The Grand Island Central Catholic Crusaders will face off against the Bishop Neumann Cavaliers at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Each of these teams will be battling to keep a six-game winning streak alive.
Grand Island Central Catholic is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup last Friday. They came out on top against Ord by a score of 23-13.
Grand Island Central Catholic got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Grayson Sack out in front who threw for 206 yards and a pair of touchdowns on only 17 passes, and also rushed for 68 yards. The Crusaders' leading receiver Connor Haney was Sack's top target yet again, picking up 99 receiving yards and one score.
Meanwhile, Bishop Neumann got themselves on the board against Kearney Catholic last Friday, but Kearney Catholic never followed suit. They took their matchup with ease, bagging a 34-0 victory over the Stars. The result was nothing new for the Cavaliers, who have now won six games by 21 points or more so far this season.
Grand Island Central Catholic better keep an eye on Beau Fujan. He was instrumental in Bishop Neumann's win, rushing for 53 yards and one TD.
Bishop Neumann's run defense was locked in: Kearney Catholic could only muster 3.2 yards per carry. The team can thank Jack Van Slyke for the heroic effort on defense: he. Bishop Neumann didn't have any issues in that department, having averaged 6.7.
Bishop Neumann's defense didn't let Jacob Bosshamer, get away unscathed either: they got into the backfield for three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Van Slyke, Henry Woita, and Kobe Miller, who each picked up one sack apiece.
Grand Island Central Catholic's win bumped their record up to 11-1. As for Bishop Neumann, their victory bumped their record up to an identical 11-1.
Tuesday's contest might be decided on the ground. Grand Island Central Catholic has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 188 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Bishop Neumann struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 263 rushing yards. There's a good chance Tuesday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Grand Island Central Catholic couldn't quite get it done against Bishop Neumann in their previous meeting back in September of 2023 as they fell 34-21. Thankfully for the Crusaders, Conor Booth (who rushed for 297 yards and four touchdowns while picking up 11.0 yards per carry) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
