The Nebraska High School All-State Football Project - Saluting 1979

1979 marked the fifth year of the Nebraska state football play-offs. The quarterfinal games were played November 6; the semifinals, November 10, and the finals were played November 16.

Class A: 32 largest schools.

Class B: Next 64 largest schools.

Class C-1: Next 79 largest schools playing either 11 or 8 man football, 78 11-man, 1 8-man.

Class C-2: Next 79 largest schools playing either 11 or 8 man football, 76 11-man, 3 8-man.

Class D-1: The 54 largest Class D schools playing 8-man football.

Class D-2: The next 43 largest Class D schools playing 8-man football.

Total Attendance: 60,291

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1978 Football Playoff Results:

*Class A*

Quarterfinals:

(8-1) Creighton Prep 47-12 Millard (4-2-3) (@ UNO, 7:30 pm)

(8-1) Omaha Westside 23-0 Omaha Burke (8-1) (@ Omaha Burke, 7:30 pm)

(6-2-1) Fremont 23-20 Lincoln SE (8-1) (@ Seacrest Field, 7:30)

(8-1) Lincoln East 31-14 Grand Island (6-2-1) (@ Grand Island, 7:30)

Semifinals:

(9-1) Omaha Westside 27-7 Creighton Prep (9-1)

(9-1) Lincoln East 35-16 Fremont (7-2-1)

Final: (at Omaha Westside) (Att: 8,000 est.)

(10-1) Lincoln East 7-0 Omaha Westside (10-1)

Champion: Lincoln East (11-1), Head Coach- Lee Zentic

Pretty short and sweet here with only one touchdown being scored in the game. One of two things apparently happened with 35 seconds remaining in the 1st half. Lincoln East coach Lee Zentic apparently drew up the perfect play or veteran quarterback Todd Zart saw something and told 6-6, 210 pound TE Bob Gustafson exactly what pattern to run.

Either way, Gustafson latched onto a 27 yard touchdown pass thrown his way by Zart. The toss had to be good one because it just cleared the outstretched fingertips of Omaha Westside safety Scott Meyers, into Gustafson’s hands at about the 5 yard line. Kurt Eubanks booted the PAT through and Lincoln East had all the points they needed to win a Class A football championship 7-0 over Omaha Westside.

The victorious Spartans needed gained only 232 yards of total offense for the night, but

their defense limited the Warriors to less than half of that total (113), as the single TD and PAT proved to be enough.

*Class B*

Quarterfinals:

(9-0) McCook 24-21 Platteview (8-1) (@ McCook)

(8-1) Norris 26-6 Lincoln Pius X (4-2-1) (@ Nebraska Wesleyan)

(8-1) Plattsmouth 24-0 Gothenburg (7-1) (@ Plattsmouth)

(8-1) Columbus Lakeview 10-7 Aurora (9-0) (@ Columbus Lakeview)

Semifinals:

(9-1) Norris 27-9 McCook (10-0)

(9-1) Plattsmouth 14-7 Columbus Lakeview (9-1)

Final: (at Plattsmouth)

(10-1) Norris 20-19 Plattsmouth (10-1)

Champion: Norris (11-1), Head Coach- Dennis Pool

**Norris not only had to overcome numerous trick plays by Plattsmouth head coach Bob Fuller, but had to battle fatigue after brutal, physical games with Lincoln Pius X, Crete and McCook leading up to the Class B final. Despite all that, the Titans ended up eeking out a 20-19 win in the Class B championship game.

Norris hit the board first on a 76 yard scoring run by speedy Lennie Hoover, but Plattsmouth came right back when Blue Devil tight end Todd Mitteis decided to go for it on a 4th and 8 on his own 15 yard line. Mitteis took off instead of punting the ball and was not brought down until he reached the Norris one yard line. Kirk Hutton would score 3 plays later for Plattsmouth, and it was all square at 7 each.

Hutton would add another touchdown in the second quarter on a 2 yard run. The Blue Devils would tack on yet another with a 40 yard Dave Blotzer to Todd Mitteis TD pass, giving Plattsmouth a 19-13 halftime advantage over the Titans.

Apparently Dennis Pool had a nice little halftime talk with his Norris football team because the Titans came out firing on all defensive cylinders, limiting Plattsmouth to an unheard of 13 total plays and 29 yards, all on the ground, during the 3rd and 4th quarters.

