Just as Big Ten weather hits the Midwest comes the start of the Big Ten football season.

The conference that called off fall football in August only to reverse course a month later kicks off a nine-week season with no breaks and five teams already in&nbsp;the AP Top 25.

No. 14 Wisconsin and Illinois get things rolling Friday night at Camp Randall. “Jump Around” won’t be the same between the third and fourth quarters without fans in the stands, but with a high of 49 degrees and showers forecast for Madison, it will be a perfect setting for Badgers-style bully ball.

No schools pushed harder for the Big Ten to play through the pandemic than Ohio State and Nebraska. The fifth-ranked Buckeyes open at home against the Cornhuskers as a huge favorite. The forecast calls for 54 and mostly cloudy in Columbus.

The Huskers drew the toughest early season schedule in the reboot, getting Wisconsin next week and No. 8 Penn State in the Big Ten’s week four. Nebraska was also the most openly critical of the Big Ten’s decision to postpone. Coincidence?

The Nittany Lions open at Indiana, a scrappy team coming off an eight-win season. It will be 55 and mostly cloudy in Bloomington.

The showcase game in primetime is No. 18 Michigan at No. 21 Minnesota in the Little Brown Jug game. The temperature in Minneapolis is expected to be in the mid-20s.

Let’s not forget the Mountain West also starts this week to provide some late-night viewing that has been sorely lacking in a season that so far has mostly played out in the Eastern and Central time zones.

Kicking off at 10:30 p.m. ET will be UNLV at San Diego State and Air Force at San Jose State.

Grab a blanket and a warm drink, sink into the couch, and enjoy the first long and chilly day of the college football season.

Illinois (minus 19 1/2) at No. 14 Wisconsin

Badgers have won their last three openers by a combined 129 points ... WISCONSIN 35-14.

Orange have allowed 701 yards rushing in the last two games; RUSHING! ... CLEMSON 52-10.

The Crimson Tide winning streak against the Vols is 13, including the last four by an average of 34 points ... ALABAMA 47-13.

No. 3 Notre Dame (minus 10 1/2) at Pittsburgh

Irish have played Pitt 15 times as a top-five team and are 14-1 ... PITTSBURGH 24-21.

Prepare for a tsunami of snarky social media comments about why the Cornhuskers were so adamant to play this season when they fall behind by three touchdowns ... OHIO STATE 42-21.

No. 17 Iowa State (plus 3 1/2) at No. 6 Oklahoma State

Cyclones could grab early inside track to the Big 12 title game ... IOWA STATE 28-24.

No. 8 Penn State (minus 6 1/2) at Indiana

Hoosiers’ last victory against a top-10 team was 1987 against No. 9 Ohio State ... INDIANA 31-27.

No. 9 Cincinnati (plus 2 1/2) at No. 16 SMU

Bearcats and Mustangs have gone to overtime in their last two meetings, splitting the games ... SMU 35-31.

Cavaliers QB Brennan Armstrong (concussion) is uncertain to play ... MIAMI 35-20.

BYU QB Zach Wilson leads FBS with a 78.7 completion percentage and Texas State is allowing quarterbacks to complete 70.6% of its passes ... BYU 52-21.

No. 23 North Carolina State (plus 17) at No. 14 North Carolina

The 100th meeting between the Wolfpack and Tar Heels, and just the third when both are ranked; UNC is 2-0 in those games ... NORTH CAROLINA 42-23.

No. 18 Michigan (minus 3) at No. 21 Minnesota

Wolverines and Gophers last met with both teams ranked in 2004 ... MINNESOTA 28-24.

No. 19 Virginia Tech (minus 10) at Wake Forest

Hokies RB Khalil Herbert leads the nation in yards per carry at 9.7 ... VIRGINIA TECH 38-24.

Wildcats have won 11 straight in the series and Jayhawks RB Pooka Williams just opted out of the season ... KANSAS STATE 35-17.

Florida Atlantic (plus 17) at No. 22 Marshall

Redshirt freshman QB Grant Wells leads Conference USA in passer rating at 159.2 ... MARSHALL 34-14.

Georgia Southern (plus 6 1/2) at No. 25 Coastal Carolina

Eagles lead the Sun Belt in yards per rush (5.89) and Chanticleers lead in yards per pass (10.6) ... COASTAL CAROLINA 28-23.

