to Adams Central last season. McCook has qualified for the playoffs in 23 straight seasons. Running back Brett Fraker could have a huge season as the focal point of the offense, while the versatile Canyon Hosick is another player to watch. Linebacker Mitchel Cole and junior Quentin Terry are expected to be the leaders on defense for the Bison. Patrick Gross gives McCook reliability in special teams.
- Aurora (12-1, Class C-1 Runner-Up) – Aurora is coming off three straight seasons with state championship games losses, last year’s after dropping from Class B. Expect the offensive dynamic to change somewhat with talented junior quarterback Booker Scheierman one to watch for the future. Scheierman has Division I potential. Maddex Egger is gives the Huskies a reliable option out of the backfield in replacing an All-State running back, while Tyson Dvorak could have a huge year at tight end. Treshaun Beed is expected to lead the secondary.
- Omaha Roncalli (7-3, Class C-1 First Round) – With arguably the top quarterback in Class C-1 in Wayne State pledge Brady McGill and coming off a disappointing playoff loss, the Crimson Pride are in good shape entering 2023 after averaging 38.7 points per game on offense. Luke Orr gives Roncalli a playmaker at wide receiver, while Clayton Shafter is expected to emerge as the leader on defense. Sophomore athlete Caden Shafer is one to watch on offense.
- Pierce (13-0, Class C-1 State Champions) – After claiming its fifth state championship in school history, Darin Suckstorf takes over at Pierce. Speedy running back Keenan Valverde is one of the leading returning rushers in the state from an offense that averaged 49.8 points per game last season. Linebacker Korvin Fritz and Zach Meier are expected to lead the defense. Pierce has qualified for the playoffs in six straight seasons.
- Adams Central (9-3, Class C-1 Semifinals) – Adams Central fell one game short of advancing to the state championship game. Nick Conant gave the Patriots a second option out of the backfield a year ago and is expected to carry more of the load in 2023. Jayden Teichmeier is the returning leading receiver while also one of the top holdovers in the secondary, while Lucas Gabriel and Jack Trausch are expected to step up as leaders on defense.
- Minden (6-4, Class C-1 First Round) – Jake Ryan flew onto radars after an Air Force offer in the offseason and has the tape to back it up. Bronson Glanzer and Brycen Schwenka provide the Whippets with leadership on what is expected to be an improved defense. Minden qualified for the postseason for the first time since 2013 last season and are looking for its first playoff win since 2011.
- Wahoo (6-4, Class C-1 First Round) – Wahoo had won a playoff game in six straight seasons before falling in the first round in 2022. Sam Edmonds will take over at quarterback with the top option in the passing game being Josh Edmonds. Linebacker Braylon Iversen and Jake Scanlon lead a talented junior class which will boost Wahoo.
- Columbus Lakeview (8-3, Class C-1 Quarterfinals) – Its only state title in school history coming in 2021, Lakeview recovered well after losing almost every key part of the championship-winning team. Derek Line is the headliner for the Vikings, while Yordi Dominguez plays bigger than his size at linebacker to lead the defense.
Outside Looking In
Auburn (6-4, Class C-1 First Round) – Travon Shaw gives Auburn an experienced hand at quarterback, while Maverick Binder could be in line for a huge season out of the backfield. Junior Brant Gulizia has All-State potential patrolling the secondary for the Bulldogs.
Central City (5-5, Class C-1 First Round) – Carter Simonsen could be one of the top passers in the state in 2023 after gaining valuable experience with success as a junior. Expect Ayden Zikmund to emerge as the top pass catching option for the Bison, who qualified for the playoffs first the first time since 2018 last season. Jacob Kucera will lead the defense.
Chadron (5-4, Missed Playoffs) – With quarterback Broc Berry and junior Quinn Bailey coming back, the Cardinals are in an upward trajectory. Linebacker Gage Wild and junior Caden Buskirk are expected to lead the defense. Chadron is searching for its first playoff win since 2014.
Douglas County West (5-4, Missed Playoffs) – Looking to qualify for the postseason for the second time in school history since its merger and the first since 2007, the Falcons have a good breaking the streak in 2023. Brady Singer is one of the top running backs in Class C-1, while Ted Stanglein and Ryker Wohlers are expected to lead the defense.
Lincoln Christian (8-3, Class C-1 Quarterfinals) – Lincoln Christian sprung a surprise over rival Lincoln Lutheran to open the 2022 season and built momentum from there. Jake Watson is a player to watch out of the backfield along with junior Dane Omel. Expect Max Emmanuel to lead the offensive and defensive fronts for the Crusaders.
Ogallala (4-5, Missed Playoffs) – With athletic college prospect Harry Caskey back, Ogallala has a shot at the postseason for the first time since 2019. Mario Bush is expected to be a force out of the backfield, while Jayden Curtis is expected to lead the defense.
Platteview (6-4, Class C-1 First Round) – Platteview qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2011 last season. A new quarterback will need to emerge, but Reed Patera could be in line for an increased role on offense. Dezmond Straatman is one of the top defensive backs in Class C-1, while a junior to watch is tight end prospect Reiman Zeibert (6’6/200).
Raymond Central (4-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Mustangs are searching for their first postseason berth since 2013 and found some playmakers on offense last season. Sophomore quarterback Wyatt Jelinek, running back Kyle Peterson, and junior wide receiver Reid Otto are capable of moving the ball. College prospect Jude Burton will lead the defense.
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