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. 4 KEARNEY CATHOLIC

NOTE: The Stars move to Class C-1 this season and will play in District 9 after finishing 11-2 last season with a loss in the C-2 championship game.

COACH: Dave Colling, fourth year

RETURNING STARTERS: Abe Clinch, senior, QB; David Squires, senior, OL/DL; John Blake, senior, OL/DL; Austin Lowery, senior, OL/DL; Alex Lowe, senior, TE/LB; Brian Husmann, senior, WR/DB; Connor Streit, senior, WR/LB; Thomas Connely, junior, WR/LB; Alex Liess, senior, WR/DE

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Clinch and Squires. Clinch returns to orchestrate a spread offense in which he threw for more than 1,200 yards last season, while David Squires will make sure his quarterback is well-protected.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Blake Holmeier and Breck Groskreutz look to add athleticism in the defensive secondary.

ON OFFENSE: The only hole appears to be at running back. Kearney Catholic returns three linemen and a solid passing attack.

ON DEFENSE: The Stars’ front seven will be fierce as the entire line and three linebackers return.

GAME TO WATCH: Oct. 18 at Gothenburg

DISTRICT OPPONENTS: Minden, Chase County, Cozad, Gothenburg

COACH’S QUOTE: “Adjusting to a new schedule of opponents should be challenging. Our players expect to be competitive at the C-1 level.”

2012 SCHEDULE
Aug. 31, at Ord
Sept. 7, St. Paul
Sept. 14, Ogallala
Sept. 21, at Central City
Sept. 28, Minden
Oct. 5, at Cozad
Oct. 12, Chase County
Oct. 19, at Gothenburg

— Vinny Benedetto

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