By RALPH D. RUSSO - Associated PressJust as Big Ten weather hits the Midwest comes the start of the Big Ten football season.The conference that called off fall football in August only to reverse course a month later kicks off a nine-week season with no breaks and five teams already in&nbsp;the AP Top 25.No. 14 Wisconsin and Illinois get things rolling Friday night at Camp Randall. “Jump Around” won’t be the same between the third and fourth quarters without fans in the stands, but with a high of 49 degrees and showers forecast for Madison, it will be a perfect setting for Badgers-style bully ball.No schools pushed harder for the Big Ten to play through the pandemic than Ohio State and Nebraska. The fifth-ranked Buckeyes open at home against the Cornhuskers as a huge favorite. The forecast calls for 54 and mostly cloudy in Columbus.The Huskers drew the toughest early season schedule in the reboot, getting Wisconsin next week and No. 8 Penn State in the Big Ten’s week four. Nebraska was also the most openly critical of the Big Ten’s decision to postpone. Coincidence?The Nittany Lions open at Indiana, a scrappy team coming off an eight-win season. It will be 55 and mostly cloudy in Bloomington.The showcase game in primetime is No. 18 Michigan at No. 21 Minnesota in the Little Brown Jug game. The temperature in Minneapolis is expected to be in the mid-20s.Let’s not forget the Mountain West also starts this week to provide some late-night viewing that has been sorely lacking in a season that so far has mostly played out in the Eastern and Central time zones.Kicking off at 10:30 p.m. ET will be UNLV at San Diego State and Air Force at San Jose State.Grab a blanket and a warm drink, sink into the couch, and enjoy the first long and chilly day of the college football season.The picks:FRIDAYIllinois (minus 19 1/2) at No. 14 WisconsinBadgers have won their last three openers by a combined 129 points ... WISCONSIN 35-14.SATURDAYSyracuse (plus 46) at No. 1 ClemsonOrange have allowed 701 yards rushing in the last two games; RUSHING! ... CLEMSON 52-10.No. 2 Alabama (minus 21) at TennesseeThe Crimson Tide winning streak against the Vols is 13, including the last four by an average of 34 points ... ALABAMA 47-13.No. 3 Notre Dame (minus 10 1/2) at PittsburghIrish have played Pitt 15 times as a top-five team and are 14-1 ... PITTSBURGH 24-21.Nebraska (minus 26) at No. 5 Ohio StatePrepare for a tsunami of snarky social media comments about why the Cornhuskers were so adamant to play this season when they fall behind by three touchdowns ... OHIO STATE 42-21.No. 17 Iowa State (plus 3 1/2) at No. 6 Oklahoma StateCyclones could grab early inside track to the Big 12 title game ... IOWA STATE 28-24.No. 8 Penn State (minus 6 1/2) at IndianaHoosiers’ last victory against a top-10 team was 1987 against No. 9 Ohio State ... INDIANA 31-27.No. 9 Cincinnati (plus 2 1/2) at No. 16 SMUBearcats and Mustangs have gone to overtime in their last two meetings, splitting the games ... SMU 35-31.Virginia (plus 11 1/2) at No. 11 MiamiCavaliers QB Brennan Armstrong (concussion) is uncertain to play ... MIAMI 35-20.Texas State (plus 28 1/2)) at No. 12 BYUBYU QB Zach Wilson leads FBS with a 78.7 completion percentage and Texas State is allowing quarterbacks to complete 70.6% of its passes ... BYU 52-21.No. 23 North Carolina State (plus 17) at No. 14 North CarolinaThe 100th meeting between the Wolfpack and Tar Heels, and just the third when both are ranked; UNC is 2-0 in those games ... NORTH CAROLINA 42-23.No. 18 Michigan (minus 3) at No. 21 MinnesotaWolverines and Gophers last met with both teams ranked in 2004 ... MINNESOTA 28-24.No. 19 Virginia Tech (minus 10) at Wake ForestHokies RB Khalil Herbert leads the nation in yards per carry at 9.7 ... VIRGINIA TECH 38-24.Kansas (minus 20) at No. 20 Kansas StateWildcats have won 11 straight in the series and Jayhawks RB Pooka Williams just opted out of the season ... KANSAS STATE 35-17.Florida Atlantic (plus 17) at No. 22 MarshallRedshirt freshman QB Grant Wells leads Conference USA in passer rating at 159.2 ... MARSHALL 34-14.Georgia Southern (plus 6 1/2) at No. 25 Coastal CarolinaEagles lead the Sun Belt in yards per rush (5.89) and Chanticleers lead in yards per pass (10.6) ... COASTAL CAROLINA 28-23.

AP College Football Picks: Big Ten returns to Big Ten weather

We have a new date set for our Inaugural Platte Valley Paddle Battle.  Attached is our updated flyer.  We will have 5 courts in the D &amp; N Event Center with plenty of room to social distance and a really good playing surface. Please note we have added mixed doubles!

Please share our flyer with the public as you are able.

We have great news in North Platte!  The city broke ground at Memorial Park today to totally renovate our 3 hand painted courts (that was an old basketball court).  Concrete will be added to make a total of four courts with permanent nets and professionally resurfaced.  Project to be completed in early spring.  We are blessed to accomplish the above during the pandemic and our club is growing daily!

We have a new date set for our Inaugural Platte Valley Paddle Battle. Attached is our updated flyer. We will have 5 courts in the D &amp; N Event Center with plenty of room to social distance and a really good playing surface. Please note we have added mixed doubles!Please share our flyer with the public as you are able.We have great news in North Platte! The city broke ground at Memorial Park today to totally renovate our 3 hand painted courts (that was an old basketball court). Concrete will be added to make a total of four courts with permanent nets and professionally resurfaced. Project to be completed in early spring. We are blessed to accomplish the above during the pandemic and our club is growing daily!<figure>
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Platte Valley Paddle Battle rescheduled

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NPHS Volleyball: Regular Season over after cancelling Saturday trip, look forward to district play

10.20.2020 NPHS Volleyball vs Ogallala - LIVESTREAM

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NPHS Activities: New spectator guidelines 10.19.2020

ERIC OLSON-AP College Football Writer

Adrian Martinez has turned back a challenge from Luke McCaffrey to win the starting quarterback's job for Nebraska's opener at No. 5 Ohio State.

McCaffrey made a serious bid to unseat the Cornhuskers' two-year starter, who struggled with injuries last year and seemed to regress from his fantastic freshman season in 2018.

"Adrian is going to be our quarterback," coach Scott Frost said Monday. "I feel like I've got two guys playing at a really high level. I've seen a lot of improvement out of Adrian this year. I've seen a lot of improvement out of Luke. Both those guys are capable of moving our offense and doing a great job."

McCaffrey, brother of NFL star Christian McCaffrey and son of former pro receiver Ed McCaffrey, played quarterback and receiver as a freshman last season and quickly became a fan favorite.

