The Nebraska High School All-State Football Project - Saluting 1981

The 1981 State Football Playoffs were held during the tenth and eleventh weeks of the football season. The quarterfinal games were played November 3, the semifinals November 8, and the finals November 13.

Class A compromised the 31 schools with the largest enrollment and registered for football.

Class B was the next 64 largest schools. Class C-1 was schools with an enrollment of 103 or more and registered for football. Class C-2 was schools with an enrollment of less than 103 and playing 11-man football. Class D-1 was schools playing 8-man football with enrollments between

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1981 Football Playoff Results:

*Class A*

Quarterfinals:

(9-0) Omaha Westside 10-0 Grand Island (5-4) (@ Westside, 7:30 pm)

(8-1) Omaha Burke 31-7 Creighton Prep (7-2) (@ Burke, 7:30 pm)

(8-1) Omaha Northwest 13-7 Omaha Central (8-1) (@ Bergquist Stadium, 7:30)

(7-1) Columbus 13-0 Lincoln East (8-1) (@ Seacrest Field, 7:30)

Semifinals:

(10-0) Omaha Westside 22-3 Omaha Burke (9-1) (@ Westside, 7:30 pm)

(9-1) Omaha Northwest 14-7 Columbus (7-1) (@ Bergquist Stadium, 7:30)

Final: (at UNO - Al Caniglia Field) (Att: 10,000 est.)

(11-0) Omaha Westside 26-14 Omaha Northwest (10-1)

Champion: Omaha Westside (12-0), Head Coach - Dan Young

**Omaha Westside rallied from a 7-6 deficit to score a pair of touchdowns in a span of a minute, thirty eight seconds in that during the 2nd quarter. That gave the Warriors a 19-6 lead over Omaha Northwest with 2:05 left before halftime, and a little breathing room to work with in the second half.

When the Al Caniglia Field scoreboard read triple zeros, Dan Young’s Westside squad had posted a 26-14 victory over the Huskies, completed an unbeaten season, and finally had a state football championship after finishing runner-ups in 1975, and 1979.

Steve Mariucci had a pair of scoring runs for the 12-0 Warriors (1, 3 yards) while QB Jeff Taylor and game rushing leader Tim Ingram (69 yards) each scored from a yard out. Omaha Westside relied on a brutal ground attack and an opportunistic defense to get the win. The Warriors rang up 216 rushing yards in the game, while Taylor attempted only 5 passes, completing two of those for just 16 yards.

*Class B*

Quarterfinals:

(9-0) Waverly 20-6 Boys Town (7-2) (@ Nebraska Wesleyan, 2:30)

(8-1) Aurora 9-6 Falls City (9-0) (@ Falls City, 7:30)

(8-1) Grand Island Northwest 22-7 Kimball (9-0) (@ Kimball, 8:30 CST)

(8-0) Lincoln Pius X 21-16 Albion (7-2) (@ Pius X, 7:30)

Semifinals:

(9-1) Aurora 9-7 Waverly (10-0) (@ Falls City, 7:30)

(9-1) Grand Island Northwest 41-0 Lincoln Pius X (9-0) (@ Memorial Stadium-GI, 7:30)

Final: (at Memorial Stadium, Grand Island Senior High) (Att: 6,000 est.)

(10-1) Grand Island Northwest 55-0 Aurora (10-1)

Champion: Grand Island Northwest (11-1), Head Coach - Dick Anderson

**To this day, I have never witnessed a more dominating performance in a state championship than what Northwest pulled off against Aurora in this game. In Aurora’s defense, the Huskies team was decimated by injuries to many key people, but when Northwest blew out Lincoln Pius X 41-0 in the semis, you had to wonder how many Class A teams could maybe stay on the field with the Vikings?

GI Northwest’s dominance was so overwhelming in the 55-0 whitewashing over Aurora, that the Vikings ended up setting 10 playoff records and equalling two others during their three game playoff run . Not only that, but it took Northwest only one quarter to improve on their total offense gained in that first round 22-7 sleepwalk win over Kimball.

A Class B playoff single game rushing record was also set in the game, but not by State Rushing champion Kirk Berggren. Reserve RB Mike Reuss crushed Berggren’s playoff record of 197 yards by escaping for 248 yards on just 14 carries (17.7/carry) and scoring 4 TDs in the championship game. Berggren wasn’t all that shabby himself, rushing for 148 yards on 27 totes, giving him a playoff record 504 rushing yards in three games.

The Vikings also rushed for a playoff record 524 yards against Aurora and never attempted a single pass in the contest……..not one. Another thing I will never, ever forget occurred on a Mike Reuss touchdown 67 run in the 3rd quarter. During said run, I saw Super-State lineman Todd Olson pancake his defender at the line of scrimmage, then proceed downfield to knock not one, but two Aurora defensive backs on their backsides while never leaving his feet or breaking stride. Never saw before it before and have not witnessed it since. That sequence absolutely summed up the night for Aurora.