Norris scored the winning touchdown with just 7 seconds left in the 3rd quarter when a scrambling Norris QB, Lennie Hoover, connected with Craig Prange for a 6 yard scoring strike on a 4th and 6 from the Plattsmouth 6 yard line.

*Class C1*

Quarterfinals:

(8-0-1) Fremont Bergan 33-0 Oshkosh (8-1) (@ Fremont Memorial Stadium, 1:30 )

(8-0-1) Milford 32-0 Louisville (9-0) (@ Milford)

(8-1) Grand Island Central Catholic 30-14 Bennington (9-0) (@ Boys Town)

(9-0) Battle Creek 20-6 Oakland-Craig (8-1) (@ Battle Creek)

Semifinals:

(9-0-1) Fremont Bergan 9-6 Milford (9-0-1)

(9-1) Grand Island Central Catholic 20-6 Battle Creek (@ Battle Creek)

Final: (at Memorial Stadium, Fremont)

(10-0-1) Fremont Bergan 20-12 Grand Island Central Catholic (10-1) (@ Fremont)

Champion: Fremont Bergan (11-0-1), Head Coach - Joe Vojtech

**I attended this game and it was simply too much Mendlik brothers for the Crusaders to handle. Bergan held only a 7-6 halftime advantage over Carl Tesmer’s forces, but a 3rd quarter 57 yard touchdown pass from Knights QB Dave Mendlik to younger brother Mark with 1:46 left in the 3rd quarter gave the Knights some breathing room.

In my mind, Archbishop Bergan clinched the win with 5:43 left in the game when Dave Mendlik sucked in the GICC defense in by faking a pitch to little bro, Mark. Instead of pitching the ball, Mendlik fired a 44 yard pass completion to Mark Iossi that carried all the way to the Crusader 2. Two plays later, Bob Kingston then bulldozed across the goal line for what proved to be the winning score in Bergan’s 20-12 victory.

GICC never got it’s running game untracked in this one, forcing QB Ron Golka to turn to the passing game, which resulted the the Crusader quarterback being picked off three times. The Knights “D” also forced and recovered a pair of GICC fumbles in the game.

*Class C2*

Quarterfinals:

(9-0) Grant 53-0 Weeping Water (8-1) (@ Grant)

(7-0-1) Coleridge 32-0 Orchard (8-0-0) (@ Coleridge)

(8-0) Cambridge 70-0 Overton (8-1) (@ Cambridge 1:30)

(8-0) Ansley 32-7 Nelson (8-1) (@ Superior)

Semifinals:

(10-0) Ansley 40-8 Coleridge (8-0-1)

(9-0) Ansley 40-0 Cambridge (9-0)

Final: (in Grant)

(11-0) Grant 34-6 Ansley (11-0)

Champion: Grant (12-0), Head Coach - Al Gaston

**It was a repeat of the 1978 C-2 championship game with nearly the same outcome, a resounding Grant victory spurred by the Plainsmen capitalizing on Ansley miscues. Al Gaston’s troops converted a trio of 1st half turnovers into touchdowns and rode a 21-0 halftime advantage to a runaway 34-6 win. The C-2 title win gave Grant a 24 game winning streak at the time.

Grant DB Mike Borowski started the Plainsmen scoring when he picked off a Todd Grant pass and returned it 72 yards for a Pick 6 with 3:27 left in the opening stanza. Thirty eight seconds into the 2nd quarter, Grant QB Joel Long scored from 7 yards following a bad snap that forced Ansley punter Wane Slingsby to simply fall on the ball at his own 11 yard line.

Roger Lawson then pirated another Todd Grant pass at the Plainsmen 16, returning it to the Ansley 36, setting up a Joel Long 1 yard sneak seven plays later.

Junior RB Richard Norman capped off Grant’s opening drive of the 2nd half (8 plays, 76 yards) with his 2 yard scoring run and Kraig Schilling completed the Grant scoring with his 2 yard TD run with two minutes remaining in the game.

