The Nebraska High School All-State Football Project - Saluting 1976

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Class A: 32 largest schools

Class B: Next 64 largest schools

Class C1: Next 64 largest schools

Class C2: Next 64 largest schools

Class D-11: The remainder of schools playing 11-man football (50)

Eight-man: All Class D schools playing 8-man football (89)

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1976 Football Playoff Results

*Class A* (at UNO)

Semifinals

(6-1-2) Lincoln Southeast 14-0 Grand Island (7-0-2)

(7-2) Creighton Prep 21-7 Omaha Northwest (7-2)

Final

(7-1-2) Lincoln Southeast 20-10 Creighton Prep (8-2)

Champion: Lincoln Southeast (8-1-2), Head Coach-Frank Solich

...A gutsy play called by Lincoln Southeast quarterback Ed Davis with 3:54 left in the game, proved to be a game changer. Davis called a play that matched up TE Mark Lanik with Creighton Prep’s speed demon defensive safety, Randy Brooks.

The 160 pound Lanik proceeded to beat Brooks to the left corner of the end zone for a 17 yard TD reception, giving the Knights a 20-10 lead, which would eventually be the final count. RB Larry Gilliland led Southeast ground attack with 112 yards on 22 carries. Frank Solich’s offense also overcame 4 first half turnovers (3 fumbles/1 INT) in the game.

On the opposite side of the football, the staunch Knights defense held Brooks to just 43 yards on 12 carries and limited Prep QB Brian Sempek to just 5 of 20 passes for 102 yards and an interception.

*Class B*

Semifinals

(6-1-2) Grand Island Central Catholic 7-6 Plattsmouth (9-0)

(8-1) Schuyler 31-6 Lexington (8-1)

Final (at Schuyler)

(9-1) Schuyler 16-15 Grand Island Central Catholic (7-1-2)

Champion: Schuyler (10-1), Head Coach-Gene Hunting

...Schuyler QB/DB Jeff Krejci’s 3 interceptions led the Warriors to the 15-12 win over GICC. The Schuyler star, who had 3 INTs against Lexington the week before, also ran for 83 yards and a TD as the Warriors rallied from a 15-9 third quarter deficit.

The Schuyler defense also forced four GICC turnovers in the second half to aid the big win on a bitterly cold night. Crusader two time All-State running back Don Daugherty did manage a 101 yards rushing in the game.

*Class C1*

Semifinals

(9-0) Utica Centennial 33-7 West Point (8-1)

(9-0) Tekamah-Herman 26-0 Bridgeport ()

Final (at Waco)

(10-0) Tekamah-Herman 19-13 Centennial (10-0)

Champion: Tekamah-Herman (11-0), Head Coach-Jerry Grancer

...Tekamah-Herman’s boys up front came to play in this baby. They opened gaping holes in the Centennial defensive front to the tune of 281 yards on 50 attempts for a difficult to key on, trio of running backs. Junior Mark Lydick (65 yards), senior Mike Bowland (57 yards) and speedy junior Pat Maxwell (100 yards) dented a defense that had allowed only 59 rushing yards per game during the regular season.

Tigers defensive linemen Doug Farber, Mike Bryant and Ron Ragan stuffed the vaunted Centennial rushing attack in the 4th quarter, holding the Broncos to meager 11 yards rushing.

*Class C2*

Semifinals

(9-0) Alma 21-0 Tobias Meridian (9-0)

(8-0-1) St. Edward 34-14 Walthill (8-1)

Final (at St. Edward)

(9-0-1) St. Edward 24-6 Alma (1-0)

Champion: St. Edward (10-0-1), Head Coach-Steve Bailey

...The brutal St. Edward defense held Alma’s triple option offense to 170 total yards for the game in the Beavers convincing 24-6 championship victory. St Edward, who led by only 3-0 at halftime, rolled up 177 yards rushing and 177 yards through the air to seal the win.

Beaver QB Steve Zabka, speedy 1000 yard runner Jamie Swett, and do-it-all John Kmiecik were sparklers in the frigid game.

