Football Game Preview: Nemaha Central Thunder vs. Sabetha Bluejays

The Nemaha Central Thunder will square off against the Sabetha Bluejays at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both teams are still undefeated after five games, but that won't be the case come Friday.

On Friday, Nemaha Central took their game with ease, bagging a 55-6 win over Oskaloosa. Considering the Thunder have won four contests by more than 27 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

Carter Hajek

Rushing Touchdowns

10/03/25 @ Oskaloosa	2
09/26/25 vs Chanute	3
09/19/25 @ Rossville	6
09/12/25 vs Silver Lake	4
09/05/25 @ Marysville	2
+ 9 more games

Carter Hajek produced another solid effort rushing for 60 yards and a pair of TDs on only six carries, while also throwing for 96 yards and three touchdowns while completing 80% of his passes. He has been hot for a while, having also posted two or more rushing touchdowns the last 14 times he's played.

Special teams also played a big role in the game for Nemaha Central, adding 19 points to the final score. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Caleb Strathman, who ran a punt back for a touchdown.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Sabetha). They blew past Atchison County 46-7 on Friday. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the team's high-flying offense, the game also marked the team's biggest victory of the season.

Sabetha's win bumped their record up to 5-0. As for Nemaha Central, their victory bumped their record up to an identical 5-0.

Nemaha Central took their win against Sabetha in their previous meeting back in November of 2024 by a conclusive 21-0 score. Do the Thunder have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Bluejays turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.