*Class D-1 (Eight-Man 1)*

Quarterfinals:

(9-0) Spalding Academy 42-14 Harrisburg (8-1) (@ Spalding)

(9-0) Shelby 44-22 Shickley (9-0) (@ Shickley)

(8-0) Beemer 48-24 Adams (9-0) (@ Beemer, 1:30)

(9-0) Dawson-Verdon 32-14 Stapleton (9-0) (@Stapleton)

Semifinals:

(10-0) Spalding Academy 38-0 Shelby (10-0)

(9-0) Beemer 55-12 Dawson-Verdon (10-0)

Final: (at Beemer)

(10-0) Beemer 40-20 Spalding Academy (11-0)

Champion: Beemer (11-0), Head Coach - Ron Peck (Back-To-Back D-1 championships)

**First thing you must know is that Spalding Academy coaching legend Ed Colleran was coaching the final game in his 46 year career at the school. The second thing is that the game may have been decided during the opening two possessions of the football contest.

When Spalding Academy’s John Berndt recovered a Beemer fumble at the Wildcat 38 on the 2nd play of scrimmage, it looked like the gods were going to be kind to Coach Colleran. But the Beemer defense stiffened and a goal line stand gave the ball back to the ‘Cats offense at their own one yard line.

Beemer then proceeded to go 79 yards for a score on the ensuing possession. Ballgame? Probably not, but both coaches agreed it was THEE turning point in the game.

Beemer led 24-0 at halftime and built the lead to 26 points in the early stages of the 4th quarter on its way to a 40-20 win.

The Wildcats unleashed a brutal 411 yard rushing attack that the Irish just could not handle. Three-time 1000 yard rusher Craig Hass ran for 163 yards on 23 tries with a 53 yard TD run. Beemer QB Randy Ehrisman, who too over for Robert Paulsen after he suffered a broken leg in the season opener, reeled of scoring runs of 11 and 26 yards to give his team the halftime cushion it needed.

Spalding Academy’s terrific RB Nick Nordhues rushed for 137 yards on 15 carries, which included a 56 yard 4th quarter TD dash.

*Class D-2 (Eight-Man-2)*

Quarterfinals:

(8-0-1) Wheatland 34-0 Elk Creek (5-4) (@ Madrid)

(8-1) Hildreth 55-28 Snyder (8-1) (@ Snyder)

(7-1) Dix 32-6 Bartley (6-1) (@ Dix, 1:30)

(8-1) Arthur 26-20 Trumbull (8-1) (@ Ogallala, 1:30)

Semifinals:

(9-1) Hildreth 34-14 Wheatland (9-0-1)

(9-1) Arthur 30-22 Dix (8-1)

Final: (in Arthur)

(9-1) Arthur 32-20 Hildreth (10-1)

Champion: Arthur (10-1), Head Coach- Robert Gerten

**A nicely balanced running/passing attack lifted Arthur to the 32-20 Class D-2 title win over Hildreth. The Wolves turned state sprint champ Martin Phillips loose for 152 yards and a 54 yard touchdown dash, while Wolves quarterback Terry Trenary hooked up with wide receiver Eric Storer for three scoring passes, the clincher coming on an 8 yard TD strike with 1:17 left in the game.

Ironically, it was Hildreth that came into the contest with an All-State quarterback in Terry Welsch and the senior flash did not disappoint with his 2 TD tosses and a 15 yard scoring scamper. But it was Arthur’s balance that prevailed in the end.

The Wolves reeled off 11 straight wins after falling to Thedford in the season opener. Arthur RB Kevin Robertson was also a sparkler in this one, reeling off a pair of touchdown gallops, one a 63 yarder.

A rather humorous side note to this one stated that Arthur coach Robert Gerten gave his joyful post-game interview “puffing on a victory cigar”.

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*1979 Super-State Offense*

SE-------Scott Schoettger-Lincoln East, 5-8, 145, Senior

TE-------Bob Gustafson-Lincoln East, 6-4, 210, Senior

Tackle--Harry Grimminger-Grand Island, 6-4, 230, Senior

Tackle-Rob Stuckey-Lexington, 6-3, 230, Senior

Guard--Mike Parsons-McCook, 6-2, 200, Senior

Guard--Mark Hyatt-Fremont, 6-3, 185, Senior

Center-John Taylor-Omaha Northwest, 6-0, 190, Senior

QB------Todd Zart-Lincoln East, 6-1, 165, Senior

QB------Craig Sundberg-Lincoln Southeast, 6-1, 190, Senior

RB------Pete Hill-Omaha Burke, 6-1, 190, Senior…..(1,173)

RB------Leon Tompkins-O’Neill, 6-2, 200, Senior…..(, yards)