*Class D-11*

Semifinals

(10-1) Wolbach 21-20 Falls City Sacred Heart (8-0)

(8-0) Alliance St. Agnes 20-7 Cedar Bluffs (7-2)

Final (at Alliance)

(11-1) Wolbach 26-8 Alliance St. Agnes (9-0)

Champion: Wolbach (12-1), Head Coach-Greg Wibbles

...Battle tested Wolbach, who had 4 more games under their belts than St. Agnes, made the long trip to the Panhandle worth the drive with their balanced offense and stout defense.

Wolbach’s junior RB Maury Costello rushed for 142 yards in a game that saw the hometown Crusaders 17 game win streak end. Costello’s counterpart, junior Tom Manning, ran for 117 yards in the St. Agnes loss.

*Alliance St. Agnes would continue to have a high school until 1988 when low numbers force the 80 year old school to close. I recall the building being unique because of it’s 3 stories and some 22 windows on each floor.

It reminded me of an old hotel, when in reality it began as a girls only boarding school with dormitory rooms in 1908, giving it that “hotel” appearance.

*Eight-Man*

Semifinals

(9-0) Madrid Wheatland 26-7 Eustis (8-1)

(9-0) Hampton 30-2 Decatur (7-1)

Final (at

(10-0) Wheatland, 38-32 Hampton (10-0) {2 Overtimes}

Champion: Wheatland (11-0), Head Coach-Jack Sunderland

...Wheatland overcame a 20-0 first half deficit on a bone chilling afternoon in Madrid. The Spartans eventually tied the game at 32 and forced the first overtime in Nebraska prep football history. In fact, there were two extra periods.

Wheatland QB Bryan McCormick completed only 7 of 15 passes for a meager 105 yards, but five of those connections were for touchdowns.

Wheatland’s Ron Hagen blitzed the Hampton for 174 yards on 21 carries. Teammate Brad Lee added 102 yards. Hampton’s sensational junior RB Brian Hahn ran for 130 yards on 29 carries, enough to vault him to the state rushing title.

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*1976 Super-State Offense*

End-----Mark Lank-Lincoln Southeast, 6-0, 160, Senior

End-----Rusty Poppe-Hastings, 5-11, 155, Junior

Tackle--Bob O’Rourke-North Platte, 6-5, 220, Senior

Tackle--Mitch Mullins-Lincoln Southeast, 6-2, 200, Senior

Guard--Tim McGill-Creighton Prep, 5-11, 188, Senior

Guard--Dave Porter-Columbus, 6-2, 220, Senior

Center-Rod Carlson-Beatrice, 6-1, 220, Senior

QB------Steve Michaelson-Ralston, 6-0, 200, Senior

Back----Craig Johnson-Omaha Westside, 6-1, 175, Senior (1,362 yards)

Back----Kurt O’Dell-North Platte, 5-10, 185, Senior (1,142 yards)

