The 2021 season came to an end on a windy, sunny Nov. 5 afternoon.
Seward went to Elkhorn to play the defending state champions in a Class B quarterfinal matchup. The Jays led 14-13 at halftime, but Elkhorn’s offense got rolling in the second half and its defense held the Jays scoreless until the game’s final play, ending the game with a 35-20 win.
“We hung in from the start,” Coach Jamie Opfer said. “Ultimately Elkhorn had more depth. We weren’t able to finish drives, and Elkhorn controlled the ball in the second half.”
Seward scored first on an unusual play. Parker Hammond’s punt went straight up into a gusty wind and blew backward. The play was ruled a fumble, and Christian Fields recovered the ball and raced 78 yards to the endzone. Hammond kicked the point after for a 7-0 lead.
Elkhorn’s first points came on a 26-yard run and the ensuing PAT to tie the score at 7-7 in the second quarter. The Antlers took the lead on a one-yard run later in the quarter but missed the PAT.
Seward responded with a 69-yard 13-play drive that ended with Fields catching a 10-yard touchdown pass from Gavin Sukup. Hammond made the point after for a 14-13 Bluejay lead at halftime.
Elkhorn scored on a 45-yard run in the third quarter and runs of three and two yards in the fourth quarter to extend the lead to 35-14.
The Jays scored on the final play of the game, a 4-yard pass from Sukup to Kalen Knott, to make the final 35-20.
Sukup finished the game with 184 yards passing, completing 23 of 40 attempts. He also led the ground game with 38 yards on 12 carries.
Kalen Knott was the team’s leading receiver, catching seven passes for 65 yards and a touchdown.
On defense, Trevor Ruth led the way with five solo tackles and 10 assists.
Seward finished the season with an 8-3 record. The most recent postseason win came in 2018, when Seward beat Norris in the first round. This year was the fourth consecutive year the Jays have made the postseason.
Opfer said he wanted to let the seniors know he appreciated their effort, energy, work ethic and character.
Fifteen Bluejays will graduate this year, and Opfer said their contribution to the program is amazing, both on and off the field.
“This is a hard-working group,” he said. “They play for one another and put egos aside.
“They did the little things right all four years and that leads to successful careers.”
He said a couple hope to play football in college.
Opfer described the season as one of the more enjoyable seasons he’s had as the head coach.
“These kids love to play and to compete,” Opfer said. “I’m blessed to be able to coach this group.”