Kicker---Todd Morton-Crete, 5-11, 180, Senior

*1979 Super-State Defense*

End-----Bill Weber-Lincoln Southeast, 6-2, 200, Senior

End-----Mike Hooks-Omaha South, 6-3, 215, Senior

Tackle--Mark Traynowicz-Bellevue West, 6-6, 240, Senior

Tackle--Tom Dobson-Omaha Westside, 6-3, 215, Senior

NG------Kevin McCormack-Omaha Gross, 6-0, 220, Senior

LB-------Jeff Beideck-McCook, 6-3, 190, Senior

LB-------Clark Toner-Grand Island, 6-1, 195, Senior

LB-------Dave Dahl-Omaha Westside, 6-1, 200, Senior

CB-------Jeff Harelson-Lincoln East, 6-1, 180, Senior

CB-------Bret Clark-Nebraska City, 6-3, 190, Senior

Safety--Joel Long-Grant, 6-3, 185, Senior

Punter--Jeff Pate-Omaha Westside, 6-4, 200, Junior

*2nd Team Super-State Offense*

SE-------Scott Schoettger-Lincoln East, 5-8, 145, Senior

TE-------Bob Gustafson-Lincoln East, 6-4, 210, Senior

Tackle-Greg Orton-Nebraska City, 6-2, 215, Senior

Tackle--Bruce Hungate-Lincoln Southeast, 6-4, 215, Senior

Guard--Mike Drinnin-Columbus Lakeview, 5-6, 205, Senior

Guard--Doug Ayars-Lincoln Northeast, 5-10, 190, Senior

Center-John Taylor-Omaha Northwest, 6-0, 190, Senior

QB------Chris Knust-Creighton Prep, 6-3, 180, Senior

RB-------Tim Peterson-Cambridge, 6-1, 180, Senior…..(1,476 yards)

RB------Mark Mendlik-Fremont Bergan, 5-10, 170, Junior…..(1,364 yards)

RB------Gerald Paul-Omaha Central, 6-10, 180, Senior

Kicker--Dirk Stoop-Grand Island Central Catholic, 6-0, 165, Senior

*2nd Team Super-State Defense*

End-----Jim Jirovec-Crete, 6-2, 185, Senior

End-----Jim Wischmann-Papillion, 6-6, 205, Senior

Tackle--Tim Cubrich-Omaha South, 6-2, 215, Senior

Tackle--Rob Debus-Lincoln High, 6-2, 205, Senior

NG------Rick Taylor-Lincoln East, 5-11, 165, Senior

LB-------Mike McCashland-Lincoln East, 6-2, 180, Senior

LB-------Mark Brummer-Millard, 5-11, 205, Senior

LB-------Dean Leiss-Republican Valley, 6-2, 200, Senior

CB-------Gerald Marfisi-Omaha Central, 6-0, 185, Senior

CB-------Troy Workman-North Platte, 5-11, 160, Senior

Safety--Kevin Penner-Aurora, 6-2, 170, Senior

Punter--Jeff Pate-Omaha Westside, 6-4, 200, Junior

*1979 Class A Offense:*

SE-------Scott Schoettger-Lincoln East, 5-8, 145, Senior

TE-------Bob Gustafson-Lincoln East, 6-4, 210, Senior

Tackle--Harry Grimminger-Grand Island, 6-4, 230, Senior

Tackle--Bruce Hungate-Lincoln Southeast, 6-4, 215, Senior

Guard--Mark Hyatt-Fremont, 6-3, 185, Senior

Guard--Doug Ayars-Lincoln Northeast, 5-10, 190, Senior

Center-John Taylor-Omaha Northwest, 6-0, 190, Senior

QB------Todd Zart-Lincoln East, 6-1, 165, Senior

QB------Craig Sundberg-Lincoln Southeast, 6-1, 190, Senior

RB------Pete Hill-Omaha Burke, 6-1, 190, Senior…..(1,173)

RB------Gerald Paul-Omaha Central, 6-10, 180, Senior

Kicker---Kevin Conradt-Lincoln Northeast, 5-11, 165, Junior

*1979 Class A Defense:*

End-----Bill Weber-Lincoln Southeast, 6-2, 200, Senior

End-----Mike Hooks-Omaha South, 6-3, 215, Senior

Tackle--Mark Traynowicz-Bellevue West, 6-6, 240, Senior

Tackle--Tom Dobson-Omaha Westside, 6-3, 215, Senior

NG------Kevin McCormack-Omaha Gross, 6-0, 220, Senior

LB-------Mike McCashland-Lincoln East, 6-2, 180, Senior

LB-------Clark Toner-Grand Island, 6-1, 195, Senior

LB-------Dave Dahl-Omaha Westside, 6-1, 200, Senior

CB-------Jeff Harelson-Lincoln East, 6-1, 180, Senior

CB-------Troy Workman-North Platte, 5-11, 160, Senior

Safety--Todd Gilbertson-Fremont, 6-2, 180, Senior

Punter--Jeff Pate-Omaha Westside, 6-4, 200, Junior

*Honorable Mention:

