Bronco seniors reflect on season, championship

The Centennial football team finished the 2018 season 13-0, capping a great four-year run with the Class C2 state championship. The senior class was 5-4 as freshmen, 9-1 as sophomores and 12-1 as juniors for a four-year record of 39-6.

Coach Evan Klanecky said this group of seniors has been very important to the community and school. Its resume includes three district championships, a state runner-up and now a state title.

“No class has left a deeper mark,” he said. “They will never be forgotten.”

He said the team developed a lot of deep relationships.

“They’re selfless kids,” he said. “They do whatever it takes. They’re a tight-knit group.”

The 19 seniors on Centennial’s 2018 football team took time Nov. 21 to share their thoughts on winning the state title.

Kalten Bauers, offensive line/defensive tackle—It means a lot. We beat a really good team. We never got down on each other. Even after big plays, I never saw anyone yelling. It was just get the next one.

Cody Bender, offensive line/defensive tackle—We definitely earned this through hard work. We are definitely a family and tight-knit. We have different backgrounds, but we stick with each other. Shout out to the JV and scout teams. They played a major role.

Quinn Butzke, offensive line/defensive tackle—It means a lot to the team. It’s such an accomplishment. We worked all year. It was pretty exciting to play at Memorial Stadium, but it was just another game. We all did the work and achieved our ultimate goal. It was a lot of fun.

Caleb Cast, offensive line/defensive end—We came up short last year. We didn’t want that to happen again. It was an amazing feeling. We won state with guys I’ll be friends with the rest of my life. We’ll always share that.

Zeke Duntz, wide receiver/defensive back—I was a scout player and played game situations for the next week. It was the greatest feeling ever. I thought God had a special plan for this special class. It was really big for the school. There’s no better way to end.

Wyatt Ehlers, quarterback/defensive back—It’s super special to go out with this group. You couldn’t write a better end. When we scored and Coach said go for two and go win, we had all the confidence. We knew we could back it up.

Sid Farley, running back/linebacker—It was a lot of fun. There was a lot of hard work put in. It means a lot this year. We’re a family, not a team. We play for each other. Norfolk Catholic didn’t play like a family.

Garrett Fehlhafer, offensive line/linebacker—It was special to the whole team and the community. We’re proud of each other. We had some hiccups, but we took it one step at a time, one game at a time. It brings us closer because we know each other better.

Cole Gocke, offensive line/defensive end—We knew we had the hearts to get there. This is a special group. We know with hard work we can go anywhere. The past four years, we all had this goal. Last year’s loss was motivation to go further.

Nate Hanneman, wide receiver/defensive end—It’s been amazing. I played on the scout team. We went hard and gave our best every week. We believed in our team all the way. These guys are the best. After BRLD, we didn’t know how to lose.

Jack Hirschfeld, wide receiver/defensive back—Obviously the first ever makes it better. This is for all the guys who played before. No one else was able to do it. It hasn’t sunk in yet. To win state is a big deal, to see all the little kids who look up to us. We’ve set the standard. This team – I’m never going to let go of it.

Chris Medow, wide receiver/defensive back—I’ve loved every second of it. The football family is great. They embraced me as their own. I played on the scout team, and on the sideline, I tried to improve morale. I’m glad I got the opportunity to do it.

Haden Richters, running back/linebacker—Words don’t do it justice. I feel like a giant weight was lifted. It felt fantastic, the support we never knew we had. It’s still sinking in. Thanks to everyone for all the support and love.

Theo Rodewald, wide receiver/defensive back—It feels pretty great. These guys don’t know how to lose. It was an experience for sure. I’m proud and thankful. I get to call these guys family, friends, brothers. I’ve loved every second, every minute of it.

Ian Schlueter, running back/linebacker—My role was whatever the team needed and play as good as I can. It means everything – all the hard work the whole team put in. I’ll never forget. We’ll always be remembered because we won.

Wyatt Schoepf, wide receiver/defensive back—I played scout team free safety and wide receiver. I tried to help the team get better. It was our family verses their team. We bonded together because it was our last year. We respect each other and try and be brothers.

Tom Sheehan, offensive line/defensive tackle—I was kind of speechless. I thought, “Wait, we just won. We pulled a rabbit out of the hat.” My role was defensive line and offensive line and kicker. I played on scout team and some varsity. Keep plugging away and don’t give up.

Max Tomes, wide receiver/defensive back—It’s hard to put into words. It’s really incredible to go out with a team of brothers. It means the world. Thanks for all the support given by the coaches, our families and the team. It’s a great way to go out.

Elijah Wiezorek, offensive line/defensive tackle—From the first practice in fourth grade, we wanted to win state. It’s been the ultimate goal all through. To finally get it, it means a lot. To get what you work for.