Four Antelope Co. Athletes To Play In Football Classic

Four of Antelope County's top football players will take the field as part of Northeast Nebraska's premiere all-star game.

Grant White, Tyson Belitz and Chris Bentley of Neligh-Oakdale will be joined by Chad Bode of Elgin Public/Pope John in the 5th Annual Red vs. White Northeast Nebraska All-Star Football Classic. All four will take the field as part of the White Team.

The rosters were announced Tuesday by the event’s Board of Directors, according to Mike Fuehrer, Sports Development Manager for the Norfolk Area Sports Council.

The football game will be played on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Veteran’s Memorial Field in Norfolk. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Faith Regional Health Services of Norfolk is the game’s Title Sponsor.

Fuehrer said he has been impressed with how the annual classic has come together over the course of the past five years.

“We’re distributing right around 2,500 tickets each year. And, this will be our third year for an All-Star Marching Band, it will be our second year for cheerleaders and, for the first-time ever, Hartington Cedar Catholic will be show-casing its dance team,’’ Fuehrer said. “Each year we’re adding another piece to what has become a very popular event for all of northeast Nebraska.’’

Rod Brummels of Osmond, who will be coaching the 36-player White Team, said his staff is excited for the players named to the White Team. “We feel we had an excellent pool of players to choose from in selecting our squad,’’ he said. “Were excited about all facets of the team. 

“We feel we have excellent linemen, both offensively and defensively.  It is a group filled with size and great motors.’’

On offense, Brummels said the White Team was able to fill skill positions with versatility.

“That will allow us to build a unit around both speed and power in the run game and an efficiency and explosiveness in the  passing game,’’ he said. “Defensively we feel like our back seven of linebackers and defensive backs will complement our front four and give us a defense that will match up well in the game.’’  

Brummels will be assisted by Tracy Lichty of Norfolk High School, Joe Imus of Riverside (Cedar Rapids-Spalding), Travis Jordan of Madison, Ron Lund of Howells-Dodge and Brock Eichelberger of O’Neill High School.