The NSAA state football playoffs continue today with the state quarterfinals in all classes. In Class C1, Broken Bow will travel to face top seed Wahoo. It is the first quarterfinal appearance for Broken Bow since 2009 when they knocked off Chadron 13-7 to advance to the state semifinals that season. The Indians defeated Douglas County West last week in the round of sixteen 28-20. Broken Bow moved some players around last Friday. Broken Bow head coach Carlie Wells told KCNI/KBBN sports that he was very proud of the way players stepped up and were willing to accept the role that was given to them.
“Every time we’ve had to move somebody or switch somebody they’ve been great about it. They’ve been team players. (They’ve) been willing and accepted the role. They’ve stepped up and really done a great job. We played some different guys on defense in different spots. Just because we thought that would give us a better chance to match up with them. Offensively, we moved Coy (Wardyn) to tail back and that worked out really well too. The great thing is our kids are willing to accept any role they get and go out and play and give us their best effort.”
Broken Bow will face Wahoo tonight in the quarterfinals. Wahoo is undefeated on the season and advanced with a 46-0 win over Columbus Scotus in the round of 16 last week. Tonight’s Broken Bow / Wahoo game will be broadcast on KCNI 96.3 FM and kcni1280.com. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Listen to our full interview with Broken Bow head coach Carlie Wells
In Class D2, South Loup will host Central Valley in the quarterfinal round at Arnold. It will be a battle of unbeatens as both enter with overall records of 10-0. The South Loup defense has been solid all season and has given up just 12 points total in their first two playoff games outscoring their opponents by a combined 108-12 in the first two playoff rounds. South Loup head coach Mat Jagelar told KCNI/KBBN sports that he has been very pleased with his team’s defensive performance this season.
“They’ve just done a phenomenal job…We’re big up front but those big guys can move and then the speed behind them. Linebackers are tough, going to the ball, flying around. Rarely do we have any solo tackles. Usually it’s all eight guys flying to the ball.”
Central Valley has been equally impressive in their first two playoff games. The Cougars defeated Wausa in round one 62-28 and defeated BDS in round two 46-6. Today’s game between South Loup and Central Valley will be broadcast on KBBN 95.3 FM and kbbn.com. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Listen to our full interview with South Loup head coach Mat Jagelar
In other D2 area playoff action today, Sandhills/Thedford travels to face top seed Johnson Brock. The Knights improved to 9-1 overall with an impressive 52-12 win over Lourdes Central Catholic last week in the round of 16. Johnson Brock is still undefeated at 10-0. Today’s game is scheduled to kickoff at 4 p.m. The winner of today’s Johnson Brock / Sandhills/Thedford game will advance to play the winner of South Loup / Central Valley in the state semifinals next week.
In the six man playoffs, top seed SEM will be on the road as they travel to Stuart. The Mustangs are undefeated and rolled in the opening round with a 52-0 shutout of Paxton. This is the second meeting of the season between SEM and Stuart. SEM won the regular season contest 43-27. The game is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m.
