Nebraska's Top Prep 8-Man Football players for 2017 - Part 4.

Garden County freshman Reid Spady (white jersey) lines up against SEM in a 2016 first round playoff game. *(photo by Bobby Mills)

With only 25 days until opening night, it’s time to once again spotlight some 8-Man football standouts. Today on offense, we feature a couple of quarterbacks, one a dual-threat man, and a running back who returns after suffering a torn ACL a year ago.

On the defensive side, we’ll feature an outstanding sophomore lineman, a linebacker, and a defensive back that could play any skill position on the field.

Let’s give it a go.

*Quarterback:

*Jack Rush-South Loup - 6-4, 175, Senior (QB/DB) #7

2016 Stat Line: Passing: 86 of 153 for 1,183 yards, 18 TDs/4 INTs. Rushing: 839-130 (6.5) 18 TDs. Defense: 19 solos, 36 asst, 55 total tackles, 8 TFL, 4 INTs, 2 Rec. fumbles, 6 passes defended, 1 blocked punt.

First of all I can tell you anyone I’ve run across in the past several years with the last name “Rush” is a standout on the football field. Jack Rush fits the mold perfectly.

I saw Rush play as a freshman 4 years ago and like his form back then. The dude looks thin at 6’4” and 175 pounds but can bench 240 and is stronger than an ox. On defense, he just roams all over the field and can cover the pass (4 INTs) and come up and knock your block off if it’s a running play.

On offense operating from his QB slot, Jack Rush can release the ball in a “rush” and has a flick of the wrist like a gigantic slingshot. If this kid ever leans into a throw, he could sling it 60 yards in the air, and you certainly do not want Rush to take off on the run since he reeled off 839 ground yards.

Terrific option quarterback with slick fakes and South Loup super coach Andy Schwarz has this bunch operating out of some neat offensive sets up there in Arnold/Callaway to feature his talented senior field general.

Remember two things about South Loup. They bring back nearly everyone from last year’s 7-2 playoff team and are fresh off a Class D State Track Championship with all these dudes.

The Wolves should certainly be a pre-season top 10 football team in D-2. And with another season under his belt, Jack Rush has 1000 yard rusher/1000 yard thrower written all over him. Great talent.

*Quarterback:

*Cole Schmidt-Hartington/Newcastle - 6-0, 170, Senior (QB/OLB) #6

2016 Stat Line: Rushing: 1,547 yards-136 carries (11.4), 26 TDs. Passing: 24-56 for 461 yards, 11 TDs/1 INT. Defense: 15 solos, 20 asst, 35 total tackles, 4 INTs, 2 Rec. fumbles.

Here is another track standout of the football field. An :11.3 hundred man and outstanding long/triple jumper equals very dangerous runner and Schmidt’s 1,547 yards rushing are a testimony to that fact.

Hartington/Newcastle went 4-4 last season, made the playoffs, but ran into a buzzsaw in Tri-County (26-66 loss). Cole Schmidt did his part in that loss though with 2 rushing scores and a couple of TD tosses, but it just wasn’t enough.

Schmidt is not a sharpshooter as a passer but when he finds his target it’s worth an average of nearly 20 yards a reception. In fact, Schmidt’s pass completions are so dangerous, nearly half of his 24 attempts went for touchdowns. Half. This guy means business when he connects with his receivers.

Cole Schmidt is also a whirlwind when he carries the football. Very subtle moves with a burst of speed when he needs it. 11 yards a pop and 26 touchdowns is putting things together at a very efficient rate. Had two 300+ rushing outings and bolted for 320 big ones on 23 touches and 6 TDs in a 60-36 drubbing of Laurel-Concord-Coleridge last October 7th.

Could end up a true dual-threat QB this season.

*Running Back:

*Riggin Anderson-Sandhills/Thedford - 5-7, 155 Senior (RB/DB) #24

2016 Stat Line: (6 games) Rushing: 581-53 carries (11.1), 7 TDs. Receiving: 3 catches for 77 yards/2 TDs. Defense: 11 solos, 8 asst. 19 Total tackles, 1 blocked punt.

What a talent! Anderson was riding high last season after rushing for 1,122 yards as a sophomore, then everything came crashing down after tearing an ACL in game 6 against Giltner, ending Anderson’s junior football year. Horrible deal when you consider he already had nearly 600 rushing yards and 3 pass receptions, two of which went for scores.

You know those Sandhills/Thedford dudes are tough after watching them endure an unfair number of injuries in 2016 yet still nearly making it to Lincoln. But this is a new season, Riggen Anderson is fully healed and could easily triple his offensive numbers.

This young man will run over or around you and can pack a pretty solid punch at the point of impact. And remember, Riggin Anderson only weighs a buck 55.

Sandhills/Thedford lost an All-State QB and some terrific seniors a year ago, but here’s the deal when thinking about how good Anderson could be. The Knights return their entire offensive and defensive lines in 2017.

*Offensive Lineman:

*Theo Rohrer-Falls City Sacred Heart - 6-2, 220, Senior (OG/DT) #68

2016 Stat Line: Defense: 14 solos, 32 asst, 46 total tackles, 3 sacks, 2 blocked kicks.

All-State offensive lineman a year ago, Rohrer actually flew under the radar some for the simple fact big 6-5, 316 Bryant Jorn received much of the hype. Understandable, but if you watched Rohrer play, the man was consistent all year long and if you recall, Sacred Heart won it all in Class D-2 a year ago.