Besides the 67 yard scoring dash, Reuss, a junior, had TD jaunts of 15, 61 and 52 yards. Berggren’s scoring runs covered 2 and 3 yards. The All-State back also returned a fumble 44 yards for a score in the 3rd quarter.

Grand Island Northwest ended up being ranked 5th in the overall standings in the Journal-Star and either 2nd or 3rd in the Omaha World-Herald final ratings.

*Class C1*

Quarterfinals:

(9-0) Bennington 42-6 Louisville (7-2) (@ Bennington, 7:30)

(8-1) David City Aquinas 40-7 Rushville (8-0) (@ David City, 7:30)

(9-0) Battle Creek 41-13 Wakefield (9-0) (@ Battle Creek, 7:30)

(9-0) Plainview 23-7 Gibbon (8-1) (@ Plainview, 7:30)

Semifinals:

(9-1) David City Aquinas 33-7 Bennington (10-0) (@ David City)

(10-0) Battle Creek 21-7 Plainview (10-0) (@ Geneva)

Final: (at Battle Creek) (Att: 5,500 est.)

(11-0) Battle Creek 17-14 David City Aquinas (10-1)

Champion: Battle Creek (12-0), Head Coach - Bob Schnitzler

**It was a classic battle between two of Class C-1’s traditional powerhouses. When the dust finally cleared, it was Bob Schnitzler’s Battle Creek Braves who fashioned an 8 play, 60 yard scoring drive that culminated with a Marty Mullins 8 yard TD run. The Mullins touchdown run came exactly one play after QB Craig Schnitzler connected with older brother Robb for an 11 yard pass play on a critical 4th down and 10 from the Aquinas 19.

Craig Schnitzler had to battle through a leg injury suffered against Plainview in the semifinal game less than a week before. If you know Bob Schnitzler well at all, you will appreciate what he told son Craig after the latter suffered through a 1 for 6 passing performance in the 1st half. Coach Schnitzler simply “suggested” that Craig forget about the injury and play some football in the second half.

Vintage Bob Schnitzler, a trait son Craig now mirrors as current Kenesaw head football coach.

One factor that may or may not have influenced the outcome of this one was an injury to Aquinas 1000 yard rusher Pat Roh on the games first play from scrimmage. Roh, who had rushed for 1,100 yards during the regular season (800 more than the Monarchs 2nd leading rusher), did return to the game but could not overcome the setback, gaining only 5 yards on 7 totes.

And how big did Craig Schnitzler’s second quarter 23 yard field end up being in this baby? Check the final score to come up with that answer. Schnitzler would eventually wind up being a place kicker for the Huskers before an injury shortened his career there.

*Class C2*

Quarterfinals:

(9-0) Henderson 33-22 Sutherland (6-3) (@ Henderson, 7:30)

(9-0) Ewing 22-20 Humphrey St. Francis (8-1) (@ Ewing, 7:30)

(9-0) Kearney Catholic 43-8 Loomis (8-1) (@ Kearney Catholic, 7:30)

(8-1) Coleridge 20-16 Ansley (9-0) (@ Ansley, 7:30)

Semifinals:

(10-0) Henderson 12-6 Ewing (10-0) (@ Henderson,

(9-1) Coleridge 46-14 Kearney Catholic (10-0) (@ Ansley, 7:30)

Final: (@ Henderson)

(11-0) Henderson 42-20 Coleridge (10-1)

Champion: Henderson (12-0), Head Coach - Galen Kronhofman

**Henderson opened up a can of John Kroeker fury in Class C-2 championship contest, a situation for which Coleridge had no answer. The sophomore exploded for a massive 273 yards on just 21 carries, with 4 touchdowns and a pair of field goals mixed in. It all added up to a 42-20 win for the Huskies, who capped a perfect 12-0 season.

The speedy, smooth as silk Kroeker, who ended the season with 1,380 yards rushing, escaped for scoring runs covering 53, 83 38 and 14 yards. The sophomore sensation also booted two field goals, a long distance 43 yarder in the second quarter, and a 33 yard strike during the 4th stanza.

Coleridge thousand yard runner Kirk Olsen was certainly no slouch in the either, running for 156 yards on just 15 touches, with TD dashes of 25 and 8 yards. Olsen ended the 1981 campaign with 1,612 yards, fifth best in all of Nebraska.

By the way, this game was certainly not a wire-to-wire performance by Henderson, who led only 25-20 entering the 4th and money quarter, but the difference may have been the fact Huskie defenders Atlee Preheim and sophomore tackles Darrin Preheim (Atlee’s little bro) and Randy Ott controlling Olsen and the Coleridge option game.

