C2 State Championship Preview (GICC vs Neumann)

CLASS C-2: GICC, Neumann Ready For Physical Matchup

The long paths to the Class C-2 state championship game have been markedly different for the players at Grand Island Central Catholic and Bishop Neumann. But the destination of Memorial Stadium on Tuesday afternoon has been the same. 

Neumann’s seniors have waited their turn, many behind talented previous classes that all made the state playoffs and the 2024 state championship game where they lost to Norfolk Catholic. While the seniors at Grand Island Central Catholic didn’t win a single football game their freshman year and are in the playoffs for the first time in their high school careers. 

New Bishop Neumann coach Joe Pavlik, who had previously coached at Syracuse and was an assistant at Omaha Central, said his first team in Wahoo has been a dream come true. 

“It seems like we have had three things working for us,” the coach said. “First, a great community at our school. Second, great families. And, third, a group of tough young men who are hard working and focused. It’s pretty special to come here from an outsider’s perspective and see it all come together.”

The 11-1 Cavaliers weathered a pre-district regular season schedule that included three playoff teams – Norfolk Catholic, Yutan and West Point-Beemer in successive weeks – and prepared them for a shot at their fourth football state championship. But, it was a 21-7 loss to Malcolm that Pavlik said may have turned the tide for his team. 

“One of our standards we talk about is how complacency breeds mediocrity,” Pavlik said. “I also think it is human nature to be complacent no matter what age you are. That was a game where we turned the ball over six times. We didn’t play well. 

“But every once in a while in life, you have to put your hand to the hot stove and get burned. I think that was our moment. And, instead of responding negatively our kids responded by coming together. I believe that if we had won that game – squeaked one out – we would not be where we are at right now.”

It’s an old-school, mostly under center, triple option attack that has carried the Cavaliers this season. Senior backs Jack Van Slyke (1,150 yards and 20 touchdowns) and Landon Sund (1,058 yards and eight TDs) lead the way for an offense directed by quarterback Beau Fujan (439 yards rushing and 895 passing). Fujan has accounted for 13 TDs and thrown just three interceptions. 

It’s one that has impressed Crusader coach Jeff Ashby. 

“It’s really, really good triple option,” Ashby said. “They do it from under center and from the shotgun. You have to practice angles when you play an offense like this you have to be very sound assignment wise, because if you miss one that right guy is going to have the ball and he’s going to break one you. Everyone has to be accounted for or it’s going to be a touchdown.”

The good thing for Ashby is they have one of the top defenses in the class. They didn’t allow an offensive touchdown until week six when they lost to Ord, 21-14. They avenged that loss in last week’s semifinals, 23-13. 

GICC has feasted on wreaking havoc this season. They have 24 sacks and an astounding 122 tackles for loss on the season and have forced 23 turnovers. Sophomore linebacker Jackson Gangwish has 131 tackles on the season with fellow sophomore Owen Price at 92 and senior linebacker Jack Alberts next at 87. 

“I think we have improved tremendously as the season has gone on,” Ashby said. “We learned a lot when Ord beat us and made a couple small changes to get guys in a better position. We have really started playing much faster and more confidently.”

When GICC has the ball, they counter with an offense that has been excellent in the playoffs and balanced around quarterback Grayson Sack. The dual threat has thrown for 1,791 yards and ran for 834 while accounting for 30 total touchdowns. His favorite target is Connor Haney who has 42 catches for 972 yards and 12 scores. Alberts is the leading rusher with 991 yards and 17 TDs. 

For Neumann, Van Slyke also leads a defense that has forced 19 turnovers. He heads into the finals with 132 tackles, the tops in any class this season. Sophomore Henry Woita (116) and junior Quin Schutt (101) have also topped the century mark in tackles. Senior Alex Berry has four interceptions.

“They are the toughest, most physical team we have seen all year,” Pavlik said. “It just seems like they are not afraid of anything. And, then one thing they can do that many Class C teams can’t do is stretch the field. They can get the ball to the middle of the field at the second and third level of the defense.”

Tuesday’s contest will feature the state’s top-two tackle men in Van Slyke and Gangwish. 

“I’d love to see them play defense at the same time,” Pavlik noted. 

While Wahoo (population 4,970) has both schools in their town in the state championship game, the Crusaders are the first school from Grand Island to make the state finals since 2018 when Grand Island Senior High lost to Omaha Burke. A win would be the first football title for the city since Northwest defeated Blair 35-0 in the 1985 Class B finals. 

By Tony Chapman and Chris Basnett – For the Nebraska School Activities Association

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