2024 NSAA Class B State Championship Game
Omaha Skutt (11-1) vs. Bennington (11-1)

When: Tuesday, November 26 – 7:15 PM
Where: Memorial Stadium – University of Nebraska-Lincoln
TV/Stream: Nebraska Public Media
Radio: Spirit Catholic Radio | KTNK – Lincoln| NOSS Sports
NSAA Football Finals HQ
Live Game Stats
Last Meeting: 2024 Week 8 – Omaha Skutt defeated Bennington, 38-30 (Highlights by KETV-Omaha)

Omaha Skutt Skyhawks (11-1)
State Championships: 2005, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2019 (B)
Runner-Up: 2009, 2016, 2017, 2023 (B)
Head Coach: Matt Turman (Interview with KMA Radio – Shenandoah, IA)
Distance to Memorial Stadium: 49.5 miles
Final NEBHSFB.com Regular Season Rank: No. 2
Offensive Average: 40.1| Defensive Average: 16.1

Omaha Skutt

The Skyhawks earned a state title game rematch with the Badgers after falling in the 2023 Class B state championship game, 21-0. Omaha Skutt’s only loss this season came in Week 7 to Elkhorn North, 28-21.

Omaha Skutt’s offense has scored 40 points or more seven times en route to the state championship game. Dylan Van Dyke has been fantastic this season for the Skyhawks, throwing for 3,087 yards and 39 touchdowns while also rushing for 13 scores. Two-way star Joseph Kolega has caught 63 passes for 1,383 yards and 18 touchdowns in a huge campaign. Aedan Underwood and Ty Miller anchor the offensive line.

Luke Van Dyke has more than 80 tackles this season and provides senior leadership on defense along with linebacker George Hassenstab. Braxton Miller joins Underwood at key contributors on the defensive line, while Kolega and Nate Christiansen lead the Skyhawk secondary. Omaha Skutt’s defense has allowed seven points or less four times this season, including one shutout.

Bennington Badgers (11-1)
State Championships: 1989 (C-1), 2021, 2022, 2023 (B)
Head Coach: Kam Lenhart (Interview with KMA Radio – Shenandoah, Iowa)
Distance to Memorial Stadium: 63.7 miles
Final NEBHSFB.com Regular Season Rank: No. 3
Offensive Average: 33.5|Defensive Average: 10.7

Bennington

Winners of a state record three straight Class B state championships, the Badgers will look to continue their dynasty by facing the team that snapped their 46-game winning streak in Week 8. It will mark the second straight campaign where the Badgers will meet Omaha Skutt for all the marbles at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.

Quarterback Houston Hill, who is considered a college prospect as a long-snapper, has thrown for more than 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. Sophomore Will Gutz leads the Badgers with 1,205 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, while Cooper Johnson leads the team with 49 receptions for 665 yards and eight touchdowns. Jack Jansen and junior Charlie Swoboda anchor the offensive line for Bennington.

The Badgers have allowed 20 total points over four games since the Week 8 loss to the Skyhawks. Linebacker Kyler Lauridsen has recorded more than 100 tackles in three straight seasons to lead the defense. Jansen leads the defensive line with 99 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks, while Tysen Fleishman enters the state title game with 14.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. Morgan Schuman and junior linebacker Cole Miller are tied for the team lead with three interceptions.

Pick: Omaha Skutt
– This will be the fourth meeting between the two metro powerhouses over the past two seasons to include last season’s state championship game. Expect this to be another highly-contested battle. Bennington’s defense has stepped up since its loss to the Skyhawks, while the Skutt offense has been explosive since the word go this season. As it proved in Week 8, Skutt’s offense may get it over the line this time around. – Scott Hansen

Class B State Playoffs

Semifinals: Bennington 16, Elkhorn North 7; Omaha Skutt 42, Seward 21

Quarterfinals: Bennington 39, McCook 0; Elkhorn North 30, Scottsbluff 6; Omaha Skutt 38, Waverly 21; Seward 28, Gretna East 21

First Round: Bennington 44, Northwest 7; McCook 34, Hastings 21; Scottsbluff 55, Gretna 27; Elkhorn North 35, Elkhorn 14; Seward 21, Lincoln Pius X 20; Gretna East 44, Gering 14; Omaha Skutt 49, York 7; Waverly 17, Norris 16