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

Quarterfinals:

(9-0) Adams 28-24 Sidney St. Pats (8-1) (@ Adams)

(8-1) Shelby 54-0 Stapleton (9-0) (@ Stapleton)

(9-0) Greeley 40-6 Rising City (9-0) (@ Rising City)

(9-0) Lawrence-Nelson 56-12 Anselmo-Merna (7-2) (@ Lawrence)

Semifinals:

(9-1) Shelby 70-18 Adams (10-0) (@ Stapleton)

(10-0) Lawrence 31-26 Greeley (10-0) (@ Adams)

Final: (at Shelby)

(10-1) Shelby 36-31 Lawrence (11-0)

Champion: Shelby (12-0), Head Coach - John O’Brien

**Trailing 25-14 with 3:31 left in the 3rd stanza, coaching legend John O’Brien’s Shelby Huskies reeled off three straight touchdowns to post the come from behind 36-31 win in the Eight-Man 1 championship game over a great Lawrence team.

The Shelby scoring spree started with a 21 yard TD pass from QB Steve Alt to Randy Moon. Dave Myers added the conversion run, cutting the Lawrence lead to 25-22.

Barely a New York minute later, the Huskies Bob White pirated an Ed Karmazin aerial and returned the pick 26 yards for the game changing score. Another Myers double extra point run gave Shelby a 30-25 lead. Steve Alt snuck into the end zone on a one yard plunge early in the 4th to give the Huskies a 36-25 advantage.

No, the story isn’t complete just yet. Illustrating how quick Karmazin can strike with his arm, the Lawrence rifleman guided his Panthers to a score in just two plays. Starting at their own 22 following a Shelby punt, Karmazin connected with All-State End Ron Ziggafoos for a 35 yard gain, then followed it with a 23 yard TD pass to Mark Herz. That closed the gap to 36-31 but the clock read 1:57 left in the game. A pair of plays then sealed the Lawrence comeback fate.

Shelby’s Bob White recovered the ensuing onside kick following the Karmazin-to-Herz TD pass, then the Panther defense was flagged with a roughing the kicker penalty with 50 seconds left in the contest, giving Shelby a fresh set of run-the-clock-out plays.

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

Quarterfinals:

(8-1) Madrid Wheatland 39-37 Hildreth (7-2) (@ Madrid)

(6-2) Niobrara 36-32 Bartley (8-1) (@ Niobrara)

(5-2) Decatur 54-14 Hordville (7-2) (@ Ogallala)

(6-3) Odell 46-42 Lodgepole (7-1) (@ Lodgepole, 8:30)

Semifinals:

(9-1) Madrid Wheatland 32-14 Niobrara (7-2) (@ Filley)

(6-2) Decatur 26-6 Odell (7-3) (@ Greeley)

Final: (@ Madrid)

(10-1) Madrid Wheatland 42-14 Decatur (7-2)

Champion: Madrid Wheatland (11-1), Head Coach - Jack Sunderland

**Birthday boy Nick Ross celebrated his 18th by running for a pair of touchdowns and passing for two more in Wheatland’s 42-14 victory over surprise D-2 finalist Decatur. Ross, who was the state’s 6th leading rusher with his 1,520 yards, broke loose for 175 yards on 33 carries in the D-2 title contest, and broke open a tight game in the third quarter by tossing a pair of scoring passes to senior teammate Carey Cook. The TD strikes covered 66 and 18 yards, lifting the Spartans a 24-14 lead at the time.

Madrid Wheatland, who amassed 394 yards of total offense in the game, won their second state championship under head coach Jack Sunderland, their initial one coming in 1976.

Decatur, who was just 5-2 entering the playoffs, reeled off postseason victories over Hordville (54-14) and Odell (26-6) leading up to the D-2 title matchup with Whetland. The Bulldogs shut off two outstanding running backs during that run, Hordville’s Todd Tyler (1,238 yards) and Odell dandy, Kelly Haecker (1,119 big ones). Both were juniors.

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*1981 Super-State Offense*

TE------Bob Bowen-Omaha Westside, 6-3, 225, Senior

SE------Kevin Vermeer-Lincoln East, 6-1, 155, Senior

Tackle--Todd Carpenter-Grand Island, 6-5, 230, Senior

Tackle--Brad Johnson*-Ralston, 6-3, 240, Senior

Guard--Troy Erwin-Millard North, 6-0, 220, Senior

Guard--Todd Olson*-Grand Island Northwest, 6-2, 235, Senior

Center-Steve Hanel-Omaha Northwest, 5-10, 195, Senior

QB------Pernell Gaston-Omaha Central, 5-10, 170, Senior

RB------Gerald Kellogg-Omaha Northwest, 6-0, 185, Senior

RB------Ray Nelson-Omaha Tech, 5-9, 180, Senior…..