As third-string QB last year, he played five-plus series in a loss to Indiana and completed 5 of 6 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown and ran 12 times for 76 yards. He also threw a 39-yard touchdown pass in a loss to Iowa.

Frost limited McCaffrey to four games so he could retain a year of eligibility.

Frost said he didn't know how much, if any, separation there is between Martinez and McCaffrey.

"I think we have two first-string quarterbacks. That's what we feel about them," Frost said. "I really believe if Luke would have been the one who already had been playing and we were to have the same camp, it would probably be Luke."

Martinez was the most productive freshman quarterback in the nation in 2018, averaging 371 yards of total offense against Big Ten West opponents and a school-record 295 per game overall. He led an offense that ranked second in the Big Ten and scored 30 points per game.

Martinez showed up on early Heisman Trophy candidate lists in the spring of 2019 and in the fall became the first sophomore in two decades to be voted a team captain at Nebraska.

But Martinez injured his left knee and missed games against Minnesota and Indiana. His passing accuracy slipped from 65% to 59%, and his nine interceptions were tied for second most in the Big Ten.

Martinez faced no competition for the starting job in 2019. As a freshman he had to win a battle against Tristan Gebbia, who ended up transferring to Oregon State.

"It was more similar to that first year than it was last year," Martinez said of competing with McCaffrey, "and I think it brought the most out of myself and Luke as well as the team surrounding us."

Martinez will try to atone for a poor start against Ohio State last year. He was intercepted on three of the Huskers' first four series in a 48-7 loss at home.

The Huskers will be playing at a mostly empty Ohio Stadium this week because of the Big Ten policy not allowing fans to attend games during the coronavirus pandemic.

"It will be bizarre," he said. "It will be a little bit of an adjustment at first. We'll be ready to go either way. If you need any more excitement to play in that game, in that stadium... I don't think it matters (if) the fans are there or not. Guys are going to be ready to play."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603140020318.png" alt="Courtesy Photo UNL" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Photo UNL</figcaption>
 </figure>ERIC OLSON-AP College Football Writer Adrian Martinez has turned back a challenge from Luke McCaffrey to win the starting quarterback's job for Nebraska's opener at No. 5 Ohio State.McCaffrey made a serious bid to unseat the Cornhuskers' two-year starter, who struggled with injuries last year and seemed to regress from his fantastic freshman season in 2018."Adrian is going to be our quarterback," coach Scott Frost said Monday. "I feel like I've got two guys playing at a really high level. I've seen a lot of improvement out of Adrian this year. I've seen a lot of improvement out of Luke. Both those guys are capable of moving our offense and doing a great job."McCaffrey, brother of NFL star Christian McCaffrey and son of former pro receiver Ed McCaffrey, played quarterback and receiver as a freshman last season and quickly became a fan favorite.As third-string QB last year, he played five-plus series in a loss to Indiana and completed 5 of 6 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown and ran 12 times for 76 yards. He also threw a 39-yard touchdown pass in a loss to Iowa.Frost limited McCaffrey to four games so he could retain a year of eligibility.Frost said he didn't know how much, if any, separation there is between Martinez and McCaffrey."I think we have two first-string quarterbacks. That's what we feel about them," Frost said. "I really believe if Luke would have been the one who already had been playing and we were to have the same camp, it would probably be Luke."Martinez was the most productive freshman quarterback in the nation in 2018, averaging 371 yards of total offense against Big Ten West opponents and a school-record 295 per game overall. He led an offense that ranked second in the Big Ten and scored 30 points per game.Martinez showed up on early Heisman Trophy candidate lists in the spring of 2019 and in the fall became the first sophomore in two decades to be voted a team captain at Nebraska.But Martinez injured his left knee and missed games against Minnesota and Indiana. His passing accuracy slipped from 65% to 59%, and his nine interceptions were tied for second most in the Big Ten.Martinez faced no competition for the starting job in 2019. As a freshman he had to win a battle against Tristan Gebbia, who ended up transferring to Oregon State."It was more similar to that first year than it was last year," Martinez said of competing with McCaffrey, "and I think it brought the most out of myself and Luke as well as the team surrounding us."Martinez will try to atone for a poor start against Ohio State last year. He was intercepted on three of the Huskers' first four series in a 48-7 loss at home.The Huskers will be playing at a mostly empty Ohio Stadium this week because of the Big Ten policy not allowing fans to attend games during the coronavirus pandemic."It will be bizarre," he said. "It will be a little bit of an adjustment at first. We'll be ready to go either way. If you need any more excitement to play in that game, in that stadium... I don't think it matters (if) the fans are there or not. Guys are going to be ready to play."

Martinez beats out McCaffrey for Huskers' starting QB job

10.17.2020 NPHS Volleyball @ Kearney tri

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The University of Nebraska's athletic director remains hopeful that the Big Ten will change course and allow fans to attend conference football games in 2020.

<a href="https://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/football/moos-says-he-will-continue-to-fight-for-nebraska-fans-to-be-able-to-attend/article_1cbfb33c-7361-5a03-b9bb-2b8456dd1200.html" target="_blank">The Lincoln Journal Star</a>&nbsp;reported that Athletic Director Bill Moos said Thursday that he will continue to push for a limited number of fans to be allowed in Memorial Stadium this season.

The Big Ten is starting the season later than other major conferences, on Oct. 24.

"I think it's an advantage for us to see what's happening in other areas of the country," Moos said. "Some places are accommodating a larger number of fans. We're going to need some data to fall back on, but I'm going to continue to observe and press for consideration - or reconsideration, I should say - as we move through the season."

