Bison all ready for shot at 'giant' No. 1 Badgers

Like most any football game except flag, tackling will be a huge key for the McCook Bison when they face unbeaten Bennington and 2,200-yard running back Dylan Mostek during Friday’s Class B state playoff opener. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

Steve Towery/McCook Gazette

BENNINGTON, Neb. — McCook can add to its legendary football playoff history when the Bison roar into Bennington Friday night.

What could be better than No. 16 knocking off a mighty undefeated No. 1?

“We’re not looking at that,” coach Joe Vetrovsky said about the Class B first-round game kicking at 6 p.m. “We’re excited about a chance to play them. I really like a lot of the matchups. Making the playoffs is what you work for all year.”

The engines will be roaring at full speed when they see junior running back Dylan Mostek, who’s scored 33 touchdowns this season while amassing 2,230 yards — or 247 per game.

Mostek rumbled for 302 yards vs. Omaha Roncalli and 254 past Omaha Gross during Bennington’s previous two games.

“I’d say his biggest (asset) is speed. He runs like a 10.7 100 (meters),” Vetrovsky observed. “The big key is we have to tackle well.”

Yet the Badgers (9-0) average 45 points per game for other reasons.

Junior quarterback Trey Bird has tossed 19 touchdown passes to just two interceptions. He clearly loves targeting senior receiver Cayden Blume with his 23.5 yards per catch and 10 TDs.

Another three Badger receivers own catches ranging from 50 to 74 yards this fall.

That’s just another good test for the rapidly improving Bison secondary. Seniors Logan Havlicek, Nate Renner, junior Adam Dugger and sophomore Hayden Norgaard have become a solid foursome.

Last week, the Bison forced a season-best three turnovers as Norgaard grabbed his first varsity interception.

“They’ve done a good job,” coach confirmed. “The important thing is everyone doing their job, doing their assignments.”

The Bison (4-5) will count on some new starters to deliver this huge playoff win.

Senior Jayson Pilgrim steps in for the injured Teegan Rice at defensive end. Sadly, Rice suffered an injury at Scottsbluff and missed last week’s Seniors Night victory over Alliance.

Pilgrim has played a larger role throughout the regular season.

“Jayson transferred in from Illinois, and he’s been a great addition,” Vetrovsky said. “He’s athletic and has good football instincts. He’s gradually learned our system.”

Sophomore Layton Carpenter will take Rice’s starting left tackle position on offense.

The Bison are hoping their top rusher — junior Jacob Gomez-Wilson — will be ready Friday after passing concussion tests.

“I’d say there is a very good chance Jacob will be in there,” Vetrovsky concluded.

Expected starting lineups:

McCOOK Bison

Captains: Nathan Renner and Maxwell Weimer

Offense

Defense

S 28 Logan Havlicek 5-9 150 Sr.

Special Teams

Holder 4 Canyon Hosick 5-7 165 So.

BENNINGTON Badgers

Offense

Defense

Special Teams