Gary Podraza, Mike Rambour-Columbus; Chris Knust, Brent Kraft, John Mancuso, Chris McDonald, Bob Scanlon, Joe Skochdopole-Creighton Prep; Mitch Arps, Jim Haskins, Darryl Peitzmeier-Fremont; Drue Bamesberger, Tom Rathman-Grand Island; Kurt Eubanks, Todd Kelly, Doug Laird, Rick Taylor, Rich Teel, Dan Weed-Lincoln East; Rob Debus-Lincoln High; Tobin Ehlers, Jeff Johnson-Lincoln NE; Doug Barlow, Jack Perry, Kelly Peterson, Tom Riley-Lincoln SE; Mark Brummer, Shane Hansen-Millard; Tim Gentzler, Mike Molini-Norfolk; Tom Budler-North Platte; Tim Carlson, Roger Hill-Omaha Burke; Gerald Marfisi-Omaha Central; Dave Narke, Dan Ripa-Omaha Gross; Dan Laferia, Jim Scow-Omaha Roncalli; Tony Bachorski, Jeff Hurley-Omaha Westside; Bill Lynam, Rich Wischmann-Papillion; Brett Evans-South Sioux City;

*1979 Class B Offense*

TE-----Todd Mitteis-Plattsmouth, 6-2, 190, Senior

SE-----Mike Kosmicki-Omaha Ryan, 5-10, 165, Senior

Tackle-Greg Orton-Nebraska City, 6-2, 215, Senior

Tackle-Rob Stuckey-Lexington-, 6-3, 230, Senior

Guard--Mike Parsons-McCook, 6-2, 200, Senior

Guard--Mike Drinnin-Columbus Lakeview, 5-6, 205, Senior

Center-Tim Rettle-Norris, 6-3, 230, Senior

QB---Lennie Hoover-Norris, 6-2, 180, Senior

RB----Ryan Wendt-Columbus Lakeview, 6-1, 180, Senior…..(1,382 yards)

RB----Leon Tompkins-O’Neill, 6-2, 200, Senior

RB----Russell Robertson-Norris, 5-10, 165, Senior

Kicker---Todd Morton-Crete, 5-11, 180, Senior

*1979 Class B Defense*

End----Jim Jirovec-Crete, 6-2, 185, Senior (Repeat choice @ position)

End----Dave Sharp-Plattsmouth, 6-1, 85, Senior

Tackle-Carroll Allberry-Gretna, 6-1, 185, Senior

Tackle-Rick Meyer-Superior, 6-5, 220, Senior

NG-----Ted Reehl-Crete, 5-11, 210, Senior

LB------Jeff Beideck-McCook, 6-3, 190, Senior

LB------Alan Ballmer-Gothenburg, 6-1, 190, Senior

LB------Kirk Hutton-Plattsmouth, 5-10, 180, Senior

CB------Kenton Oltman-Norris, 5-11, 165, Senior

CB------Bret Clark-Nebraska City, 6-3, 190, Senior

Safety--Kevin Penner-Aurora, 6-2, 170, Senior

Punter--Glenn Kucera-Columbus Scotus, 6-3, 185, Junior

*Honorable Mention:

Bryan Moody-Ainsworth; Ron Cole, Roger Suelter (1,040)-Albion; Brad Liggett, Rob Vogel-Alliance; Tom Weller-Aurora; Mark Otte-Blair; Dennis Poland-Broken Bow; Tom Eitemiller, Rick Myers-Chadron; Mark Kurtenbach-Columbus Scotus; Mitch Hartman-Cozad; Darrin Allgood-Crete; Mark Jarvis-David City Aquinas; Joe Bouuslavsky, Pat Dunn-Elkhorn; Mike Minch-Gering; Bob Mills-Gordon; Lennie Ambler, Todd Kuxhausen-Gothenburg; Rich DeMary (1,112 yards)-Grand Island Northwest; John Krajicek-Gretna; Jeff Kathol-Hartington Cedar Catholic; Greg Kay, Brad Mankin-Hastings Adams Central; Peter Neven-Kimball; Mike Neben-Lexington; Mike Aksamit, Tom Davis, Steve Morin-Lincoln Pius X; Mark Chitwood, Todd Graves-McCook; Doug Schwenka-Minden; Joe Balderson, Marty Lowrey-Norris; Troy Peck-Ogallala; Joe Farrell-Omaha Ryan; Ed Donohoe, Kevin Sholes-O’Neill; Brad Wragge, Mike Zierke-Pierce; Troy Porter-Plattsmouth; Dan Becker-Platteview; Mike Blomenkamp-Sidney; Tom Ruzicka-Wahoo;

*1979 Class C-1 Offense*

TE----Todd Hass-Fremont Bergan, 6-1, 190, Senior

SE----Dana Falter-Creighton, 6-3, 185, Junior

Tackle--Jim Going-Lyons, 6-8, 220, Senior

Tackle--Jerry McDonald-Geneva, 6-2, 205, Senior

Guard--Jerry Dunn-Grand Island Central Catholic, 5-11, 185, Senior

Guard--Dan Mussack-Tekamah, 6-2, 190, Senior

Center-Scott Meister-Fremont Bergan, 6-3, 190, Junior

QB------Dave Mendlik-Fremont Bergan, 5-11, 175, Senior

RB------Mark Mendlik-Fremont Bergan, 5-10, 170, Junior…..(1,364 yards)

RB------Shane Swanson-Hershey, -5-10, 180, Junior …..(1,259 yards)

RB------Jim Virgl-Wahoo Neumann, 6-0, 215, Senior

Kicker- Dirk Stoop-Grand Island Central Catholic, 6-0, 165, Senior

*1979 Class C-1 Defense*

End----Brian Alerman-Plainview, 6-1, 175, Senior

End----Jim Jasnoch-Oshkosh, 6-0, 155, Senior

Tackle--Ken Beranek-North Bend, 6-1, 195, Senior

Tackle--Mike Max-Burwell, 6-4, 270, Senior

NG-----Brad Blair-Milford, 5-9, 155, Senior

LB------Todd Abbott-Creighton, 5-11, 185, Senior

LB------Troy Menghini-Oshkosh, 6-1, 185, Senior

LB------Jeff Nannen-Geneva, 6-1, 195, Senior

DB------Gary Wiesen-Fremont Bergan, 5-11, 165, Senior

DB------Steve Nelson-Grand Island Central Catholic, 5-10, 175, Junior

DB------Jeff Roggasch-Burwell, 5-11, 185, Senior….(1,350 yards)

Punter---Jeff Neumann-Creighton, 5-9, 165, Senior

*Honorable Mention:

Perry Finkral, Tim Nelson, Rob Schnitzler-Battle Creek, Tom Polen (1,067 yards), Dave Rezac-Bennington; Don Weitzel-Bridgeport; Dennis Wullenwaber-Centennial; Scott Dohman, Nick Wies-Creighton; Tom Miller-David City; Todd Pflanz, Jeff Philby-Emerson; Bob Kingston, Mark Maly-Fremont Bergan; Bob Foster, Jerry Chramosta,-Gibbon; Mike Schmitz, Ron Golka, Bobby Rupp-Grand Island Central Catholic; Tom Goedert, Chuck Zach-Hastings St. Cecilia; Doyle Stohlman-Louisville; Kyle Klabenes (1,094 yards), Jeff Veskerna-Madison; Rusty Plessel, Phil Wohlgemuth-Milford; Mitch Swanson-Oakland; Neil Ruzicka-O’Neill St. Marys; Chris Jasnoch (1,026)-Oshkosh; Mike Habegger-Pawnee City; Kelly Isom, Brad Johnson-Randolph; Terry Anstine, Bob Miles, Darwin Valentine-Sandy Creek; John Paul Owen-Tekamah; Troy Cammack, Mike Rahe-Tri-County; John Benes, Jeff Lind-Wausa; Larry Chapek-Wahoo Neumann; Brad Roberts-Winside; Tim Poutre-Wymore;

*1979 Class C-2 Offense*

TE-------Steve Gaston-Grant, 6-2, 190, Senior (Chosen @ two positions)