RB------Victor Breakfield-Omaha Burke, 5-7, 175, Senior….(1,587 yards)

Kicker--Todd Tenopir-Lincoln Northeast, 5-10, 190, Senior

*1981 Super-State Defense*

End-----Maurice Kellogg-Omaha Burke, 6-2, 175, Senior

End-----Tony Holloway-Bellevue West, 6-3, 190, Senior

Tackle--Mike Schnebel-Fremont, 6-3, 215, Senior

Tackle--Aaron Laudenbach-Lincoln Southeast, 6-2, 220, Senior

NG------John McCormick-Omaha Gross, 6-2, 228, Junior

LB-------Steve Mariucci-Omaha Westside, 6-1, 190, Senior

LB-------Larry Station*-Omaha Central, 6-1, 215, Senior

LB-------Chad Daffer-Nebraska City, 6-1, 215, Senior

DB-------Jeff Tomjack-Ewing, 6-2, 190, Senior

DB-------Brian Siebler-Fremont, 6-0, 185, Senior

Safety---Pat Ingram-Omaha Westside, 6-0, 180, Senior

Punter--Jeff Norblade-Kearney, 6-1, 190, Senior

*2nd Team Super-State Offense*

E-------Dave Bourne- Lincoln Southeast, 6-3, 185, Senior

E-------Tom Stawniak-Omaha Central, 6-4, 235, Senior

Tackle--Gary Richardson-Omaha Westside, 6-1, 220, Senior

Tackle--Joe Thiel-Creighton Prep, 6-1, 222, Senior

Guard--Bob Schmidt-Creighton Prep, 6-0, 200, Senior

Guard--Mark Smith-Falls City, 5-10, 195, Senior

Center-Mark Cooper-Lincoln East, 6-1, 194, Senior

QB------Jeff Taylor-Omaha Westside, 6-2, 175, Junior

RB------Kirk Berggren-Grand Island Northwest, 6-0, 175, Senior..(1,240 yards)

RB------Robb Schnitzler-Battle Creek, 5-10, 160, Senior…..(1,758 yards)

RB------Dino Salcedo-Bellevue East, 5-10, 180, Senior….(1,587 yards)

Kicker-- Tom Cox-Imperial, 6-0, 190, Senior

*2nd Team Super-State Defense*

End-----Ryan Reffert-Lincoln East, 5-11, 180, Senior

End-----Mike Hoefler-Norfolk, 6-5, 195, Senior

Tackle--Bill Hanley-Omaha Westside, 6-1, 220, Junior

Tackle--Brian Cetak-Ord, 6-2, 230, Senior

NG------Dave Janacek-Ralston, 6-1, 205, Senior

LB-------Tim Lambert-Lincoln East, 5-11, 190, Senior

LB-------Tim Lynch-Omaha Gross, 6-2, 195, Senior

LB-------Pat Shaw-Aurora, 6-3, 210, Senior

DB-------Mark Bellum-Columbus, 5-11, 155, Senior

DB-------Tim Alt-Columbus, 5-11, 165, Senior

Safety---Paul Ronhovde-Fremont, 5-11, 175, Senior

Punter--John Kroeker-Henderson-6-0, 170, Sophomore

*1981 Class A Offense:*

TE------Bob Bowen-Omaha Westside, 6-3, 225, Senior

SE------Kevin Vermeer-Lincoln East, 6-1, 155, Senior

Tackle--Todd Carpenter-Grand Island, 6-5, 230, Senior

Tackle--Brad Johnson*-Ralston, 6-3, 240, Senior

Guard--Troy Erwin-Millard North, 6-0, 220, Senior

Guard--Bob Schmidt-Creighton Prep, 6-0, 200, Senior

Center-Steve Hanel-Omaha Northwest, 5-10, 195, Senior

QB------Pernell Gaston-Omaha Central, 5-10, 170, Senior

RB------Gerald Kellogg-Omaha Northwest, 6-0, 185, Senior

RB------Ray Nelson-Omaha Tech, 5-9, 180, Senior…..(1,110 yards)

RB------Victor Breakfield-Omaha Burke, 5-7, 175, Senior….(1,624 yards)

Kicker--Todd Tenopir-Lincoln Northeast, 5-10, 190, Senior

*1981 Class A Defense:*

End-----Maurice Kellogg-Omaha Burke, 6-2, 175, Senior

End-----Tony Holloway-Bellevue West, 6-3, 190, Senior

Tackle--Mike Schnebel-Fremont, 6-3, 215, Senior

Tackle--Aaron Laudenbach-Lincoln Southeast, 6-2, 220, Senior

NG------John McCormick-Omaha Gross, 6-2, 228, Junior

LB-------Steve Mariucci-Omaha Westside, 6-1, 190, Senior

LB-------Larry Station*-Omaha Central, 6-1, 215, Senior

LB-------Tim Lambert-Lincoln East, 5-11, 190, Senior

DB-------Tim Alt-Columbus, 5-11, 165, Senior

DB-------Brian Siebler-Fremont, 6-0, 185, Senior

Safety---Pat Ingram-Omaha Westside, 6-0, 180, Senior

Punter--Jeff Norblade-Kearney, 6-1, 190, Senior

*Honorable Mention:

Kent Ebersole-Beatrice; Dino Salcedo-Bellevue East; Mike Plambeck-Bellevue West; Jeff Becher, Mark Bellum-Columbus; Bob Schmidt, Jeff Hardick, Joe Thiel-Creighton Prep; Paul Ronhovde-Fremont; Brian Stamer-Grand Island; Mitch Frazier-Hastings; Mark Cooper, Todd Eubanks, Tony Holechek, Ryan Reffert-Lincoln East; Ron Galois, Monte Mares-Lincoln High; Mark Diaz, Lance James-Lincoln NE; Dave Bourne-Lincoln SE; Clete Blakeman-Norfolk; Mike Hoefler-Norfolk; Dan Nielsen-Omaha Benson; Tim Lynch, Scott Benson, Brian Follen-Omaha Burke; Tom Stawniak, Dave Van Metre-Omaha Central; Mike Noble-Omaha Gross; Rod Gray-Omaha Northwest; Dave Monzu-Omaha South; Bill Hanley, Scott Hill, Jerry Richardson, Jeff Taylor-Omaha Westside; Rob Castleberry, Gib Willett-Papillion; Mike Huff, Dave Janecek, Steve Sestak-Ralston; Ladd Pettit-Scottsbluff; Troy McCreary-South Sioux City;

*1981 Class B Offense*

TE-----Dave Sims-Grand Island Northwest, 6-5, 195, Senior

SE-----Brett Lind-Albion, 6-1, 160, Senior

Tackle-Mark Baumann-Falls City, 6-3, 235, Senior

Tackle-Willie Ryan-Blair-, 6-3, 230, Senior

Guard--Todd Olson*-Grand Island Northwest, 6-2, 235, Senior

Guard--Mark Smith-Falls City, 5-10, 195, Senior

Center-Ron Maas-Grand Island Northwest, 6-2, 185, Senior

QB-----Jeff Heng-Lincoln Pius , 5-9, 170, Senior

RB------Kirk Berggren-Grand Island Northwest, 6-0, 175, Senior..(1,697 yards)

RB------John Cooper-Waverly, 6-1, 205, Senior …..(1,218 yards)

RB------John Soto-Kimball, 6-1, 165, Senior…(1,047 yards)

Kicker- John Heinzman-Omaha Roncalli, 6-2, 200, Senior

*1981 Class B Defense*

End----Mike Stuchlik-Waverly, 6-2, 185, Senior

End----Jeff Slagle-Falls City, 6-1, 170, Senior

Tackle-Brian Cetak-Ord, 6-2, 230, Senior

Tackle-John Miller-McCook, 6-0, 217, Senior

NG-----Bryan Wilson-Alliance, 5-11, 180, Senior

LB------Pat Shaw-Aurora, 6-3, 210, Senior

LB------Chad Daffer-Nebraska City, 6-1, 215, Senior

LB------Tom Konant-Lexington, 5-10, 185, Junior

DB------Rick Dettmer-Plattsmouth, 6-0, 190, Senior

DB------Greg Auen-O’Neill, 6-2, 185, Senior…(1,013 yards)

Safety--Troy Tremain-Sidney, 6-2, 195, Senior

Punter--Rod Bussinger-Gordon, 6-1, 215, Senior

*Honorable Mention:

Craig Haake, Dennis McBride-Ainsworth; Lance Tolstedt-Alliance; Kelly Thompson-Arlington; David Kimball-Auburn; Shawn Bovill, Lee Carter, Rex Lewandowski-Aurora; Paul Seevers-Blair; Ed Campos-Boys Town; Brad Gunther-Broken Bow; Rocky Dvorak-Chadron; Lynn Nieveen-Columbus Lakeview; Kevin Berke-Cozad; Blake Henning, Pat Soucie-Crete; Dan Convey, Craig Stevens-Falls City; John Boeka-Grand Island Northwest; Mike Carl (1,056 yards), Mark Ehrhorn-Gretna; Tim Shiffler-Hartington Cedar Catholic; Kevin Schroeder-Holdrege; Mitch Daum-Kimball; Micah Heibel, Jeff Magsamen, Scott Spethman, Rankin Thompson-Lincoln Pius X; Mike Walsh-Minden; Chris Hoehner, Dave Taylor-McCook; Kyle Klabenes-Milford; Jim Arnot-Norris; Doug Welniak-Ord; John Morehead-Plattsmouth; John Olson, Kevin Werner-Raymond Central; Tim Wolsleben-St. Paul; Lindley Schlueter, Tim Stiles-Superior; Darren Lintner-Syracuse; Greg Brackhan, Kevin Liming, Mike Otte, Scott Seymour, Kevin Tvrdy-Waverly; Eric Brink-Wayne; Terry Kindschuh, Jim Sellentin-West Point; Jeff Dierks-Wood River; Scott Predmore-York;

