On Saturday, a clash between two 12-0 teams – Kingman and Nemaha Central – sets the stage for a pivotal moment in Class 2A football: will the Eagles burst onto the scene as the new kid on the block of champions, or will the Thunder capture their second title in four years?
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at USD 305 District Stadium in Salina.
It’ll be Kingman’s first appearance in a state championship game since 1972 and the first for Tanner Hageman, who took over the Eagles program in 2019, as a head coach. Kingman was 3-6 just four seasons ago.
“Early on in the process, there were a lot of ups and downs as we were doing our best to establish somewhat of a culture not just in football, but in the weight room, during the summer, and around school,” Hageman said. “It’s taken a lot of people to do what we’ve accomplished – within our program, outside of our program, from [the community and administration], and we’re just fortunate to be playing in such a big game.
Both the Eagles and Nemaha Central are battle-tested. Kingman boasts notable wins over Cheney, Conway Springs, and Southeast of Saline. The Thunder took down 3A state finalist Holton to open their season, then went on to defeat Sabetha twice and two-time defending 2A champion Rossville.
“I believe our schedule has really gotten us to where we are right now,” second-year Nemaha Central head coach Michael Glatczak said. “Beating Holton to open the season was a great confidence and ‘where we are’ win. Throughout the season, the kids have focused on week-to-week games and not looking ahead.”
Hageman expressed a similar sentiment for his team’s schedule. “I firmly believe [the Central Plains League] is one of the best small-school leagues in the state,” he said. “It’s not just football, either. … I think all the schools in the league know that you’re at the top of this league in your sport, there’s a good chance you’re one of the top teams in the state.”
The Thunder’s roster consists of players that have memories of the program’s title run in 2019 when they downed Norton, 19-0, after starting the season 1-2. This time around, they enter the championship bout unscathed.
“Making a deep run into the playoffs and playing on Thanksgiving weekend is special,” Glatczak said. “These seniors were freshmen on the 2019 squad, so only a few got some action. [They] have great leadership and do a great job of holding each other accountable. This group has really bought in and is clicking at the right time.”
The list of ways in which these two teams are strikingly similar includes all-around dominance and a go-to senior offensive playmaker. For Kingman, it’s quarterback Nolan Freund. For Nemaha Central, it’s running back Cooper Hajek.
Last Friday, Freund rushed for the game-winning touchdown in double overtime to beat Southeast of Saline, 28-22. Hajek rushed for 132 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Thunder past Sabetha, 30-14.
“I think it starts with his work ethic and competitive spirit,” Hageman said of Freund. “The cliche is if your best player is your hardest worker, you have a chance of being good, and that holds true for our team. He’s a three-year starter, so … the experience he’s able to draw back on has really propelled him into becoming the player he is. He’s one of the most competitive people I’ve been around.”
As a team, the Eagles are averaging 342 yards and 40 points per game offensively while allowing just seven points per game defensively. Freund himself has racked up 1,938 yards passing with 25 touchdowns and only two interceptions.
Conversely, the Thunder are averaging more than 380 yards and 50 points per game offensively while yielding 11 points per game defensively. Hajek has rushed for 1,885 yards and 38 touchdowns while averaging more than seven yards per carry.
“[Hajek] has impressed us as he didn't get many touches last season,” Glatczak said. “He’s really stood out and is a hard runner. He’s a kid that runs harder and harder as the game goes on. Our offensive line has been fantastic and that's obviously a huge reason why Cooper has had the season he’s had. We’re looking to … establish the run early [on Saturday], so hopefully, that can open up the passing game.”
And now, with the biggest game on the biggest stage both Hageman and Glatczak have faced as head coaches on deck, both squads will be aiming to set the tone in their favor.
“We have to be able to handle the emotions and pressure of the game, especially early on,” Hageman said. “Once we’re able to calm our nerves we just have to do our best to execute the game plan we have in place. We know this is gonna be an absolute dogfight of a game, and I just want our kids to enjoy the opportunity they have in front of them and play like they have all year long.”
Glatczak added, “Kingman is a very athletic team that has really good team speed. We must value each possession and limit turnovers and penalties for us to be successful Saturday. All three phases of the game … have to play their best game of the season. I’m excited to see our kids compete at the highest level.”
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