Back----Jim Kotera-Omaha Gross, 6-0, 180, Senior

Kicker---Pat LeClair-Creighton Prep, 6-0, 190, Senior

*1976 Super-State Defense*

End-----Scott Sherry-Creighton Prep, 6-2, 190, Senior

End-----Jeff Finn-Grand Island, 6-2, 205, Senior

Tackle--Bob Ring-Omaha Westside, 6-0, 215, Senior

Tackle--Dan Hurley-Omaha Roncalli, 6-2, 231, Senior

NG------Bryan Skradis-Omaha South, 6-0, 200, Senior

LB-------Steve Damkroger-Lincoln Northeast, 6-3, 200, Junior

LB-------Joe Teshak-Ralston, 6-0, 190, Senior

LB-------Dan Gibbens-Lincoln Southeast, 6-0, 190, Senior

LB-------Mike Sculley-Lexington, 6-2, 218, Senior

DB------Don Dennhardt-Grand Island, 5-9, 174, Senior

DB------Darrel Temple-Lincoln High, 5-10, 155, Senior

*1976 Class A Offense:*

End-----Rusty Poppe-Hastings, 5-11, 155, Junior

End-----Mark Lank-Lincoln Southeast, 6-0, 160, Senior

Tackle--Mitch Mullins-Lincoln Southeast, 6-2, 200, Senior

Tackle--Bob O’Rourke-North Platte, 6-5, 220, Senior

Guard---Dave Porter-Columbus, 6-2, 220, Senior

Guard---Tim McGill-Creighton Prep, 5-11, 188, Senior

Center--Rod Carlson-Beatrice, 6-1, 220, Senior

QB------Steve Michaelson-Ralston, 6-0, 200, Senior

Back----Craig Johnson-Omaha Westside, 6-1, 175, Senior

Back----Kurt O’Dell-North Platte, 5-10, 185, Senior

Back----Jim Kotera-Omaha Gross, 6-0, 180, Senior

Kicker---Pat LeClair-Creighton Prep, 6-0, 190, Senior

*1976 Class A Defense:*

End-----Scott Sherry-Creighton Prep, 6-2, 190, Senior

End-----Jeff Finn-Grand Island, 6-2, 205, Senior

Tackle--Bob Ring-Omaha Westside, 6-0, 215, Senior

Tackle--Dan Hurley-Omaha Roncalli, 6-2, 231, Senior

NG------Bryan Skradis-Omaha South, 6-0, 200, Senior

LB-------Steve Damkroger-Lincoln Northeast, 6-3, 200, Junior

LB-------Joe Teshak-Ralston, 6-0, 190, Senior

LB-------Dan Gibbens-Lincoln Southeast, 6-0, 190, Senior

LB-------Wally Dalrymple-Scottsbluff, 6-3, 200, Senior

DB------Don Dennhardt-Grand Island, 5-9, 174, Senior

DB------Darrel Temple-Lincoln High, 5-10, 155, Senior

*Honorable Mention:

Ed Davis, Gary Hager, Larry Gilliland, Robin Derr-Lincoln SE; Randy Brooks, Prentis Reddick -Creighton Prep; Mark Miller, Gil Hiatt-North Platte; Randy Wink, Tim Waish-Papillion; Paul Trieschman-Grand Island; Loy Lowary, Tim Conway, Dave Kadel-Ralston; Russ Uttecht-Norfolk; Bob Plambeck, Randy Duhrkopf-Bellevue; Jeff Stallworth-Omaha NW; Tom Svehla-Lincoln NE; Brian Muenster-Omaha Westside; Tom Miller, Kevin Kottich, Kelly Swatek-Omaha South; Ralph McWilliams, Uduak Utofia-Lincoln High; Brett Bunney-Omaha Burke; Monty Gilbreath-Scottsbluff; Larry Diller-Beatrice; Dave Juszyk-Omaha Gross; Morris Stover-Kearney; Dean Nelson-Lincoln East; Randy Mason-McCook; Brad Dirks-Omaha North.

*1976 Class B Offense*

End-----Tim Hedrick-Falls City, 6-1, 180, Junior

End-----Tim Davidson-Crete, 5-11, 160, Junior

Tackle-David Judd-Fairbury, 6-2, 193, Senior

Tackle-Jim Feehan-Columbus Scotus, 6-1, 200, Senior

Guard--Lonnie Werner-Gothenburg, 6-0, 190, Senior

Guard--Tim Waite-Lincoln Pius X, 6-0, 200, Senior

Center-Jeff Wachal-Schuyler, 6-1, 195, Senior

QB------Jeff Krejci-Schuyler, 6-0, 160, Senior

Back----Don Daugherty*-Grand Island Central Catholic, 5-9, 180, Senior

Back----Bill Dannehl-Lexington, 6-0, 170, Senior (1,085 yards)

Back----Don Coleman-Gordon, 5-9, 175, Senior (1,696 yards)

Kicker----Leland Luft-Schuyler, 5-11, 165, Senior

*1976 Class B Defense*

End----Dean Weinmaster-Gering, 6-2, 210, Senior

End----Mike Wolfe-Schuyler, 6-0, 200, Senior

Tackle-Pat Buhrman-St. Paul, 6-4, 230, Senior

Tackle-Pat Carroll-Blair, 6-3, 215, Senior

NG-----Chris Cox-Gretna, 5-11, 215, Senior

LB------Dave Egge-Lincoln Pius X, 6-0, 218, Senior

LB------Mike Sculley-Lexington, 6-2, 218, Senior

LB------Tom Shaal-Gordon, 5-11, 185, Senior

LB------Tim Peterson-Gothenburg, 5-11, 185, Senior

DB------Ric Lindquist-Plattsmouth, 5-10, 160, Senior

DB------Marc Felix-Seward, 6-0, 165, Senior

*Honorable Mention:

