The Auburn (NE) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Wahoo (NE) today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 NSAA State Football Championships (Nebraska) – Class C1 tournament.

Wahoo vs Auburn Football Game Info:

What: Nebraska High School Football Playoffs
Who: Wahoo vs Auburn
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
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Game preview: Wahoo vs Auburn

As the high school football season heads into the postseason, two of Nebraska’s top teams—Wahoo and Auburn—are preparing for a showdown that promises to be a thrilling contest between two powerhouse programs. Both teams have had exceptional seasons, and their matchup is drawing significant attention from fans, coaches, and analysts across the state.

Team Overview: Unbeaten Wahoo, Dominant Auburn

Wahoo enters this game with an immaculate 11-0 record, having dominated both in-state competition and district opponents. Their offense is explosive, averaging 52.2 points per game, a testament to their ability to score from all facets of the game. The Warriors have been especially potent in the first half, scoring an average of 33.7 points across the first two quarters. Their defense has been equally impressive, allowing just 73 points in 11 games, showcasing their ability to shut down opponents and control the pace of the game.

Leading the charge for Wahoo is #32 Kip Brigham, who has been a standout performer with 161.7 rushing yards per game. He’s complemented by Jase Kaminski, who averages 125.7 passing yards per game, and Harrison Krueger, who leads the team with 9.3 tackles per game. This balance of offensive firepower and defensive consistency has allowed Wahoo to achieve a perfect record heading into the final stretch of the season.

Auburn, on the other hand, has posted a remarkable 10-1 record. Their offense, while not as high-scoring as Wahoo’s, has still put up impressive numbers, averaging 31.4 points per game. They have been particularly dominant at home, boasting a perfect 6-0 record in home games. Their defense, allowing 119 points on the season, has kept opponents in check, including a nail-biting 20-19 win over Ashland-Greenwood.

Nixon Ligouri, Auburn’s star player, leads the team with 103.9 rushing yards per game, while Brant Gulizia has been a key contributor with 9.7 tackles per game. The Tigers’ offense is driven by a strong ground game, but they will need to adjust to Wahoo’s multifaceted attack.

Key Matchup: Offense vs. Defense

The game will likely come down to a battle between Wahoo’s high-powered offense and Auburn’s defense. Wahoo averages over 429 yards per game, with a balanced attack that includes strong rushing and passing elements. Brigham’s ability to dominate on the ground will be crucial, as will Kaminski’s passing game, which has helped open up the field for the Warriors.

Auburn’s defense, led by Gulizia and Moody, will need to focus on stopping Wahoo’s explosive plays. If the Tigers can contain Brigham and limit Wahoo’s offensive output, they will have a chance to keep the game close and give their offense a shot at pulling off an upset.

On the offensive side, Auburn will look to rely on Ligouri’s running ability to move the ball and control the clock. The Tigers’ ability to convert on third downs and avoid turnovers will be key in staying competitive against a team that has proven capable of scoring quickly.

Common Opponents: Similar Paths to Success

Both teams have faced a similar set of opponents throughout the season, but it’s clear that Wahoo has been the more dominant of the two. Both teams defeated Nebraska City, with Wahoo winning in a 62-0 blowout while Auburn triumphed 53-0. They both faced Ashland-Greenwood, with Wahoo earning a 28-14 victory, while Auburn struggled in a 41-13 loss, though they later defeated Ashland-Greenwood 20-19 in a rematch.

The Playoff Picture

While both teams are likely to make deep runs in the playoffs, the outcome of this game could have significant implications for playoff seeding. Wahoo’s perfect record and dominant performances suggest they will be a tough out in the postseason, but Auburn’s lone loss, a 41-13 defeat to Ashland-Greenwood, may serve as motivation for the Tigers to prove their worth against an undefeated opponent.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Test

The Wahoo vs. Auburn game is shaping up to be an exciting matchup between two top-tier high school football teams. With both teams coming into the game with impressive records and standout performances throughout the season, fans can expect a fast-paced, high-energy contest. Will Wahoo’s offense continue its dominance, or will Auburn’s defense find a way to slow them down? One thing is for sure—this game is sure to be one for the ages.