The Bennington (NE) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Elkhorn North (Elkhorn, NE) today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 NSAA State Football Championships (Nebraska) – Class B tournament.
Elkhorn North vs Bennington Football Game Info:
What: Nebraska High School Football Playoffs
Who: Elkhorn North vs Bennington
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
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Game preview: Elkhorn North vs Bennington
The Elkhorn North Wolves and the Bennington Badgers are set to face off in a highly anticipated playoff matchup tonight at 7 PM. Both teams have had impressive seasons, and this game promises to be a hard-fought battle.
Team Overview
- Elkhorn North comes into the game with a 9-2 overall record. Their season has been solid, with a 5-0 mark at home, though they’ve had a slightly tougher time on the road, posting a 3-2 record away. They have averaged 28.5 points per game, with a balanced offensive attack—138.6 rushing yards per game and 183.8 passing yards per game. The Wolves’ defense has allowed 147 points this season, with an average of 73.7 tackles per game.
- Bennington, on the other hand, has been slightly more dominant this year, boasting a 10-1 record. They are unbeaten at home (7-0) and have an excellent district record of 3-1. Averaging 35.1 points per game, Bennington has a potent offense with 142.1 rushing yards and 143.7 passing yards per game. The Badgers’ defense has allowed just 121 points all season, and they average 64.8 tackles per game.
Previous Meeting
The two teams met just a few weeks ago on October 25th, where Bennington came out on top with a 20-6 victory. It was a defensive battle, with Elkhorn North struggling to find its rhythm offensively. The Badgers took a commanding 14-0 lead in the first quarter, and despite a second-half shutdown from Elkhorn North, Bennington added a late touchdown to seal the win.
Key Players
- For Elkhorn North, running back Jett Tingelhoff has been a standout, averaging 94 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Ethan Beachy is also a major contributor, passing for 175.5 yards per game and totaling 207.0 yards per game. Defensively, linebacker Barry Fries leads the team with 10.1 tackles per game.
- Bennington’s offense is led by running back Will Gutz, who has been averaging 100.5 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Houston Hill has thrown for an impressive 141.9 yards per game, while wide receiver Cooper Johnson leads in receiving yards with 59 per game. On defense, Bennington’s Jack Jansen is the top tackler, with 8.5 tackles per game.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Elkhorn North | Bennington |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 138.6 | 142.1 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 183.8 | 143.7 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 322.5 | 285.8 |
| Tackles Per Game | 73.7 | 64.8 |
| Sacks Per Game | 1.1 | 1.6 |
| Points Per Game | 28.5 | 35.1 |
| Pancake Blocks | 101 | 0 |
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced a similar set of opponents this season, with Elkhorn North having a 5-1 record against common foes and Bennington going 4-1. Notably, both teams defeated Gretna East and Blair, and each had a close encounter with Elkhorn—Elkhorn North losing 17-14, while Bennington won 35-7.
Game Outlook
This playoff game will be a crucial test for both teams. Elkhorn North will need to overcome their recent loss to Bennington and find a way to break through the Badgers’ defense. The Wolves have been strong at home this season, but they will need to match Bennington’s high-scoring offense if they want to come out on top in this neutral-site showdown.
Bennington, with their more potent offense and slightly better overall record, will look to extend their dominance after their October victory. The Badgers’ ability to control the clock and maintain their offensive rhythm could be key to their success.
Both teams are familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses, making this an exciting and unpredictable playoff matchup.
Final Thoughts
With both teams having a strong foundation of talent and experience, tonight’s game is sure to be a thrilling contest. Fans of Elkhorn North and Bennington can expect a hard-hitting game filled with big plays, strategic coaching decisions, and a high level of intensity as the two sides battle for playoff supremacy.