Nebraska opens its season Oct. 24 at Ohio State, and the Huskers play their first home game against Wisconsin on Oct. 31.

The season opens as Nebraska and several other states are seeing a big rise in COVID-19 cases. Nebraska's online dashboard shows 55,428 confirmed cases and the state has reported 530 deaths.

Though tickets are not being sold to the public for Big Ten games, parents are allowed to attend at most schools, including Nebraska.

"I would want as many fans in Memorial Stadium as local health authorities would approve," Moos said. "I was hopeful we could be at 25 or 30 percent (of capacity), and maybe even nudge up to 50 percent. We had and still have plans that we feel very comfortable with in regards to the health and safety of our fans, and of course our coaches, players and staff."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602867125783.png" alt="NSP Photo" />
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 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The University of Nebraska's athletic director remains hopeful that the Big Ten will change course and allow fans to attend conference football games in 2020.<a href="https://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/football/moos-says-he-will-continue-to-fight-for-nebraska-fans-to-be-able-to-attend/article_1cbfb33c-7361-5a03-b9bb-2b8456dd1200.html" target="_blank">The Lincoln Journal Star</a>&nbsp;reported that Athletic Director Bill Moos said Thursday that he will continue to push for a limited number of fans to be allowed in Memorial Stadium this season.The Big Ten is starting the season later than other major conferences, on Oct. 24."I think it's an advantage for us to see what's happening in other areas of the country," Moos said. "Some places are accommodating a larger number of fans. We're going to need some data to fall back on, but I'm going to continue to observe and press for consideration - or reconsideration, I should say - as we move through the season."Nebraska opens its season Oct. 24 at Ohio State, and the Huskers play their first home game against Wisconsin on Oct. 31.The season opens as Nebraska and several other states are seeing a big rise in COVID-19 cases. Nebraska's online dashboard shows 55,428 confirmed cases and the state has reported 530 deaths.Though tickets are not being sold to the public for Big Ten games, parents are allowed to attend at most schools, including Nebraska."I would want as many fans in Memorial Stadium as local health authorities would approve," Moos said. "I was hopeful we could be at 25 or 30 percent (of capacity), and maybe even nudge up to 50 percent. We had and still have plans that we feel very comfortable with in regards to the health and safety of our fans, and of course our coaches, players and staff."

Nebraska AD still hoping for fans at football games in 2020

10.16.2020 NPHS Football vs Millard West - LIVESTREAM 

#12 Justin Ye (11), Millard West&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6 Marcus Trotta (11), North Platte&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;0

Brocklynn Little (12), North Platte&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10 Andrew Pick (12), Gretna&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;7

Brocklynn Little (12), North Platte&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;0 #1 Aaron Shefsky (9), Omaha Westside&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6 #1 Doubles

Landon Blank (12)/ Ethan Mercer (12), North Platte&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3 Landen Johnson (10)/ Blake Urwin (11), Bellevue East&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6

Cooper McIntosh (12)/ Callen Zurn (12), North Platte&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6(6) Alex Gable (11)/ Caden Connelly (11), Lincoln High&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 7(8)

Class A #1 Singles#12 Justin Ye (11), Millard West&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6 Marcus Trotta (11), North Platte&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;0#2 SinglesBrocklynn Little (12), North Platte&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10 Andrew Pick (12), Gretna&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;7Brocklynn Little (12), North Platte&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;0 #1 Aaron Shefsky (9), Omaha Westside&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6 #1 DoublesLandon Blank (12)/ Ethan Mercer (12), North Platte&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3 Landen Johnson (10)/ Blake Urwin (11), Bellevue East&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6#2 DoublesCooper McIntosh (12)/ Callen Zurn (12), North Platte&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6(6) Alex Gable (11)/ Caden Connelly (11), Lincoln High&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 7(8)

NPHS Tennis: State Championship tournament results day 1 

<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/911648191&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/1016-jordan-cudney" title="10.16 Jordan Cudney Radio a thon" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">10.16 Jordan Cudney Radio a thon</a></div></div>

NPHS Fundraiser: Interview with Jordan Cudney

The St. Pats Boys and Girls Cross Country teams are headed to State! The boys posted a runner-up placement 5 points behind Axtell. St. Pat’s freshman Jarrett Miles was the overall boys District Champion with a time of 17:31.00. The other medal winner from the St Pats boys team was Dax Connick who placed 8th in 18:44.51.

The St. Pats girls brought home the District Championship trophy with a total of 9 points. All five of the St Pats girls individually qualified as well. Junior Kate Stienike was the District Champion with a time of 20:54.60. Senior Genna Blakely placed 2nd, Hayley Miles 6th, Madi Gifford 12th and Helana Pettit was 14th. The St Pats Cross Country team will head to Kearney next Friday to compete in the State Championships.

The St. Pats Boys and Girls Cross Country teams are headed to State! The boys posted a runner-up placement 5 points behind Axtell. St. Pat’s freshman Jarrett Miles was the overall boys District Champion with a time of 17:31.00. The other medal winner from the St Pats boys team was Dax Connick who placed 8th in 18:44.51.The St. Pats girls brought home the District Championship trophy with a total of 9 points. All five of the St Pats girls individually qualified as well. Junior Kate Stienike was the District Champion with a time of 20:54.60. Senior Genna Blakely placed 2nd, Hayley Miles 6th, Madi Gifford 12th and Helana Pettit was 14th. The St Pats Cross Country team will head to Kearney next Friday to compete in the State Championships.<figure>
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NPSP Cross Country: Boys and Girls statebound! 