*1981 Class C-1 Offense*

End----Terry Hinn-Rushville, 5-9, 160, Senior

End----Todd Mink-Battle Creek, 6-2, 175, Senior

Tackle--Chad Schumacher-Plainview, 6-4, 240, Senior

Tackle--Dan Bailey-Gibbon, 6-2, 210, Junior

Guard--Dave Christensen-Bennington, 5-11, 190, Senior

Guard--Joel Prauner-Battle Creek, 5-10, 185, Senior

Center-Tony Reinsch-Geneva, 6-0, 180, Senior

QB------Kelly Stauffer-Rushville, 6-4, 190, Senior

RB------Robb Schnitzler-Battle Creek, 5-10, 160, Senior…..(1,328 yards)

RB------Pat Roh-David City Aquinas, -5-9, 165, Senior …..(1,410 yards)

RB------Jim Ruppert*- Pierce, 6-0, 180, Senior...(1,625 yards)

Kicker- Tom Cox-Imperial, 6-0, 190, Senior

*1981 Class C-1 Defense*

End----Marty Mullins-Battle Creek, 5-10, 160, Senior….(1,386 yards)

End----Mike Ferdig-Bennington, 6-2, 200, Senior

Tackle--Jerry Kripal-Fremont Bergan, 6-2, 200, Senior

Tackle--Jody Lerch-Howells, 6-2, 195, Senior

NG-----Kelly Eisenbeiss-Creighton, 5-10, 195, Senior

LB------Ken Pelan-David City Aquinas, 5-7, 200, Senior

LB------Jamie Wiebold-Fremont Bergan, 6-2, 190, Senior

LB------Mike Brungardt-Norfolk Catholic, 6-2, 190, Senior

DB------Chad Lyons-David City Aquinas, 6-0, 160, Senior

DB------Jeff Dostal-Norfolk Catholic- 5-10, 155, Senior

Safety--David Pearson-Oakland-Craig, 5-10, 185, Senior

Punter---Jeff Krantz*-Bayard, 6-1, 170, Senior

*Honorable Mention:

Craig Schnitzler-Battle Creek; Randy Randall-Bayard; Tom Frye-Bennington; Lee Brown-Bridgeport; Don Wullenwaber-Centennial; Keith Tramp-Crofton; Scott Sisel-East Butler; Jeff Borer-Elgin Pope John; Brian Daum-Emerson-Hubbard; Clair Christiancy-Geneva; John Galusha, Frank Wray-Grand Island Central Catholic; Greg Petr-Hastings St. Cecilia; Brent Gerdes-Hebron; Kevin Harris-Imperial; Kevin Bender-Louisville; Bert Johnson-Malcolm; Jeff Bott, Mike Needs-Morrill; Boyd Heckler, John Von Rentzel-Neligh Ed Jochum, Shannon Pospisil-Norfolk Catholic; Paul Breci-Omaha Paul VI; Gary Schneider (1,132 yards)-O’Neill St. Marys; Dave Bryan, Dan Kucera, Trent Larson-Osceola; Jeff Gast-Osmond; Steve Dolesh, Keith Heiler-Pierce; Joel Albin, Kevin Kenny, Bart Pendercast-Plainview; Blake Bostwick-Ponca; Randy Green-Randolph; Keith Musil-Ravenna; Leonard Haller-Rushville; Brian Hinrichs-Sandy Creek; Brett Benson-Stanton; Bob Stitt-Tecumseh; Rob Robertson, Mark Stokebrand-Tri-County; Dave Fujan-Wahoo Neumann; Mark Starzc-Wakefield; Tim Hjorth-Wisner-Pilger.

