Here's what to look for in the Class B state football final.
the Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Friday, November 21, 2008 6:00 pm
Here's what to look for in the Class B state football final.
No. 1 Offensive focal points: Justin Coleman isn’t a one-man show for Beatrice, but he’s certainly the focal point of the Orangeman offense. He lines up at quarterback, running back and receiver and has thrown for 732 yards, run for 1,336 and has 131 yards in catches. “When Justin is at quarterback, we’re running some spread stuff,” said Beatrice coach Bob Sexton. “But Garrett Bruhn has cranked it up down the stretch after finally getting healthy.” For Aurora, Jerry Lobeca has run for 1,487 yards and has 521 yard in receptions, and Tyler McDonald has thrown for 1,272. “Tyler distributes the ball well, to guys like Jerry, who can make big plays,” said Aurora coach Randy Huebert.
No. 2 Lessons from losses: Aurora lost to McCook 42-7 in the third week but then avenged that loss with a 37-33 win over the Bison in the semifinals. “That first game with them made us evaluate our program. We said we had to make some changes if we’re to compete at that level,” Huebert said. “It was changes that fit our personality and put us in better position for success, both on offense and defense.” Beatrice adjusted after losing to Waverly 41-14. “Aurora opened its offense since the McCook loss. For us, it was the opposite. We had been doing spread and lots of motion and after Waverly just hit us in the face, we needed to develop up front. We were a big-play team and needed to be able to get the three yards when you need it.”
No. 3 Old foe, new face: Over the years, Beatrice and Aurora have often played, but the two didn’t meet this year. “It will be nice to see someone different,” said Sexton, whose team had two rematches in the playoffs. Huebert agreed. “It’s nice not to repeat a game you had in the season. Beatrice has a lot of talent and speed,” he said. “But we did learn a lot from our trip to Alliance. “With a road trip like that, you get an indication of what kind of focus and desire you have to reach you goals. It was a good experience for us.”
— Ryly Jane Hambleton