SE-------Steve Krug-Benkelman, 6-2, 155, Senior

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

Tackle--Jay Harnagel-Sumner, 5-9, 222, Senior

Guard---Tom Johnson-Stromsburg, 5-10, 185, Senior

Guard---Mark Rouse-Doniphan, 6-0, 180, Senior

Center--Brad Johnson-Grant, 6-1, 190, Senior

QB-------Joel Long-Grant, 6-3, 185, Senior (Repeater from 1978)

RB-------Tim Peterson-Cambridge, 6-1, 180, Senior…..(1,476 yards)

RB-------Kraig Schilling-Grant, 5-11, 201, Senior…..(1,642 yards)

RB-------Rusty Arnold-Anselmo-Merna, 6-1, 180, Senior…(1,290 yards)

Kicker---Steve Gaston-Grant, 6-2, 190, Senior

*1979 Class C-2 Defense*

End----Kevin O’Neill-Pleasanton, 6-3, 190, Senior

End----Terry Bender-Polk, 6-3, 205, Senior

Tackle-Kyle Kammerer-Alma, 6-2, 200, Senior

Tackle-Vaughn Bartels-Meridian, 6-2, 200, Junior

MG----Leland Poppe-Grant, 5-9, 165, Senior

LB------Dean Leiss-Republican Valley, 6-2, 200, Senior

LB------John Schutte-Nelson, 6-3, 190, Senior

LB------Doug Rayburn-Cambridge, 5-10, 170, Senior

CB------Ron Wilson-Weeping Water, 6-0, 140, Senior

CB------Steve Downey-Anselmo-Merna, 5-9, 155, Senior

CB------Jim Moore-Ansley, 5-9, 145, Senior

Punter---Terry Bender-Polk-6-3, 205, Senior

*Honorable Mention:

Ron Goodner-Anselmo-Merna; Ken Kaelin (1,058 yards), Mike Peterson-Ansley; Darren Eberspacher, Randy Hansen, Lance Stryker-Callaway; Ed Kinne-Cambridge; Brian Hefner-Coleridge; Brian Hohensee, Ron Slepicka-Dorchester; Ron Oakland-Elwood; Jim Horne-Exeter-Milligan; Joel Hansen, Russ Hegert-Hartington; Bob Fuchs, Randy Wemhoff-Humphrey St. Francis; Ryan Bullington-Hyannis; Gary Griffith, Dan Wilke-Leigh; Darren Maaske-Loomis; John Day-Lynch; Mitch Hansen-Medicine Valley; Mark Bussing-Meridian; Eric Snyder; Mike Williamson-Orchard; Steve Maloley, Bart Woodward-Overton (1,073 yards); Doug Shenk-Polk; Doug Bourn-Ponca; Ted Theobald-Red Cloud; Jim Plebanek, Paul Jacobsen 1,063 yards), Dave “Woody” Baker (1,102 yards)-St. Edward; Craig Bebee (1,018 yards), Rob Berndt-Stromsburg; Brian Anderson-Sumner; Brent Koops-Verdigre; Matt Millen-Weeping Water; Tim Burbach-Wynot;

*1979 Class D-1 (Eight Man 1) Offense*

End----Dan Ott-Trumbull, 6-1, 180, Senior

End----Lane Walker-Eustis, 6-2, 195, Senior

Guard-Doug Zach-Humphrey, 6-2, 225, Senior

Guard-Terry Heithoff-Elgin, 6-2, 200, Senior

Center-Kim Asmus-Beemer, 5-11, 220, Senior -

QB------Gary Bender-Humphrey, 6-0, 165, Senior

Back----Craig Hass**-Beemer, 5-8, 160, Senior…..(1,240 yards)

Back----Todd Harring-Dawson-Verdon, 6-0,160, Senior…..(1,943 yards) (State Champ)

Kicker--Craig Tietjen-Chester-Hubbell, 6-0, 145, Senior

*1979 Class D-1 (Eight Man 1) Defense*

End----Bruce Crooks-Rising City, 5-10, 190, Senior

End----Tim Koozer-Fairmont, 6-3, 210, Junior

NG-----John Kleffner-Spalding Academy, 6-0, 215, Senior

LB-----Tim McNamara Beemer, 6-0, 175, Senior .(1,128 yards)

LB-----Jon Lichti-Shickley, 5-11, 190, Senior…….(1,232 yards)

