For what is believed to be the first time ever, North Platte takes on Lincoln Pius X tonight at Aldrich Field in Lincoln. Both teams are coming off opening losses – North Platte fell to Norfolk 27-6 while Pius X lost to Kearney 27-13. North Platte will hope to take better care of the football after turning the ball over six times in their opener. The Thunderbolts operate a power running attack and a versatile defense led by standout safeties Rex Raetz and Graham Ressiguie. (LISTEN LIVE to Bulldog football tonight on ESPN Radio 1410. Pregame coverage starts at 6:30 with the kickoff at 7.)
The Irish defense manhandled Kimball in their opening 28-0 win last week. Now they’ll look to show out for their home fans for the first time this year as Bridgeport comes calling. The visiting Bulldogs are also 1-0, having knocked off Dundy County-Stratton 18-0 last week.
The Hershey Panthers make their 2012 debut tonight as they trek to the panhandle to face Kimball. The Panthers have a senior class that is aiming to make a third straight playoff appearance for the first time in the program’s history. Their strength is in the offensive and defensive line, led by mountainous senior Logan Brown.
After knocking off rival Brady 28-16 last week, the Wildcats are faced with what should be another tough test tonight as they visit Arapahoe. The Warriors routed Franklin 48-13 in their opener last week and possess a fast-paced pistol offense which will hope to crack Maxwell’s experienced defense.
Wallace had an easy time with South Platte in their season opener last week, winning 68-6. Another one-sided affair could be on the docket for the Wildcats tonight as they travel to face Creek Valley. The Storm were beaten 72-14 by Potter-Dix last week. Wallace’s dual-threat quarterback John Marquart could be in for another big day.
The Sailors have dropped down to eight-man football this season, and will have a small and youthful roster to take their first cracks at the game this season. Tonight they host Overton, as good a program as there has been in eight man football in recent years. Overton is fresh off a 42-0 shutout of SMC last week.