*1981 Class C-2 Offense*

End-----Greg Goertzen-Henderson, 5-9, 150, Senior

End-----Jerry Sanders-Kearney Catholic, 5-10, 150, Senior

Tackle--Dale Wemhoff-Humphrey St. Francis, 6-1, 205, Senior

Tackle--Lee Hircock-Ansley, 6-3, 270, Senior

Guard---Barry Bowers-Winside, 6-0, 200, Senior

Guard---Shane Patrick-Genoa, 5-10, 170, Senior

Center--Doug Tranmer-Lyons, 5-10, 210, Senior

QB-------Jeff Tomjack*-Ewing, 6-2, 190, Senior…...(1,058 yards)

RB-------Kirk Olsen-Coleridge, 5-9, 145, Senior….(1,612 yards)

RB-------Ken Kaelin*-Ansley, 6-0, 190, Senior…..(1,065 yards)

RB-------Tim Werner-Humphrey St. Francis, 5-9, 170, Senior…(1,670 yards)

Kicker---John Kroeker-Henderson-6-0, 170, Sophomore (Selected @ two positions)

*1981 Class C-2 Defense*

End----Brian Kalin-Coleridge, 5-11, 170, Senior

End----Troy Wehmeyer-Grant, 6-0, 175, Senior

Tackle-Scott Cooper-Oshkosh, 6-5, 210, Junior

Tackle-George Caves-Stromsburg, 6-2, 210, Senior

MG----Dave White-Kearney Catholic, 6-3, 185, Senior

LB------Rich Schaefer-Cambridge, 5-10, 175, Junior

LB------Todd Bollwitt*-Ewing, 6-3, 190, Senior

LB------Atlee Preheim-Henderson, 5-11, 185, Senior

DB------Greg Mahoney-Genoa, 5-9, 160, Senior

DB------Ted Murray-Nelson, 5-10, 155, Junior….(1,058 yards)

Safety--Brett Harsin-Alma-5-10, 150, Senior

Punter--John Kroeker-Henderson-6-0, 170, Sophomore….(1,380 yards)

*Honorable Mention:

Rex Freeman, Monte Medinger (1,297 yards)-Alma; Robin Jeffries-Amherst; Ted Brewster, Monte Colfack, Scott Humpal-Butte; Fred Dodge-Callaway; Rob Druse-Cambridge; Jeff Barber-Clay Center; Mike Hoffart-Coleridge; Mike Hastings (1,266 yards)-Doniphan; Ron Slepicka-Dorchester; Rob Mitchell-Elm Creek; Mike Stauffer, Ted Solka, Dennis Wright-Ewing; Shannon Patrick-Genoa; Mike Walz-Hartington; Brad Buller, Scott Erb, Jim Huebert-Henderson; Pat Albracht-Humphrey St. Francis; Scott Bugay (1,001 yards)-Kearney Catholic; Craig Kinzie, Don Wendt-Leigh; Chris Carr-Medicine Valley; Kevin Himmelberg-Nelson; Carl Hinz-Newcastle; Mark Cooper (1,165 yards), Bob Willats-Orchard; Eric Dawson-Oshkosh; Brett Schott (1,095 yards)-Palmyra; Robert McQuistan-Pender; Jeff Spaulding-Pleasanton; Brad Brown-Republican Valley; Mark Ebel-Scribner; Marlin Ordway-Spencer; Denny Libolt-Springview; Todd Burgeson, Roger Moore-Stromsburg; Robert Olberding-Stuart; Karl Nordil-Sumner; Joe Beem, Pat Pierce-Sutherland; Wally Juhlin-Walthill; Bryan Manley-Weeping Water

*1981 Class D-1 (Eight Man 1) Offense*

End----Ron Ziggafoos-Lawrence, 6-2, 175, Senior

End----Bob Cook-Adams, 5-8, 145, Senior

Guard-Todd Gerdes-Shelby, 6-7, 215, Senior

Guard-Troy Kleffner-Spalding Academy, 6-2, 215, Senior

Center-Todd Van Winkle-Chappell, 6-1, 205, Senior -

QB------Todd Veerhusen-Adams, 6-0, 150, Senior

Back----Arnie Svoboda-Lawrence, 6-0, 175, Senior…..(1,477 yards)

Back----Richard Fischer-Sterling, 5-11, 180, Senior…..(1,131 yards)

Kicker--Jerry Karmazin-Lawrence, 6-2, 170, Senior

*1981 Class D-1 (Eight Man 1) Defense*

End----Greg Weidner-Humphrey, 6-3, 195, Senior

End----Mark Herz-Lawrence, 6-1, 185, Senior

NG-----Greg Barnes-Shickley, 5-11, 210, Senior

LB-----Steve Alt-Shelby, 5-9, 170, Junior

LB-----Jerry Mlinar-Greeley, 6-2, 200, Senior

LB-----Jeff Ashby-Giltner, 5-8, 180, Senior…...

