2023 Nebraska HS Football Preview: Class C-2 Preseason Top 10
Preseason Top 10
Preseason Class C-2 Top 10
1. Ord (10-2, Class C-2 Semifinals) – With the pending return of Dylan Hurlbert at quarterback, Ord can be considered favorites to win its first Class C-2 state championship since 2020. Trent McCain is the leading returning 11-man rusher in Nebraska, while Blake Hinrichs will be relied upon for his versatility and athleticism. Junior Jed Boettcher will lead the fronts for the Chanticleers while developing into a college prospect, while Talan Bruha will be one of the leaders on defense. The Chanitcleers have qualified for the playoffs in five straight seasons including its title win over Fremont Bergan in 2020 and a runner-up showing in 2018.
2. Oakland-Craig (8-3, Class C-2 Quarterfinals) – Junior quarterback Braylon Anderson is already one of the top signal callers in Class C-2 and returns to boost the two-time state champions. Lincoln Benne along with juniors Jeremiah Druckenmiller and Corbin Guill are proven playmakers on offense for the Knights. Defensive lineman JT Brands is one of the top overall players in C-2 and underrated when it comes to recruiting. Oakland-Craig has qualified for the playoffs in 16 straight seasons and have won playoff games in four of the past five seasons, including state championship in 2019.
3. Norfolk Catholic (13-0, Class C-2 State Champions) – The gold standard of all programs in the state of Nebraska, the Knights took home their state record 11th state championship last season. Quarterback Carter Janssen returns with his track record of success with Brandon Kollars being one of the top returnees out of the backfield and stepping up in huge fashion last season. A prospect to watch up front is returning All-State lineman Nolan Fennessy, who is a legitimate college football prospect. Norfolk Catholic has qualified for the postseason in every season since 1996 but one (2019).
4. Wahoo Neumann (8-2, Class C-2 First Round) – A playoff loss in the first round after a rematch with Lincoln Lutheran derailed a solid regular season. Connor Schutt returns at quarterback for the Cavaliers, while junior fullback Conor Booth averaged over 13 yards per carry in 2022. Trent Moudry and Nolan Van Slyke are expected to lead the defense for Neumann, who have qualified for the playoffs in eight straight seasons. The Cavaliers are looking for their first playoff win since 2018.
5. Battle Creek (9-3, Class C-2 Semifinals) – Four-time state champion Battle Creek are looking to restore the glory days of the 1980’s and 1990’s. Junior Jaxon Mettler returns with experience at quarterback while Nebraska walk-on commit Trent Uhlir is a two-time returning All-State performer and the top option out of the backfield. Linebacker Landon Weinandt joins Uhlir to lead the defense, while another junior to watch is lineman Dawson Amick.
6. Hastings St. Cecilia (10-1, Class C-2 Quarterfinals) – After storming to 10 straight wins, Battle Creek was too much to handle in the quarterfinals for the three-time state champion. Quinn Rosno returns as the top returning option on offense for the Bluehawks. Speedy Jenson Anderson is coming off a huge junior campaign. Dawson Kissinger, Braxton Wiles, and Thomas Thomas are expected to lead the defense.
7. Yutan (6-4, Class C-2 First Round) – State champions in 2017 for the only time in school history, Yutan is looking to keep its streak of four straight playoff berths alive. Braxton Wentworth returns at quarterback, while college prospect Derek Wacker will benefit Yutan’s passing game along with leading the defensive front along with All-State lineman Caleb Daniell. A sophomore to watch is defensive end Owen Sutter, who may work his way onto recruiting radars.
8. Malcolm (10-1, Class C-2 Quarterfinals) – Malcolm came out of nowhere last season to finish with an unbeaten regular season to qualify for its first playoff berth since 2014. A new quarterback will need to emerge, but Dalton Amen and junior Logan McGreer are big-time playmakers in the passing game. Junior Mason Wisneiski leads the front for the Clippers, while Noah Vanevery is the returning leading tackler.
9. Hartington Cedar Catholic (9-4, Class C-2 Runner-Up) – If you were paying attention to the records only, some may have been surprised with Cedar Catholic’s run to the state final a year ago despite three regular season losses. If you look closely, it was not that much of a surprise as a brutal schedule made its record deceiving. Junior quarterback Braeden Reifenrath earned the job midway through the season and is back for the Trojans. Expect to see junior wide receiver Jaymison Cattau emerge in 2023. Ty Thoene is expected to lead the defense.
10. Fillmore Central (7-3, Class C-2 First Round) – Fillmore Central qualified for the postseason for the first time since 2014 a year ago and is searching for its first playoff triumph since 2006. Kade Cooper returns at quarterback for the Panthers, while Luke Kimbrough can expect to see his role out of the backfield increase. Lineman Markey Heinrichs is back from an All-Area performance as a junior.
Outside Looking In:
Doniphan-Trumbull (3-6, Missed Playoffs) – In search of its first playoff berth since 2019, quarterback Jaden Williams returns as one of the most productive players in Class C-2. Highly productive wide receiver Kaeden Detamore gives the Cardinals another weapon on offense. A sophomore to watch is wide receiver Jack Poppe.
Fremont Bergan (6-4, Class C-2 First Round) – Coming off a state championship the year prior, Fremont Bergan qualified for the playoffs for the fifth straight season in 2022. A quarterback will need to emerge, but Colbey Butts, Liam Schmidt, Dawson Pruss lead a solid receiving corps for the Knights. Clay Hedges is expected to be a huge factor as the leader on defense. Alexander Langenfeld enters as one of the top kickers in Class C-2.
Kearney Catholic (4-5, Missed Playoffs) – Missing out on the postseason for the first time in three seasons, the Stars have been putting in the work to return to the playoff fold. Sophomore quarterback Dominic Nowak showed flashes while getting his feet wet with wide receivers Carson Murphy and Isaiah Gaunt being legitimate threats in the passing game. Garrett O’Hare is expected to lead the front for the Stars.
Mitchell (8-2, Class C-2 First Round) – Mitchell has qualified for the playoffs in two of the last three seasons after a lengthy absence. Quarterback/linebacker Cael Peters returns as one of the most productive players from 2022 in Class C-2. Santi Castillo will be called upon to provide senior leadership with Dez Smith being a junior to watch in the secondary. Dez Smith is a junior to watch in the secondary for the Tigers.
North Bend Central (4-5, Missed Playoffs) – North Bend’s explosive offense will keep it in games this fall. Kyler Hellbusch is one of the leading returnees in Class C-2 at quarterback, while Zac Pospisil could have a huge season for the Tigers at wide receiver, while Braxton Chvatal is a sophomore to watch. North Bend is looking for its first playoff berth since 2019.
Wilber-Clatonia (5-4, Missed Payoffs) – Facing high expectations going into the season, the season did not go according to plan. After losing its quarterback early the Wolverines recovered, but missed the playoffs for the first time in 14 seasons. Carter Skleba has the most experience at quarterback, while junior Oscar Ortiz is expected to carry the load out of the backfield. Gage Heller is expected to emerge as a leader on defense.
Wood River (5-4, Missed Playoffs) – The Eagles appear to be in good shape and could qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Quarterback Waylon Cronk is one of the top returning passers in Class C-2, while junior Beau Rohrich had some success as a junior at running back. Junior Noah Packer will anchor the lines on both sides of the ball.
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