Jim Novacek-Gothenburg; Rod Hevelone-Platteview (1,532 yards); Jeff Leise (1,661 yards), Tim Kohls-Hartington Cedar Catholic; Mark Treu, Mark Bruckner-Lincoln Pius X; Lane Kinnan-Cozad; Mike Mandelko-Lexington; Russ Moore-Kimball; Randy Landwehr-Nebraska City; Mark McGill-Wisner-Pilger; Ed Granger-North Bend; Rod Green-Gering; Mike Grogan, Steve Bogner-Schuyler; Rod Thelander, Kurt Hyatt-Superior; Steve Cole-Auburn (1,410 yards); Stu Valentine-Aurora; Greg Schitreft-Sidney; Zane Morton, Collin Braynard-Crete; Doug Knopik-Grand Island Northwest; Steve Fyfe-Cozad; Doug Holtmeier, Ed Stuckey-Lexington; Max Linder-Plattsmouth; Gene Connelly-Grand Island Central Catholic; Mark Brandt-Wayne; Scott Briggs-Broken Bow; Tom Shanahan-Ogallala.

*1976 Class C-1 Offense*

End----Greg Furrow-Hastings Adams Central, 6-5, 190, Junior

End-----Craig Wehrle-Madison, 6-4, 190, Junior

Tackle--Mike Catlin-Gibbon, 6-2, 210, Senior

Tackle--Scott Luebbe-West Point, 5-9, 185, Senior

Guard--Tom Gdowski-Fullerton, 6-3, 210, Junior

Guard--Scott Lindstrom-Oakland-Craig, 5-11, 200, Junior

Center-Tim Cook-Hastings Adams Central, 6-2, 190, Junior

QB------Rick Lade-Tekamah-Herman, 6-1, 175, Senior

Back----Brian Iodence-Elkhorn Mount Michael, -5-10, 170, Senior

Back----Steve Smidt-West Point, 5-10, 165, Senior (1,298 yards)

Back----Tim Malloy-Omaha Holy Name, 5-10, 160, Senior (1,049 yards)

*1976 Class C-1 Defense*

End----Mike Chikos-Bridgeport, 6-2, 175, Senior

End----Mike Bryant-Tekamah-Herman, 6-2, 185, Senior

Tackle-Mike Larson-Omaha Holy Name, 6-3, 239, Senior

Tackle-Rob Wambold-Centennial, 5-8, 211, Senior

NG-----Dave Hamilton-Plainview, 5-10, 170, Senior

LB------Kevin Praeuner-Battle Creek, 5-11, 190, Senior

LB------Kendall Hoggins-Milford, 6-0, 170, Senior

LB------Don Christensen-Bennington, 6-1, 190, Senior

LB------Scott Poppe-Hebron, 6-2, 200, Senior

DB------L. J. Searcey-Wymore Southern, 6-3, 186, Senior

DB------Mike Bowland-Tekamah-Herman, 5-9, 165, Senior

*Honorable Mention:

Dan Keenan, Mike Sedlacek-North Platte St. Pats; Korey Brill-Bayard; Dan Bazata-Howells; Russ Fuchser-Emerson-Hubbard; Al Meduna-Wahoo Neumann; Dean Stromer-Hastings Adams Central (1,141 yards); Tim Micek-Hastings St. Cecilia; Jeff Brommer-Tecumseh; Mitch Gerdes-Hebron ; Bob Keller-Bassett; Leon Kerkman-Elgin Pope John; Rich Eymann-Elkhorn Valley; Greg Schroder-Neligh; Rick Nilius-Omama Holy Name; Steve Adkisson-Geneva; Everett Schneider-Bridgeport; Steve Mason-Weeping Water; Randy Egbarts-Valley; Doug Stratton-Osmond; Mike Mejstrik-Norfolk Catholic; Jerry Nickel-Gibbon; Doug Gloystein, Barry Leif-Centennial; Roger Moderow-Oakland-Craig; Mark Walter-Fremont Bergan.

