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-1 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. 3 OGALLALA
District 10

COACH: Jeff McBride, 5th season

LAST SEASON: The Indians lost to Gothenburg 36-35 in four overtimes during the second round of the playoffs to finish 9-1.

RETURNING STARTERS: Pat Knott, senior, RB/LB; Luke Tinnon, senior, LB; Jose Garcia, senior, K; Dylan Folchert, junior, QB/DB; Brody Cleveland, sophomore, LB.

KEY DEPARTURE: The graduation of all-state quarterback Garrett Folchert and defensive lineman Mike Gill, who led the Indians in tackles last season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Pat Knott and Wes Orr will carry the load rushing the football to take pressure off the younger Folchert.

KEY NEWCOMERS: The Indians will field the youngest team in McBride’s tenure. With only five varsity starters returning, he will need less-experienced players to step up.

KEY POSITION CHANGE: Dylan Folchert is switching from wide receiver to quarterback to take the reins from his graduated brother, Garrett. Dylan Folchert will need to lead an offense with only one senior on the line.

ON OFFENSE: Production by committee will be the goal for the season as McBride hopes the competition will breed success.

ON DEFENSE: The defense loses their two starting cornerbacks from last season, but Pat Knott returns to lead at linebacker.

GAME TO WATCH: Ogallala faces district-rival Chadron on Sept. 28.

DISTRICT OPPONENTS: Chadron, Mitchell, Gordon-Rushville

COACH’S QUOTE: “We’re going to be young, but this group is as committed as I’ve seen this offseason. We hope to be playing our best ball by the end of the season. We’re trying to go for four-in-a-row District championships.”

2012 SCHEDULE
Aug. 24, Gothenburg
Aug. 31, at Broken Bow
Sept. 7, Gibbon
Sept. 14, at Kearney Catholic
Sept. 28, Chadron
Oct. 5, at Mitchell
Oct. 12, at Gordon-Rushville
Oct. 18 or 19, at Cozad

— Jake Anderson

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