You could best describe Theo Rohrer as a man you can trust on either side of the ball to play at a high level every single game he straps on the pads. Great run blocker in Sacred Heart’s option game and very efficient QB protector when Drew Bippes has to throw the football.

On defense, Rohrer gets after it with consistency and will be the veteran of the interior line who will lead the way in 2017. I’ll guarantee you will notice #68 this time around with Jorn not out there on the field. With Doug Goltz at the helm, the Irish will be in the mix for another D-2 title, so expect Theo Rohrer to chalk up another All-State certificate.

Probably the best offensive lineman in Class D-2.

*Defense/Linebacker:

*Hunter Krause-Twin Loup - 6-0, 205, Senior (TE/OLB/K) #32

2016 Stat Line: Defense: 28 solos, 64 asst, 92 total tackles, 9 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 INTs (Pick 6 vs. Sandhills) Receiving: 16 for 235 yards (14.7), 2 TDs. Kicking: 31-42 PATs, 3-4 FGs

Boy, you can talk about Michael Gibbens being thee man at linebacker last season for Twin Loup, and rightfully so, but Hunter Kraus can bring the wood with the best of those Twin Loup ‘backers.

Let’s face it though, anybody that plays football for Head Coach Mike Kozeal ends up poster child for “how to play the game of football”, especially on defense. Krause is merely another highly skilled disciple of Kozeals teachings at both linebacker and tight end, but also just happens to be one of a rare breed in 8-Man football….a place kicker.

Last season Hunter was so talented with that foot of his that he led Class D-2 in kick scoring with 40 points. That included connecting on 3 of 4 field goals. That kind of weapon may just come in handy during the playoffs……...or at Memorial Stadium Lincoln, come November of this year.

I was really impressed when I saw Krause play in that D-2 final against Falls City Sacred Heart. Just so text book with his tackles and always in the right place. Tell you what, Hunter Krause and his 2017 comrades have all the makings of a State Champion. Stay tuned.

*Defensive Lineman:

*Reid Spady-Garden County - 6-0, 175, Sophomore. (DE/TE) #23

2016 Stat Line: Defense: 33 solos, 51 asst, 84 total tackles, 1 INT, 1 FR.

Receiving: 21 for 494 yards (23.5), 6 TDs.

I watched this youngster play in Sumner on a rare 80 degree late October day in the opening round of the D-2 playoffs. Wow. Just a freshman, but Reid played well beyond his years on both sides of the football. There IS an explanation for that, you see. You can look no further than the man with the Garden County “head coach” shirt.

That would be Jason Spady (Reid’s Dad), a man with a storied past and career record of 124-42. I’m not sure when Coach Spady came to the Oshkosh school, but what I do know is that the Eagles haven’t missed the playoffs in 15 years. In fact, under Spady, Garden has posted 3 undefeated regular seasons and have not had a losing record as far back as 2003.

Back to Reid Spady…..pure football player. But you would expect that with the presence of his father at every turn. Really tough on defense and has hands like glue when an aerial is anywhere within reach. Very physical after he catches the ball too. That little statistic of 23 yards a catch and some yards after contact I saw in that SEM playoff tilt illustrates that fact.

In fact,during that SEM win, Spady was a shining star, hauling 7 passes for a fat 150 yards and 2 TDs. He also had 8 tackles beforing suffered a pretty good thump to the helmet, which shortened his afternoon.

Another scary fact about Reid Spady. The kid missed THREE games in September last season, yet still managed to accumulate these impressive stats. Keep an eye on number 23 out there in God’s country. All-State written all over this young man.

Also do not forget Garden County has 6 returning starters on both sides of the ball for the upcoming 2017 season.

*Defensive Back:

*Kevin Schroer-Lawrence-Nelson - 6-0, 180, Senior. (LB/RB) #7

2016 Stat Line: Defense: 111 tackles, 2 recovered fumbles. Receiving: 38 receptions for 581 yards, 11 TDs. Rushing: 581 yards.

Definition of “Renaissance man” is as follows; “a person of many talents or areas of knowledge.” That would describe Lawrence-Nelson senior Kevin Schroer. I wonder what position of the football field Mr. Schroer cannot play?

Head Coach Brian Blevins, he of Stapleton Bronco fame, has had many like Schroer, but this fall Blevins is going to appreciate Kevin Schroers leadership. Not only will Schroer be the new go-to RB on offense, he will certainly be the leader of the pack on the defensive side of the ball.

The 180 pounder has logged over a hundred tackles in each of his past 2 seasons at Lawrence-Nelson and I can see that total even swelling a bit in 2017. The thing I noticed about Schroer in their playoff loss to powerful BDS a year ago, was his excellent lateral movement from his linebacker position. Kevin also has a terrific sense of where the football is at all times and sure doesn’t miss many tackles.

We’ll see what transpires on offense for Mr. Schroer and the 4 new faces, but if that Raiders defense can play their usual stingy game and that young line can develop as the season rolls along, that could mean a 1000 yard rushing year for #7.

-------------------

………..just thought I would add:

“The man I would hate to meet head on this fall in 8-Man football”

*That would be Hemingford back Kage Jespersen. 6-2, 250 pounds, 5.1 forty. No thank you.

“Frightening thought”

*Mike Speirs assembling another top notch line at Howells-Dodge.

“Bring back the day when………..”

The Dodge faithful igniting fireworks after every touchdown……..even at away games.