*1976 Class C-2 Offense*

End------Lane Sommer-Anselmo-Merna, 6-3, 175, Senior

End------Dennis Liess-Republican Valley, 5-10, 170, Senior

Tackle--Jerry Scott-Ansley, 6-1, 200, Junior

Tackle--Bill Sutherland-Grant, 6-2, 177, Senior

Guard---Tim Anderson-Clay Center, 6-0, 178, Senior

Guard---David Sullivan-Palmer, 6-1, 180, Senior

Center--Brad Sutherland-Elm Creek, 5-9, 162, Senior

Back-----Scott Phillips-Pleasanton, 5-9, 165, Senior (1,507 yards)

Back-----Dave McCue-Alma, 5-9, 165, Junior

Back-----Al Hunt-Oshkosh, 5-10, 195, Senior

Back-----Jamie Swett-St. Edward, 5-9, 165, Senior (1,243 yards)

Kicker---Rex Eberspacher-Friend, 6-2, 175, Senior

*1976 Class C-2 Defense*

End----Dave Hartman-Pleasanton, 6-4, 195, Senior

End----Lee Peterson-Stromsburg, 6-3, 185, Senior (1,010 yards)

Tackle-Mark Kujath-Meridian, 6-0, 228, Senior

Tackle-Tim Sandusky-Pawnee City, 6-2, 200, Senior

NG-----Terry Kuak-Alma, 5-8, 160, Senior

LB------Mark Riege-Nebraska City Lourdes, 6-3, 190, Junior

LB------Bill Krajci-Exeter, 6-4, 215, Senior

LB------Bill Erb-Orchard, 5-8, 169, Senior

LB------BillHand-Pleasanton, 6-0, 188, Senior

DB------Curt Seagren-Wausa, 5-9, 175, Senior

DB------Mike Dannehl-Bertrand, 5-11, 175, Senior (1,005 yards)

*Honorable Mention:

Dave Podany-Leigh (1,119 yards); Neil Wagner-Winside; Ken Dubas-Genoa; Dave Schreiter-Nebraska City Lourdes (1,066 yards); Dan Bartels-Meridian; Chuck James-Franklin; Kent Shafer-Alma; Tyke Arnold-Anselmo-Merna; Kent Richard-Benkelman; John Filip-Verdigre (1,246 yards); Garth Shafer-SE Consolidated; Dan Lliteras-Hemingford; Deryl Hancock-Humboldt; Dan Bond-Osceola; Lynn Beecham-Palmyra; Terry Kaczor-Ewing; Dave Woolstrum-Ansley; Tim Jindra-Clarkson; Jerry Connealy-Hyannis; Mel Shermer-Burwell; Steve Grubbe-Johnson-Brock; Tim Weber-Nemaha Valley.

*1976 Class D Offense (11-Man)*

End----Steve Phillips-Cambridge, 6-0, 160, Senior

End----Wade Phillips-Medicine Valley, 6-0, 165, Senior

Tackle-Tom Steenson-Wolbach, 6-1, 190, Senior

Tackle-Chuck Mooberry-Lexington St. Ann, 6-2, 208, Senior

Guard--Al Busboom-Dorchester, 6-1, 180, Senior

Guard--Tom Kaiser-Spalding Academy, 6-0, 180, Senior

Center--Jon Ensign-Nelson, 5-8, 160, Senior

QB------Larry Happ-Wolbach, 5-10, 155, Senior

Back----Dan Hill-Falls City Sacred Heart, 6-4, 220, Junior (1,283 yards)

Back----Tom Manning-Alliance St. Agnes, 6-0, 170, Junior (1,347 yards)

Back----Hank Schollmeyer-Cedar Bluffs, 511, 170, Junior (1,256 yards)

Kicker--Dave Jenkins-Homer, 5-10, 160, Senior

*1976 Class D Defense (11-Man)*

End----Doug Karr-Kenesaw, 6-5, 185, Senior

End----Dave Leggott-Elwood, 6-0, 185, Sophomore

Tackle-Roger Witte-Cambridge, 6-2, 210, Senior

Tackle-Tom Carlstrom-Polk, 6-6, 235, Senior

NG-----Brian Bishop-Alliance St. Agnes, 6-2, 258, Senior

LB------Daryl Van Pelt-Clarks, 5-10, 195, Senior

LB------Dave Welch-Callaway, 6-40, 175, Senior

LB------Marlin Murdoch-Oxford, 6-0, 180, Senior

LB------Ray Ostdiek-Lawrence, 5-7, 140, Senior

DB------Waid Zysset-Cambridge, 5-10, 165, Senior

DB------Dale Blank-Wilcox, 5-11, 170, Junior

*Honorable Mention:

