Leading up to the Nebraska high school football season, NEPrepZone.com will be looking at the top teams in each class, based on last year’s rankings. This week, Class C-2 will be in the spotlight with a new post each day. Let us know in the comments how you think each team will finish, as well as players you’ll be watching.

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No. 5 OAKLAND-CRAIG
District 4

COACH: Joe Anderson, 3rd season

LAST SEASON: Lost in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs to Lincoln Christian, ending the season 10-1.

RETURNING STARTERS: Josh Fischer, senior, RB/CB; Zach Denton, senior, OL/LB; RJ Peitzmeier, senior, TE/DE; Mitchell Lindstrom, junior, WR/DB; Jacob Dixon, junior, WR/LB.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Fischer and Denton. The seniors each have a strong defensive presence. Fischer had five interceptions a year ago and the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Denton had 75 tackles.

KEY NEWCOMERS: The Knights are relying on a talented sophomore class, with Cameron Kiner returning at kicker and Nick Arlt returning after rushing for 436 yards as a freshman. Matt Nissen will make his varsity debut as a starting quarterback after leading the JV team to a 12-1 record last season.

ON OFFENSE: Denton will need to lead the line, while Lindstrom and Dixon should be solid options at receiver for Nissen.

ON DEFENSE: With Fischer in the backfield and Denton on the line, the talent is there to be successful.

GAME TO WATCH: Oct. 5 vs. Fremont Bergan

DISTRICT OPPONENTS: Fremont Bergan, Stanton, North Bend, Tekamah-Herman

2012 SCHEDULE
Aug. 31, at Hartington Cedar Catholic
Sept. 7, Homer
Sept. 14, Battle Creek
Sept. 21, at West Point-Beemer
Sept. 28, at North Bend
Oct. 5, Fremont Bergan
Oct 12, at Tekamah-Herman
Oct. 18, Stanton

— Emily Gregor

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For more prep football previews, go to NEPrepZone.com/preppreviews