Today was a great day to be a Bulldog! In a tough Class A district, both teams finish third and qualify for the state meet next! Both teams battled and competed hard for their teams.&nbsp;

The boys led off the day with a great start! Evan Caudy led the way for the Bulldogs finishing in first place individually. Also medaling for the Bulldogs and qualifying individually was Jonah San Miguel in 12th and Rian Teets in 15th. The boys have now qualified back to back years, becoming the first North Platte team to do so since 2009 and 2020.&nbsp;

The girls followed suit with a great performance. Zarah Blaesi finished 4th qualifying individually for the state meet. She was the only girl for North Platte in the top 15, but the rest of our top 5 girls all finished in the top 25, helping lead the Bulldogs to a third place finish and earning a trip to the state meet. The Bulldog girls qualified for state two years ago in class B, but this was the first time the girls have qualified for state in class A since 2006.&nbsp;

We always talk about how we are one big team both girls and guys. This makes us unique and strong. We run as a team and finish as a family. Although we have had many teams qualify over the years, this is the first time since 1984 that BOTH teams qualified on the SAME year! These kids have shown a lot of grit and toughness throughout the year and I’m very happy they have both earned the trip to compete at the state, they’ve earned it!&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/School.aspx?SchoolID=10915">Link to results: boys are the A-3 tab and girls A-4</a>

By Jake Hasenauer - NPHS cross countryToday was a great day to be a Bulldog! In a tough Class A district, both teams finish third and qualify for the state meet next! Both teams battled and competed hard for their teams.&nbsp; The boys led off the day with a great start! Evan Caudy led the way for the Bulldogs finishing in first place individually. Also medaling for the Bulldogs and qualifying individually was Jonah San Miguel in 12th and Rian Teets in 15th. The boys have now qualified back to back years, becoming the first North Platte team to do so since 2009 and 2020.&nbsp; The girls followed suit with a great performance. Zarah Blaesi finished 4th qualifying individually for the state meet. She was the only girl for North Platte in the top 15, but the rest of our top 5 girls all finished in the top 25, helping lead the Bulldogs to a third place finish and earning a trip to the state meet. The Bulldog girls qualified for state two years ago in class B, but this was the first time the girls have qualified for state in class A since 2006.&nbsp; We always talk about how we are one big team both girls and guys. This makes us unique and strong. We run as a team and finish as a family. Although we have had many teams qualify over the years, this is the first time since 1984 that BOTH teams qualified on the SAME year! These kids have shown a lot of grit and toughness throughout the year and I’m very happy they have both earned the trip to compete at the state, they’ve earned it!&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/School.aspx?SchoolID=10915">Link to results: boys are the A-3 tab and girls A-4</a>

NPHS Cross Country: Cross Country District Wrap-Up

For the first time in NPHS history the Girls Golf program can say they are the best in the state. They dominated the two day Class A state championship with a team score of 660, 23 strokes better then 2nd place Lincoln Pius X.&nbsp;

Three Lady Dawgs placed in the top ten with Karsen Morrison coming in 3rd overall, Baylee Steele capturing 5th and Maya Lashley coming in 9th.

Activities director Jordan Cudney had this to say about the win:&nbsp;

"BRING THAT TROPHY BACK TO NORTH PLATTE!!!! Your Lady Bulldogs Golf Team has just won the 2020 CLASS A STATE GIRLS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP!!! They defeated the runner up team from Pius X by an 23 strokes en route to the team championship!! Your Lady Dawgs were paced by Karsen Morrison who placed 3rd, Baylee Steele who placed 5th, Maya Lashley who placed 9th, Abbigail Jones and Kaylee Carlson tied for 36th.

This championship is the exclamation point on a TREMENDOUS 2020 golf season and we at NPHS are SO PROUD of all the girls on the team as well as Coach Jim Orcutt and Coach Matt Kaminski!!! They have been a shining example of what we want all of our activity programs to be here at North Platte High School in and out of the arena of competition!!

Thank you Baylee and Maya for your leadership and competitiveness during your four years as a Bulldog golfer. You have left a legacy for girls to come to follow!! Thank you to Coach Jim Orcutt and Coach Matt Kaminiski for your dedication to helping these young ladies reach their potential as golfers, but more importantly, you have helped in the process of making these young ladies great student athletes for NPHS!! Thank you parents and the North Platte community for all the support and encouragement you have provided this team and these coaches. What we have at North Platte is TRULY SPECIAL!!

We will celebrate the girls multiple times when they get back from the state championship! First, there will be a POLICE ESCORT when they return back from Norfolk later on tonight. Second, we will recognize them during the Homecoming Pep Rally tomorrow (10.14.2020). Finally, we will recognize them again prior to the varsity football game vs Millard West on Friday (10.16.2020)!! Again, congratulations to all of the girls and coaches on a season to remember!! #WTMB #toughtogether