Chris Munger-Alliance St. Agnes; Steve Pokorny, Jon Kopetzky-Falls City Sacred Heart; Bruce Getch-Waterloo; Dennis Holsteen (1,378 yards), Nic Biltoft-Nelson; Ron Nelson-Red Cloud; Reg Meier-Loomis; Jim Goodner-Litchfield; Kim Van Groningen-Sterling; Steve Bosshamer-Amherst; Paul Tighe-Homer; Bill Bauer-Spalding Academy; Tim Orcutt-Doniphan; Gerald Foltz-Greeley; Bob Hladik-Fairmont; Dan Nealon-Wolbach.

*1976 Eight Man Offense*

End----Bill Derr-Lyman, 6-2, 175, Senior

End----Brad Regier-Hampton, 5-11, 165, Senior

Guard-Scott Gronewald-Adams, 6-0, 190, Senior

Guard-Mark Christensen-Lodgepole, 6-3, 195, Senior

Center-Rod Baker*-Decatur, 6-2, 210, Senior - (Repeater from 1975)

Back----Ron Hagen-Wheatland, 5-10, 175, Senior (1,480 yards)

Back----Tony Little-Mullen, 5-10,170, Senior (1,008 yards)

Back----Brian Hahn-Hampton, 5-11,165, Junior (1,711 yards)

Kicker---Tony Little-Mullen, 5-10,170, Senior - (Selected at two positions)

*1976 Eight Man Defense*

End----Brad Lee-Wheatland, 5-10, 200, Senior

End----Brian Marquette-Trenton, 6-0, 180, Senior

Guard-Rod Smallfoot-Farnum, 5-9, 180, Junior

Guard-Gary Troester-Hampton, 6-2, 180, Senior

LB-----Matt Brandl-Humphrey, 6-3, 220, Senior (1,283 yards)

LB-----Terry Vitosh-Odell, 6-0, 185, Senior

DB-----Brian Van Diest-Sandhills, 6-3, 180, Senior

DB-----Jeff Veerhusen-Adams, 5-9, 145, Senior

*Honorable Mention:

Marc Gillette, Dave Miller-Adams; Ken Thompson-Lyman; Bruce Shinn-Sandhills; Dean Filipi-Milligan; Kirk Selden-Rising City; Alan Gorsuch-Mullen; Brian McCormick, Garnie Walters-Wheatland; Brad Ballou, Richard Bond-Wilsonville; Kurt Kugler-Eustis (1,085 yards); Dan Becker-Beaver City (1,516 yards); Bruce Buhr-Filley; Dale Sicheneder-Chambers; Sean Dunning (1,135 yards), Sterling Walker-Decatur; Kevin Exstrom-Venango; Dave Glaser-Spalding High; Doug Wacker-Culbertson; Randy Bures-Odell; Dennis Peters-Dalton; Perry Phelan-Big Springs; Brad Bower-Chappell; Ernie Damico-Campbell; Tim Meyer (1,041 yards) , Mark Peterson-Ruskin; Rick Melcher-Monroe; Eric Ballagh-Nebraska Christian; Dale Kreikemeier-Beemer; Scott Novak-Rosalie; Gary Consbruck-Trumbull.

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Top 10 Rushers in 1976

Brian Hahn-Hampton…………………..1,711 Jr.

Don Coleman-Gordon-Rushville……...1,696 Sr.

Jeff Leise-Hartington Cedar Catholic...1,661 Sr.

Rod Havelone-Springfield-Platteview...1,552 Sr.

Dan Becker-Beaver City………………..1,516 Sr.

Scott Phillips-Pleasanton……………….1,507 Sr.

Ron Hagen-Madrid Wheatland………...1,480 Sr.

Steve Cole-Auburn……………………...1,410 Sr.

Dennis Holsteen-Nelson………………..1,378 Jr.

Craig Johnson-Omaha Westside……...1,362 Sr.