DB-----Chris Voss-Shelby, 5-11, 185, Senior

DB-----Cliff Micek-St. Edward, 5-11, 170, Senior….(

Punter-Steve Schreiner-Elmwood, 6-0, 165, Senior

*Honorable Mention:

Phil Finney, Tom McMillan-Anselmo-Merna; Greg Roan (1,500 yards), Doug Robinson-Cedar Rapids; Jim Wood-Chappell; Bryce Kelker, Shane Wright-Culbertson; Calvin Heithoff, Rod Mack, Ken Meis-Elgin; Doug Schell-Fairmont; Mike Stauffer-Ewing; Doug Beck, Donny Dugan, Shawn O’Connor-Greeley; Dale Madsen-Hampton; Jeff Zach-Humphrey High; Paul Kucera-Lawrence; Randy Malone (1,058 yards), Terry Pella-Lewiston; Scott Cape-Leyton; Jim Holscher (1,211 yards), Shan Folk, Stuart Roath-Mullen; Dave Kunze, Greg Sunde-Murdock; Ken Parde-Nemaha Valley; Darrin Cargle (1,325 yards)-Omaha Dominican; Kenny Loper, Russell Moss, Mark Perlinger-Paxton; Robert Duran, Dave Reznicek, Randy Ruth (1,009 yards)-Rising City; Dennis Trausch-Roseland; Todd Nordeen, Randy Wurdeman-St. Edward; Scott Gibbens (1,361 yards)-Sargent; Terry Rosenquist, Robert Stengel-Shickley; Jeff Tedesco, Jeff Wernsman-Sidney St. Pats; Joe Carraher (1,437 yards), Paul Kaiser-Spalding Academy; Devin Empfield (1,655 yards), Ted Godfrey-Stapleton; Ed Ehmen, Dan Van Groenigen-Sterling; Tony Provost-Winnebago.

*1981 Class D-2 (Eight Man 2) Offense*

End----Matt Colwell-Niobrara, 6-1, 150, Senior

End----Curtis Hawkinson-Stratton, 6-1, 170, Senior

Guard-Greg Robinson-Filley, 6-2, 210, Senior

Guard-Gary Shoup-Hordville, 6-4 , 180, Senior (Chosen @ two positions)

Center-Lance Storer-Arthur, 6-3, 210, Junior -

QB------Joe Walter-Decatur, 6-4, 185, Senior

Back----Nick Ross-Wheatland, 5-10, 180, Senior…..(1,520 yards)

Back----Tom Hart-Bartley, 5-10, 170, Senior…..(1,390 yards)

Kicker--Rick Ceder-Monroe, 6-0 160, Senior

*1981 Class D-2 (Eight Man 2) Defense*

End----Lonnie Kosmicki-Wheatland, 6-2, 190, Junior

End----James Novak-Decatur, 6-4, 210, Senior

NG-----Jeff Wulf-Guide Rock, 6-3, 185, Junior

LB------Jim Lewis-Hildreth, 5-11, 165, Senior

LB------Tracy Warner-Lebanon Beaver Valley, 5-10, 165, Senior

LB------Todd Tyler-Hordville, 6-4 , 180, Junior….(1,238 yards)

DB-----Kelly Haecker-Odell, 5-9, 140, Junior…..(1,119 yards)

DB-----Robert Hanzlik-Niobrara, 5-9, 150, Junior

Punter-Gary Shoup-Hordville, 6-4 , 180, Senior

*Honorable Mention:

Fred Calabro-Arcadia; Warren Robertson, Troy Trenary-Arthur; Mike Werner-Bradshaw; Bob Baldridge, Jeff Mussmann-Chester-Hubbell; Darin Haacke-Clearwater; Larry Harvey, Dale Huffman, Junay Walker-Decatur; Marvin Ziola-Elba; Rick Giger (1,494 yards)-Guide Rock; Craig Quick-Hordville; Tom Cooney-Lexington St. Ann; Leon Cook, Ken Dragoo-Maxwell; Russ Melcher, Larry Strec-Monroe; Brad Koehn, Kerry Wilson-Niobrara; Cliff Reiner-Palisade; Gale Walker-Potter; Doug Prohaska-Prague; Al Kreikemeier-Snyder; Curtis Hawkinson-Stratton; Doug Brott; Cory Cook-Wheatland

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Top 10 Rushers in 1981

Kirk Berggren-Grand Island Northwest…..1,697 Sr.

Tim Werner-Humphrey St. Francis...……...1,670 Sr.

Devin Empfield-Stapleton…………...………...1,655 Jr.*

Victor Breakfield-Omaha Burke………….....1,624 Sr.*

Kirk Olsen-Coleridge…….………………………..1,612 Sr.*

Nick Ross-Madrid Wheatland……...………..1,520 Sr.*

Greg Roan-Cedar Rapids……... ……………….1,500 Sr.

Rick Giger-Guide Rock…………………….……..1,494 Sr.

Joe Carraher-Spalding Academy……...…….1,437 Jr.

Dino Salcedo-Bellevue West…………………..1,424 Sr.

Pat Roh-David City Aquinas…………...……...1,410 Sr.