Nebraska high school football 2023: Class B players, games to watch

Nebraska’s Class B, while certainly not as talent rich as the state’s biggest class, certainly has a fair number of players to keep an eye on. Our top 10 players to watch represent a variety of skill sets and position groups. Each of these players is critical to his team, and if one goes down, it will be tough to replicate what they bring to the table. Let’s dive in. 

1. Sam Thomas – Elkhorn North Offensive Tackle – 6-5, 255 (Northern Iowa) 

Thomas is one of the most promising recruits out of Nebraska Class B. For three years, the Northern Iowa commit has caused headaches for opposition with his combination of size and athleticism. Look for a big senior season out of Thomas before taking on the collegiate ranks.

2. Sebastien Boyle – Scottsbluff Running Back – 5-11, 195 (Interest from Nebraska and Iowa State)

Boyle, an all-state back with elusiveness and great hands out of the backfield, is on the radar of several prominent teams. A big senior season could lock up a Division 1 offer – he has the talent. Last year, he rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 26 scores.

3. Bode Soukup – Blair Quarterback – 6-2, 195 (Interest from Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota State)

Soukup is the leader of a Blair team that has a chance for a big season, because of its outstanding supporting cast. Soukup threw for more than 1,600 yards and 16 scores last year. He added two more with his legs.

4. Ethan Baessler – Blair Athlete – 5-9, 175 (Offers from North Dakota and Northern Iowa, interest from Nebraska, Wyoming and South Dakota State)

While Baessler didn’t put up eye-popping numbers last year, his off-the-charts speed is undeniable and is getting him looks. He won the Class B 100 and 200 at state track in May, and also scored four times on the gridiron.

5. J’Shawn Unger – Blair Wide Receiver – 6-4, 205 (Nebraska Baseball commit)

Baseball is Unger’s first love, but he’s pretty darn good on the football field too. Using his reach and size, Unger had 561 yards receiving and five scores a year ago. Look for similar, if not improved, numbers this fall.

6. Kolbe Volmer – Pius X Quarterback – 6-5, 215

Volmer struggled at times as a sophomore, with a lopsided touchdown to interception ratio. However, he possesses great size and has the potential to have a great season if he can progress through his reads better.

7. Seth Erikson – York Linebacker – 6-1, 205 (Interest from University of Nebraska at Kearney)

Erickson was an all-state selection a year ago and finished the year with 110 tackles. From the running back spot, he added 650 yards on the ground. Erickson will be an important cog in the York machine if they want to secure a playoff bid.

8. Chase Loftin – Elkhorn North Tight End – 6-5, 200 (Interest from Nebraska, Iowa State, Kansas State, Illinois and Missouri)

Loftin had 577 yards and five scores as a sophomore, and look for an elevated performance his junior campaign. If he fully grows into his frame, he could be a highly touted recruit. It will be vital for Elkhorn North to have a quarterback to throw to Loftin, though, in the absence of Josh Basilevac.

9. Kyler Lauridsen – Bennington Outside Linebacker – 5-10, 160

Though a little undersized, Lauridsen proved last year to be incredibly tough and durable. He led the Badgers in tackles with 103, including 14 for a loss. If he put in some work in the weightroom during the summer, he may be even more effective and physical.

10. Evan Kastens – Waverly Running Back – 6-0, 185

Kastens is a key piece on offense returning this season for Waverly. From his spot in the backfield, Kastens rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. Look for him to eclipse the thousand-yard mark in 2023.

Other Notables

Peyton Sanmaan – Bennington Quarterback – 5-11, 185

Westin Miller-Ayivi – Gross Catholic Wide Receiver – 5-8, 160

Cord Symons – Scottsbluff Linebacker – 6-0, 195

Mason Villwok – Elkhorn Running Back – 6-1, 195

Brock Templar – Blair Strong Safety – 5-10, 170

Aden Smith – Waverly Running Back – 5-11, 170

Bennett Turman – Skutt Catholic Quarterback – 6-1, 160

Tanner Gartner – Gering Running Back – 5-11

Jett Tingelhoff – Elkhorn North Wide Receiver – 5-7, 155

Jackson Howard – Seward Quarterback – 6-2, 180

Nathan Carkoski – Grand Island Northwest Outside Linebacker – 5-10, 185

Gabe Villamonte – Plattsmouth Quarterback – 5-10, 195

Quinton Archer – Bennington Running Back – 5-6, 165

Carlos Espino – Hastings Running Back – 5-8, 195

Jack Schafers – Pius X Wide Receiver – 5-10, 175

Top Games to Watch in 2023 (No Particular Order)

1. Gross Catholic vs. Elkhorn (Sept. 8)

Gross got the better of Elkhorn last season, but losing running back Jake Garcia hurts the Cougars. Elkhorn may get its revenge this season. 

2. Bennington vs. Skutt Catholic (Aug. 25)

Bennington beat Skutt to open the season last year by a huge margin of 44-13. Bennington loses a lot of firepower, though, and this should enable Skutt to make the game competitive and maybe pull off the win.

3. Bennington vs. Blair (Sept. 29)

We like Blair in this game. With a deadly offensive trio, Blair has a legitimate shot at having a special year.

4. Elkhorn vs. Elkhorn North (9/29)

Elkhorn was able to hold off North last year, winning 49-35. Don’t be surprised if this year’s game is another high-scoring battle. This matchup is a coin flip.

5. Scottsbluff vs. Lincoln Pius X (Aug. 25)

We give Scottsbluff the nod on this, due to them returning do-all running back Sabastien Boyle. They beat Pius 26-6 to open the season last year, but we think this could be a tighter matchup this season.

6. Waverly vs. York (Sept. 22)

Waverly picked up a 35-7 win last September. York’s defense this season, though, should be improved, making this an interesting matchup.

7. Skutt Catholic vs. Gross Catholic (Oct. 20)

Gross beat Skutt last year in the battle of Catholic schools 41-14. Skutt, a well-coached program, should be more competitive this year. We aren’t sure if it will be enough to beat Gross, though.

8. Elkhorn vs. Blair (Oct. 6)

This was a close one last year, and don’t be surprised if it is again. Elkhorn will need a solid performance from senior Mason Villwok if they want the outcome to go in their favor again this season.

9. Waverly vs. Scottsbluff (Sept. 29)

It took more than four quarters last year for this one to be resolved, with Waverly ultimately winning 28-21 in overtime. We like Scottsbluff to find a way to win this season.

10. Elkhorn North vs. Bennington (Oct. 13)

North lost 21-7 to the Badgers last year, but Bennington has many more holes to fill this offseason than Elkhorn North. Look for this one to be competitive this year, and don’t be surprised if the Wolves pull off the win.