On Tuesday, a couple more Nebraska commits had an opportunity to win state championships. In the Class C2 game, defensive line commit Ethan Piper took on Centennial in a tough game that his Norfolk Catholic Knights lost in overtime, 29-28. In the Class B game, outside linebacker commit Garrett Nelson’s team lost to Omaha Skutt 48-27.
Here are my five thoughts from the action on Tuesday involving Nebraska’s commits.
Skutt team speed
Of all the teams I saw during Monday and Tuesday’s action at Memorial Stadium, Omaha Skutt may have had the most overall team speed. That speed combined with good coaching led to terrific swarming defense and big plays on offense. Senior running back Jarod Epperson had 363 total yards and 6 total touchdowns to power Skutt to a Class B title.
State Champions! pic.twitter.com/bL3l4V3mLk
— Skutt Catholic (@SkuttCatholic) November 21, 2018
Piper has athleticism
I had seen Nebraska defensive line commit Ethan Piper play in person earlier in the season so I wasn’t surprised with how athletic he is is for his size. It was fun to talk to people on the field and in the press box that couldn’t believe how well he moves. I’ve written in the past that I think Piper will be a very intriguing piece along Mike Dawson’s defensive line. His play on Tuesday only confirmed that.
Nelson is non-stop
Nebraska outside linebacker commit Garrett Nelson has a motor that just doesn’t stop. Sometimes that phrase gets overused with players but that is not the case with Nelson. Everything he does on the field is at 100 percent at all times which makes him a lot of fun to watch play. It will be something to see how his career at Nebraska unfolds.
Centennial has guts
It’s one thing for a team to battle back after giving up the first score in overtime to win a state championship. It is an entirely different level of confidence displayed by Centennial head coach Evan Klanecky to go for two in overtime to win the game instead of playing it safe for a second overtime. Fortune favored the bold and the Broncos were rewarded with their first ever state title.
Well done Broncos!!! pic.twitter.com/EvShjWFtDR
— Centennial School (@cpsbroncos) November 20, 2018
Another great year
Sadly, another great season of Nebraska high school football has come to an end. There was a lot of good ball played around the state this year. Every year the talent seems to crank up a notch. The Huskers did complete the clean sweep, getting verbal commitments from all five of the states’ top players. The 2020 season should be another fun ride and Hail Varsity will be right there to bring you all the coverage.
