The NSAA State Football Playoffs are in full swing around the state. Class D1 and D2, as well as Class A, wrapped up the second-round of playoffs this week. In Class B, C1, C2 and D6 the first-round of playoffs began this week. All five of Nebraska’s in-state commits kicked off their postseasons this weekend.
Here’s a recap off they fared.
QB Heinrich Haarberg, Kearney Catholic Stars, Class C1
The Stars took care of business to open the playoffs. They blasted Chadron by the score of 41-0. Haarberg finished the game 10-for-12 for 160 yards passing by the official tally. He added eight runs for 69 yards, and finished with five total touchdowns to his name. Three of those scores came on the ground including this highlight-reel run.
Defense forces a 3-and-out on the game’s opening possession.
Stars offense opens with a run of 12, then a Heinrich Haarberg pass for 11, then this 32-yard run by Haarberg for the score. 7-0 Stars lead early. #nebpreps pic.twitter.com/UNefxMy2Fc
— Derek Peterson (@DrPeteyHV) October 30, 2020
TE James Carnie, Norris Titans, Class B
The No. 4 Titans hosted No. 13 seeded Beatrice on Friday night. During the regular season, Norris won the meeting between the teams, 35-7. This time around, Norris pulled out a nail biter, 35-27.
Carnie is still nursing a leg injury. He did catch another touchdown pass to get the scoring started in the game for the Titans. They’ll face off against Aurora in the next round.
TE AJ Rollins, Creighton Prep, Class A
Prep earned a bye week after finishing the season hot. The team won five of its final six games of the season after a slow start. In a game with 11-seed Millard North, Prep won 28-17. The Junior Jays now face Millard South in the quarterfinals. Rollins, who has been much more involved in Prep’s game plans lately, hauled in a 16-yard touchdown to put the game away for the Junior Jays.
OL Teddy Prochazka, Elkhorn South, Class A
After earning a first-round bye, Elkhorn South took on Fremont in the second round of the Class A state football playoffs. A statement was made as the Storm took the game 44-0. It’s always nice to start the playoffs with a shutout.
The Storm ran the ball well all game with Prochazka leading the way for the line. They’ll play Lincoln Southeast next week after its 31-7 win over Columbus.
S Koby Bretz, Omaha Westside, Class A
Westside entered the game as one of the favorites to end up in Lincoln playing for the state championship. The 2-seed did not disappoint with a 45-3 victory over Grand Island. Bretz’ fingerprints were all over this game for Westside. He showed his potential on both offense and defense during the game. Bretz had a nice interception on a play that he says he studied all week.
“All week I studied so I knew on that on the three by side they like to run that bender route with the most inside receiver,” Bretz said. “So I kind of just cheated a little bit. Picked it right there. I tried to take it back and ended up jumping over the quarterback.”
Bretz also chipped in a touchdown reception for the Warriors. They will face Lincoln East next week.
Greg is the Recruiting Analyst for Hail Varsity and has covered Husker athletics since 2013. He has always had a passion for sports while growing up in the Chicago area. As he got older and had to hang up his cleats and sneakers, he realized his passion for sports went beyond just watching and attending games. He has covered many events from the Rose Bowl to championship boxing matches. If he’s not talking sports, he’s hovering over his grill. He is married to an amazing woman, Kim, and they have a dog that barks when Greg yells at the TV during games.
