The O’Neill Eagle Junior High Football program capped off yet another remarkably successful season on the gridiron. Leading the charge, the Eagles' A-Team finished its campaign completely unblemished, cruising to a perfect 6-0 record to secure its second consecutive undefeated season under Head Coach Seth Kallhoff.
The future looks equally bright for the Eagles, as the B-Team put together an impressive 5-1 season of its own. The young squad showcased tremendous grit and skill all season, with their lone setback coming in a hard-fought 16-8 loss to Battle Creek in the final game.
The B-Team's rapid development in such a short season is a credit to Coach Ehlers who does a great job getting the 7th graders up to speed in the few practices the team has before the first contest. This rapid preparation is made easier because of our Leprechaun Youth Football Program that allows most of our guys to come in with basic knowledge of the game. Not to mention the competition each week between the A and B-teams in practice, creating an environment that helps make both squads better.
A major reason for the program's success this year was an impenetrable defense. Under the guidance of Coach Spader, the Eagles' defensive units were well prepared each week and able to neutralize opposing offenses. This weekly preparation was on full display, as both the A-Team and B-Team posted three shutouts apiece on the season.
The back-to-back undefeated stretch for the A-Team and the stellar defensive showcases highlight a deeply rooted football tradition in O'Neill that spans all age groups. "This team and our Eagle football culture, from Leprechauns all the way through our Varsity, is passionate," said Coach Kallhoff. "Our players love football and playing at a high level."
That love for the game and commitment to playing at a high level was evident from kickoff to the final whistle of every match this year. By establishing this sustainable culture of excellence early on, the junior high program is successfully grooming the next generation of Friday night stars. As the pads are packed away, the young Eagles can look back on a dominant season where they left no doubt about the excitement of Eagles Football!
A-Team Scores B-Team Scores
W - vs Wayne A 30-12 W - vs Wayne B 12-0
W – vs Valentine A 16-0 W – Vs Valentine B 26-0
W – vs Pierce A 36-12 W – vs Pierce B 24-20
W – vs Norfolk A 34-0 W – vs Norfolk B 28-16
W – vs Ord A 36-20 W – vs Ord B 12-0
W – vs Battle Creek A 28-0 L – vs Battle Creek B 8-16
(front row) Gavin Shoemaker, Mason Briscoe, Brantley Salers, Jax Peter, Jace Pritchett, Cooper Foree, Max Frank, Henry Danielson, Hayden Parks, Cruze Havranek, Manager Eli Buxton, (middle row) Hayden Neuheisel, Wyatt Cafaro, Silas Kaiser, Pierce Wiseman, Michael Cafaro, Blake Bohlender, Parker Peterson, Oliver Mathison, Gunner Jackson, Cooper Wright, Jace Corkle, Dawson Wade, (back row) Renner Sudbeck, Levi Lindsay, Noah Wiekamp, Hugh York, Emmett Coffey, Tyce Parks, Brigham Stepp, Jasper York, Alex LeFever, Bryce Alder, Octavio Garcia Para, (not pictured) Charlie Kellum and Anthony Schmeichel