For the first time in NPHS history the Girls Golf program can say they are the best in the state. They dominated the two day Class A state championship with a team score of 660, 23 strokes better then 2nd place Lincoln Pius X.&nbsp;Three Lady Dawgs placed in the top ten with Karsen Morrison coming in 3rd overall, Baylee Steele capturing 5th and Maya Lashley coming in 9th.Activities director Jordan Cudney had this to say about the win:&nbsp;"BRING THAT TROPHY BACK TO NORTH PLATTE!!!! Your Lady Bulldogs Golf Team has just won the 2020 CLASS A STATE GIRLS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP!!! They defeated the runner up team from Pius X by an 23 strokes en route to the team championship!! Your Lady Dawgs were paced by Karsen Morrison who placed 3rd, Baylee Steele who placed 5th, Maya Lashley who placed 9th, Abbigail Jones and Kaylee Carlson tied for 36th.This championship is the exclamation point on a TREMENDOUS 2020 golf season and we at NPHS are SO PROUD of all the girls on the team as well as Coach Jim Orcutt and Coach Matt Kaminski!!! They have been a shining example of what we want all of our activity programs to be here at North Platte High School in and out of the arena of competition!!Thank you Baylee and Maya for your leadership and competitiveness during your four years as a Bulldog golfer. You have left a legacy for girls to come to follow!! Thank you to Coach Jim Orcutt and Coach Matt Kaminiski for your dedication to helping these young ladies reach their potential as golfers, but more importantly, you have helped in the process of making these young ladies great student athletes for NPHS!! Thank you parents and the North Platte community for all the support and encouragement you have provided this team and these coaches. What we have at North Platte is TRULY SPECIAL!!We will celebrate the girls multiple times when they get back from the state championship! First, there will be a POLICE ESCORT when they return back from Norfolk later on tonight. Second, we will recognize them during the Homecoming Pep Rally tomorrow (10.14.2020). Finally, we will recognize them again prior to the varsity football game vs Millard West on Friday (10.16.2020)!! Again, congratulations to all of the girls and coaches on a season to remember!! #WTMB #toughtogether

NPHS Girls Golf: STATE CHAMPIONS

Ryan Jones will go down in history as the best football coach in Maxwell's history.&nbsp;

That was the sentiment by people all throughout the Maxwell school district as they found out that this would be the last season for Jones as head coach.&nbsp;

The school released a statement concerning the decision:&nbsp;

Maxwell Public Schools would like to announce that Head Football Coach Ryan Jones will be stepping down as its head coach. His last game will be this Thursday at Mullen. The North Platte High grad’s first 8-man game he ever watched, was the Junior High game he coached, in 2003.

Coach Jones has been on the Maxwell sidelines for 18 years. His first 4 were as head junior high and assistant varsity coach. He was hired as head football coach in 2007. In this time he compiled a 71-58 career record. The Wildcats qualified for the play-offs 8 times in his tenure.

His play-off record was 10-8 including a 6-2 record in the first round of the playoffs. Under Jones’ leadership Maxwell made it all the way to the semifinals in both 2008 and 2014. Maxwell was district champions four times in Jones’ 14 years as head coach. Coach Jones was Huskerland Prep Coach of the year in both 2008 and 2014.

Coach Jones will still maintain his role as Head Wrestling, Head Baseball, and Activities Director at Maxwell.

When asked about this decision, superintendent Danny McMurtry stated that “Coach Jones will step down as the most successful football coach in the history of Maxwell Public Schools. We were honored for 14 years to have him at the helm. We respect his decision and look forward to his continued contributions to our athletic department as both an athletic director as well as a head coach in both wrestling and baseball.”

Ryan Jones will go down in history as the best football coach in Maxwell's history.&nbsp;That was the sentiment by people all throughout the Maxwell school district as they found out that this would be the last season for Jones as head coach.&nbsp;The school released a statement concerning the decision:&nbsp;Maxwell Public Schools would like to announce that Head Football Coach Ryan Jones will be stepping down as its head coach. His last game will be this Thursday at Mullen. The North Platte High grad’s first 8-man game he ever watched, was the Junior High game he coached, in 2003.Coach Jones has been on the Maxwell sidelines for 18 years. His first 4 were as head junior high and assistant varsity coach. He was hired as head football coach in 2007. In this time he compiled a 71-58 career record. The Wildcats qualified for the play-offs 8 times in his tenure.His play-off record was 10-8 including a 6-2 record in the first round of the playoffs. Under Jones’ leadership Maxwell made it all the way to the semifinals in both 2008 and 2014. Maxwell was district champions four times in Jones’ 14 years as head coach. Coach Jones was Huskerland Prep Coach of the year in both 2008 and 2014.Coach Jones will still maintain his role as Head Wrestling, Head Baseball, and Activities Director at Maxwell.When asked about this decision, superintendent Danny McMurtry stated that “Coach Jones will step down as the most successful football coach in the history of Maxwell Public Schools. We were honored for 14 years to have him at the helm. We respect his decision and look forward to his continued contributions to our athletic department as both an athletic director as well as a head coach in both wrestling and baseball.”

Maxwell Football coach steps down

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - Nebraska will play at Iowa on the day after Thanksgiving, continuing a tradition that started when the Cornhuskers joined the Big Ten in 2011.

The Big Ten on Monday announced the game would be played Nov. 27 instead of Nov. 28. Kickoff time will be announced later.

In another schedule change, Iowa will play at Minnesota on Nov. 13, a Friday, instead of on Nov. 14.

This will mark the 31st straight season Nebraska has played on Black Friday, dating to the 1990 season. In addition to 10 matchups with Iowa, the Cornhuskers played Colorado for 15 straight seasons from 1996-2010 and met Oklahoma six consecutive years from 1990-95.

The Big Ten season opens Oct. 24, with Nebraska playing at No. 6 Ohio State and Iowa at Purdue.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - Nebraska will play at Iowa on the day after Thanksgiving, continuing a tradition that started when the Cornhuskers joined the Big Ten in 2011.The Big Ten on Monday announced the game would be played Nov. 27 instead of Nov. 28. Kickoff time will be announced later.In another schedule change, Iowa will play at Minnesota on Nov. 13, a Friday, instead of on Nov. 14.This will mark the 31st straight season Nebraska has played on Black Friday, dating to the 1990 season. In addition to 10 matchups with Iowa, the Cornhuskers played Colorado for 15 straight seasons from 1996-2010 and met Oklahoma six consecutive years from 1990-95.The Big Ten season opens Oct. 24, with Nebraska playing at No. 6 Ohio State and Iowa at Purdue.

