Nov 4

Written by: ngreditor
11/4/2008 11:26 PM 

Bluejays defeat Number 1 seed in first round playoffs

Coach Bill Mimick

In what may have been a first since the Nebraska State High School Football Playoffs began in 1975, Number 16 seed Newman Grove Bluejays defeated the Number 1 seed in the west, Eustis-Farnam Knights 24-18. The game was played on a nice sunny afternoon on the Farnam field Thursday, October 30, 2008.

The Knights were a big eight-man team with a fullback weighing 220 lbs and a total of nine players weighing 205 to 245 lbs. Their skilled people were very athletic and were from 6 ft. to 6’2” inches tall, weighing around 180 lbs. The Knights earned the Number 1 seed in the west by virtue of their record and power points earned.

The Knights took the opening kick-off the length of the field to score first, taking a 6-0 lead. The Bluejays answered the call, taking the ensuing kick off, marching downfield to score the touchdown and converting the all important extra point to take the lead 8-6. Each team scored three touchdowns in the contest and Newman Grove was able to score all three extra points while Eustis- Farnam could not convert any.

Statistics for the game were almost equal. The Bluejays defense bended but did not break. Players recording defensive stats were Tanner Bollig, Derek Stone, Travis McCloud, Jordan Fowlkes, Sheldon Boschen, Luke Gasper, Ben Jacobson, Jordan Nelson, Ben Widhalm, Jake Kaufman, and Steven Sanderford.

New Coach (and former Bluejay athlete) Matt Rudloff did a very good job of having the defense ready to play. The Knights were averaging 34 points a game this season while only giving up 15 points per game.

Offensive players helping were Darrek Schmidt, Clint Leifeld, Jared Rasmussen, Jake Kaufman, Luke Gasper, Tanner Krueger, Tanner Bollig, Ben Jacobson, Derek Stone, Jordan Fowlkes, and Jordan Nelson.

Special teams played a big part also setting up one touchdown when Eustis-Farnum had a bad snap for a punt.

Bluejay team members felt that turnovers were one of the keys to the win. Newman Grove committed only one turnover while Eustis-Farnam had three turnovers.

Next up in the playoffs will be a trip to Axtell Wednesday, November 5, for a 4:00 pm game. The Wildcats won their first round game 37-14 at Curtis Medicine Valley and also have a win over previously undefeated Franklin. This is another big challenge.

A large following of Bluejay fans plus alumni from that area attended the game. Their support was very encouraging. The game was carried on the internet KBVN.org, from the Lexington radio station. Fans were able to listen who couldn’t make it to the game. People in North Bend and Fremont listened to the game - even Travis McCloud’s mother in Florida picked up the game off the internet. Thanks everyone.