DB-----Pat Zach-Humphrey, 5-9, 160, Senior

DB-----Nick Nordhues-Spalding Academy, 6-1, 175, Senior (1,227 yards)

Punter-John Bruns-Elwood, 6-1, 185, Senior

*Honorable Mention:

Russ Gronewold-Adams; Terry Martin, Dale Martin, Brian Shantz-Beemer; Dave Buettner-Cedar Rapids; Bill Lydiatt, Stan Wright-Chappell; Brett Brown, Bert Felker-Culbertson; Bob Clancy-Dawson-Verdon; Jim Grupe-Deshler; Matt Fieldgrove, John Wroblewski-Elba; Bill Armstrong, Kenny Meis-Elgin; Mike Wenzel (1,341 yards)-Elmwood; Kevin Koozer-Fairmont; Mike Sjuts-Humphrey; Jeff Brady-Johnson; Doug Pettinger-Lewiston; Larry Gaspers-Lindsay Holy Family; Wayne Dykman-Leyton; Brian Paulsen-Murdock; Terry Meyer-North Loup/Scotia; Terry Topil-Rising City; Eugene Konan-Roseland; Pat Bierbower, Tim Hopwood-Shelby; Dave Rankin-Spalding Academy; Donovan Schuster, Russ Fischer (1,200 yards), Troy Wentz-Sterling; Bill O’Neill, Bill Purdy-Wauneta; Willie Hixson, Gary McLain-Wheeler Central.

*1979 Class D-2 (Eight Man 2) Offense*

End----Steve Schaardt-Elk Creek, 6-3, 185, Senior

End----Jerry Schulze-Hordville, 5-7, 150, Senior

Guard-Martin Meyer-Wheatland, 6-4, 240, Senior

Guard-Craig Schultz-Trumbull, 5-9, 150, Senior

Center-Brendan Moore-Lebanon Beaver Valley, 5-10, 165, Senior -

QB------Jeff Weich-Hildreth, 6-0, 180, Senior

Back----Martin Phillips-Arthur, 6-0, 160, Senior…..(1,040 yards)

Back----Mark Daum-Dix, 6-3, 210, Senior…..(1,485 yards)

Kicker--John Bunger-Hildreth, 6-2, 205, Senior

*1979 Class D-2 (Eight Man 2) Defense*

End----Darrell Steele-Dix, 5-9, 170, Senior

End----Mark Salmen-Trumbull, 5-10, 170, Senior

NG----Cliff Macomber-Arthur, 5-11, 185, Senior

LB-----Kyle McCormack Wheatland, 6-8, 180, Senior

LB-----Scott Gottsch-Monroe, 5-11, 215, Senior

DB-----Monte Vance-Bladen, 5-8, 165, Senior (1,757 yards)

DB-----Kelly Loschen-Hildreth, 6-1, 170, Senior

Punter-Dale Kreikemeier-Snyder, 5-8, 160, Senior

*Honorable Mention:

Gerald Stritt, Tom Hart-Bartley; Dave Rasmussen, Boyd Stuhr-Bradshaw; Barry Rich-Brady; Levi Engelman, Don Breedon-Diller; Kurt Ingstrom-Dix; Harlan Beethe, Rich Heidman-Elk Creek; Dan Eastman, John Schroeder-Giltner; Todd Roblier, Doug DeOss-Holbrook; Scott Hanchera, Bill Nicholson-Lebanon Beaver Valley; Gordon Edmison-Monroe; Ed Capp, Nick Ross (1,419 yards)-Madrid Wheatland; Mark Monheiser-Potter; Ken Dirkschneider, Dave Jelinek, Jeff Schoeneck-Snyder; Kelly Egre, Jim Hardy-Stratton;

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Top 10 Rushers in 1979

Todd Harring-Dawson-Verdon……..1,943 Sr.

Monty Vance-Bladen…………………...1,757 Sr.

Mark Lovitt-Stapleton…………………..1,692 Sr.

Bernie Jensen-Dunning-Sandhills….1,619 Jr.

Mark Daum-Dix…………………………....1,485 Sr

Tim Peterson-Cambridge……………...1,476 Sr.

Nick Ross-Madrid Wheatland…….….1,419 Soph.

Ryan Wendt-Columbus Lakeview....1,382 Sr.

Mark Mendlik-Fremont Bergan….….1,364 Jr.

Jeff Roggasch-Burwell…………………...1,350 Sr.

Kraig Schilling-Grant……………………...1,342 Sr.