The Nemaha Central (Seneca, KS) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Council Grove (KS) on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets (KSHSAA) for Class 2A.

What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Nemaha Central (KS) vs Council Grove (KS)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets: (KSHSAA) – Class 2A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Council Grove vs. Nemaha Central Football Comparison: 2024-2025

As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses, the teams from Council Grove and Nemaha Central are showcasing remarkable performances in their respective Kansas districts. Here’s a breakdown of their overall records, scoring averages, team statistics, and key players, highlighting what sets these two teams apart as they head toward the postseason.

Overall Performance and Rankings

• Council Grove: The Council Grove Braves have an 8-3 record, with a win percentage of .727. Their district performance stands at 1-1, while their home record is a solid 3-1. They’ve shown impressive offensive and defensive strength, averaging 32.9 points per game and holding opponents to 140 points across the season.
• Nemaha Central: The Nemaha Central Thunder, on the other hand, have dominated with a 10-1 record. Their win percentage is an impressive .909, and they remain undefeated in district play with a 4-0 record. At home, they have an outstanding 5-1 performance, and on the road, they are a perfect 5-0. Their total points for the season amount to 354, and they’ve limited opponents to just 120 points, averaging 32.2 points per game.

Team Scoring Averages

Both teams are high-scoring but exhibit different patterns throughout the game:

• Council Grove: The Braves score an average of 9.0 points in the first quarter, with a strong second quarter showing at 13.8 points. However, their offense slightly dips in the second half, averaging just 5.3 points in the third quarter and 6.0 points in the fourth quarter, for a total of 32.9 points per game.
• Nemaha Central: The Thunder’s scoring is more evenly distributed, with 14.0 points in the second quarter and 13.0 points in the fourth. Their third-quarter production remains steady at 6.0 points, totaling 32.2 points per game.

Team Stat Comparison

• Rushing: Nemaha Central excels in the ground game, averaging 240.4 rushing yards per game, led by standout running back Carter Hajek. Council Grove averages 165.2 yards per game but has a balanced offensive attack.
• Passing: Council Grove shows a slightly more passing-heavy offense, with 148.4 passing yards per game compared to Nemaha Central’s 93.8 yards. Luke Stewart leads Council Grove’s aerial attack, while Nemaha Central relies more on rushing but has proven capable in passing situations when needed.
• Receiving: Council Grove’s top receivers, Landon Dody and Luke Stewart, average 47.4 and 140.6 receiving yards per game, respectively, making them key targets in their offensive strategy. Nemaha Central’s Sam Nordhus averages 39.5 yards per game, offering a dependable secondary option for quarterback Carter Hajek.
• Total Yards: Nemaha Central slightly outpaces Council Grove in total yards, averaging 334.2 total yards per game to Council Grove’s 313.5 yards.
• Defense: The Thunder’s defense outperforms the Braves in tackles, averaging 84.4 tackles per game compared to 60.8 for Council Grove. Nemaha Central also excels in limiting sacks, allowing just 0.4 sacks per game.

Key Players to Watch

• Council Grove:
  • Ace Monihen: With 110.4 rushing yards per game, Monihen is the team’s leading rusher and a major part of their offensive attack.
  • Luke Stewart: The team’s passing leader with 140.6 yards per game, Stewart’s passing ability keeps defenses guessing.
  • Landon Dody: As one of the top receivers with 47.4 yards per game, Dody is a key playmaker in the Braves’ offense.
• Nemaha Central:
  • Carter Hajek: A standout performer for the Thunder, Hajek has been a dual threat, rushing for 178.7 yards per game and passing for 87.8 yards.
  • Sam Nordhus: A reliable receiver with 39.5 yards per game, Nordhus has been a top target for Hajek.
  • Abram Keim: With 12.9 tackles per game, Keim is a cornerstone of the Thunder defense.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents this season, and Nemaha Central has outperformed Council Grove in those matchups. Here’s a look at the shared games:

• Osage City:
  • Council Grove: Lost 26-20 (10/4/24)
  • Nemaha Central: Won 33-27 (11/15/24)
• Silver Lake:
  • Council Grove: Lost 29-12 (10/25/24) and won 30-8 (11/8/24)
  • Nemaha Central: Won 35-7 (9/13/24)

Head-to-Head Record

As of now, the teams have not yet met in 2024-2025, but their past performances suggest a competitive matchup when they face off. Both teams have built impressive resumes, but Nemaha Central has the edge in common opponents, having won both games where they shared opposition, whereas Council Grove went 1-2 in similar contests.

Final Thoughts

With their contrasting styles, Council Grove’s balanced attack and Nemaha Central’s dominance on the ground, this matchup promises to be a thrilling one. Council Grove’s ability to adapt offensively and Nemaha Central’s unyielding defense will be key storylines in the upcoming encounter. Both teams have proven themselves capable of making deep playoff runs, and this showdown could be a preview of what’s to come in the postseason.