Huskers-Hawkeyes football game to be day after Thanksgiving

The Lady Dawgs softball has something to prove after missing the Class B state tournament last year.&nbsp; They spent all season gearing up for this moment and the hard work paid off. A slip in the district tournament by Omaha Marian (24-7) allowed the Dawgs (29-9) to move up and take the #3 spot, potentially putting off a meeting with Papillion-La Vista (#1 team in the nation) until the Final.&nbsp; Day one of the tournament looks like this:&nbsp; #1 Papillion-La Vista (32-0) vs #8 Papillion-La Vista South (22-15) #2 Lincoln SW (32-7) vs #7 Bellevue East (21-13) #3 North Platte (29-9) vs #6 Lincoln SE (30-13) #4 Omaha Marian (24-7) vs #5 Lincoln East (32-9) &nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OFEoMb64RXO5-WClz4hlcLmXEfjcokbrLoEf1p0kw6s/htmlview">You can find the full bracket at this link here</a>

The Lady Dawgs softball has something to prove after missing the Class B state tournament last year.&nbsp; They spent all season gearing up for this moment and the hard work paid off. A slip in the district tournament by Omaha Marian (24-7) allowed the Dawgs (29-9) to move up and take the #3 spot, potentially putting off a meeting with Papillion-La Vista (#1 team in the nation) until the Final.&nbsp; Day one of the tournament looks like this:&nbsp; #1 Papillion-La Vista (32-0) vs #8 Papillion-La Vista South (22-15) #2 Lincoln SW (32-7) vs #7 Bellevue East (21-13) #3 North Platte (29-9) vs #6 Lincoln SE (30-13) #4 Omaha Marian (24-7) vs #5 Lincoln East (32-9) &nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OFEoMb64RXO5-WClz4hlcLmXEfjcokbrLoEf1p0kw6s/htmlview">You can find the full bracket at this link here</a>

NPHS Softball: Girls snag #3 seed

Here's the Varsity schedule for NPHS Athletics for this week:&nbsp; Monday:&nbsp; Girls Golf: State Tournament in Norfolk - All-day&nbsp;

Tuesday:&nbsp; Girls Golf: State Tournament in Norfolk - All-day

Wednesday:&nbsp; Girls Softball: State Tournament in Hastings - 11:30 am Thursday:&nbsp; Girls Softball: State Tournament in Hastings - TBD Girls Volleyball: Home against McCook - 7pm Boys Tennis: State Tournament - 8am Cross Country: Varsity Districts - TBD

Friday: Boys Tennis: State Tournament - TBD Boys Football: Home against Millard West - 6pm

Here's the Varsity schedule for NPHS Athletics for this week:&nbsp; Monday:&nbsp; Girls Golf: State Tournament in Norfolk - All-day&nbsp;Tuesday:&nbsp; Girls Golf: State Tournament in Norfolk - All-dayWednesday:&nbsp; Girls Softball: State Tournament in Hastings - 11:30 am Thursday:&nbsp; Girls Softball: State Tournament in Hastings - TBD Girls Volleyball: Home against McCook - 7pm Boys Tennis: State Tournament - 8am Cross Country: Varsity Districts - TBDFriday: Boys Tennis: State Tournament - TBD Boys Football: Home against Millard West - 6pm

NPHS Athletics: Schedule for 10/12 - 10/16

By BARRY WILNER and TERESA M. WALKER - Associated Press

The NFL has juggled its regular-season schedule due to coronavirus outbreaks with the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots.

Nine teams are being affected, some over a period of weeks through Nov. 22: New England, Tennessee, Denver, Buffalo, Kansas City, Miami, the Los Angeles Chargers, New York Jets and Jacksonville.

Denver’s game at New England, originally scheduled for Sunday and then moved to Monday night when the Patriots had more positive COVID-19 tests, now will be played next Sunday afternoon.

Kansas City’s game at Buffalo, which was supposed to be played Thursday night, has been moved back to Monday, Oct. 19.

Tuesday night’s game with the Bills at the Titans, which originally was to be played Sunday, remains on schedule despite another positive test result in Tennessee.

—Jets at Chargers moves from Week 6 to Week 11.

—Jaguars at Chargers moves from Week 8 to Week 7.

—Chargers at Broncos moves from Week 11 to Week 8.

—Chargers at Dolphins moves from Week 7 to Week 10.

—Dolphins at Broncos moves from Week 6 to Week 11.

Changes in bye weeks show Denver’s switching to this week from Week 8; New England’s from next week to this week; the Chargers’ from Week 10 to next week; the Dolphins’ from Week 10 to next week; Jacksonville’s from Week 7 to Week 8; and the Jets’ from Week 11 to Week 10.

“I mean, we know there are going to be issues — you do the best you can and if there’s a problem you shut things off and you make sure you isolate,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “We did a pretty good job with all that. And as far as Buffalo, we know that things are going to happen, so you have to do that.”

There were no other positive COVID-19 tests Sunday, and the Titans were given approved to practice by the league.

“Early this afternoon, the NFL gave the team permission to hold a practice with limited staff — players, coaches and a handful of support staff. The hour and 45 minute practice took place outdoors,” the team said.

The Titans also will have two players back from the reserve/COVID list: defensive lineman DL DaQuan Jones, a team captain, and long snapper Beau Brinkley. They were put on that list Sept. 29 when eight positive tests returned and the NFL shut down the Tennessee facility.

The NFL rescheduled New England’s game for a second straight week after reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore tested positive. This latest positive result puts their outbreak at four, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither team announced the latest results.

Broncos coach Vic Fangio, in a memorable take on the outbreaks in the league, noted on a Zoom call that what is occurring with the Titans and Patriots could happen to anyone.

“But my message to them and to anybody is we were inconvenienced by this,” he said, “but it very easily could have been flipped around to where we had the positive tests and the Patriots were inconvenienced by it. So, I’m happy that the positive tests weren’t in our building.

“But I’m under no illusion that at some point we might have a positive test or two and be the cause of a game getting moved down the road. So, we’re all in this together, the entire league is.

“And in a weird way, I’m kind of happy to see some of this stuff happen because you see who the whiners are ... and who can’t handle adversity. And I’m going to try hard that the Denver Broncos don’t fall into any of those categories.”

The Titans last played Sept. 27 because of an outbreak that has now reached 24. They’ve already had a game with Pittsburgh first postponed, then rescheduled to Oct. 25.

The Bears also had an issue, moving offensive lineman Badara Traore from their practice squad to the reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday.

Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill addressed the uncertainty of the situation on Saturday.

“It was a roller coaster for sure,” he said. “Definitely the fact that we had guys with no symptoms testing positive and we had guys with full-blown symptoms getting consecutive negative tests on multiple days was really eye opening. Just the fact of we really don’t know.

“So, we have to treat everyone as if they have the virus. Unfortunately, really probably lost some faith in the testing system just through everything we’ve been through over the past week and a half. But we said that from the beginning that testing is not going to prevent the virus from being spread, it’s the way we handle ourselves with all the protocols and handle ourselves outside the building as well.”

AP Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton and Sports Writers John Wawrow and Joe Reedy contributed.

By BARRY WILNER and TERESA M. WALKER - Associated PressThe NFL has juggled its regular-season schedule due to coronavirus outbreaks with the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots.Nine teams are being affected, some over a period of weeks through Nov. 22: New England, Tennessee, Denver, Buffalo, Kansas City, Miami, the Los Angeles Chargers, New York Jets and Jacksonville.Denver’s game at New England, originally scheduled for Sunday and then moved to Monday night when the Patriots had more positive COVID-19 tests, now will be played next Sunday afternoon.Kansas City’s game at Buffalo, which was supposed to be played Thursday night, has been moved back to Monday, Oct. 19.Tuesday night’s game with the Bills at the Titans, which originally was to be played Sunday, remains on schedule despite another positive test result in Tennessee.Other changes:—Jets at Chargers moves from Week 6 to Week 11.—Jaguars at Chargers moves from Week 8 to Week 7.—Chargers at Broncos moves from Week 11 to Week 8.—Chargers at Dolphins moves from Week 7 to Week 10.—Dolphins at Broncos moves from Week 6 to Week 11.Changes in bye weeks show Denver’s switching to this week from Week 8; New England’s from next week to this week; the Chargers’ from Week 10 to next week; the Dolphins’ from Week 10 to next week; Jacksonville’s from Week 7 to Week 8; and the Jets’ from Week 11 to Week 10.“I mean, we know there are going to be issues — you do the best you can and if there’s a problem you shut things off and you make sure you isolate,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “We did a pretty good job with all that. And as far as Buffalo, we know that things are going to happen, so you have to do that.”There were no other positive COVID-19 tests Sunday, and the Titans were given approved to practice by the league.“Early this afternoon, the NFL gave the team permission to hold a practice with limited staff — players, coaches and a handful of support staff. The hour and 45 minute practice took place outdoors,” the team said.The Titans also will have two players back from the reserve/COVID list: defensive lineman DL DaQuan Jones, a team captain, and long snapper Beau Brinkley. They were put on that list Sept. 29 when eight positive tests returned and the NFL shut down the Tennessee facility.The NFL rescheduled New England’s game for a second straight week after reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore tested positive. This latest positive result puts their outbreak at four, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither team announced the latest results.Broncos coach Vic Fangio, in a memorable take on the outbreaks in the league, noted on a Zoom call that what is occurring with the Titans and Patriots could happen to anyone.“But my message to them and to anybody is we were inconvenienced by this,” he said, “but it very easily could have been flipped around to where we had the positive tests and the Patriots were inconvenienced by it. So, I’m happy that the positive tests weren’t in our building.“But I’m under no illusion that at some point we might have a positive test or two and be the cause of a game getting moved down the road. So, we’re all in this together, the entire league is.“And in a weird way, I’m kind of happy to see some of this stuff happen because you see who the whiners are ... and who can’t handle adversity. And I’m going to try hard that the Denver Broncos don’t fall into any of those categories.”The Titans last played Sept. 27 because of an outbreak that has now reached 24. They’ve already had a game with Pittsburgh first postponed, then rescheduled to Oct. 25.The Bears also had an issue, moving offensive lineman Badara Traore from their practice squad to the reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday.Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill addressed the uncertainty of the situation on Saturday.“It was a roller coaster for sure,” he said. “Definitely the fact that we had guys with no symptoms testing positive and we had guys with full-blown symptoms getting consecutive negative tests on multiple days was really eye opening. Just the fact of we really don’t know.“So, we have to treat everyone as if they have the virus. Unfortunately, really probably lost some faith in the testing system just through everything we’ve been through over the past week and a half. But we said that from the beginning that testing is not going to prevent the virus from being spread, it’s the way we handle ourselves with all the protocols and handle ourselves outside the building as well.”___AP Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton and Sports Writers John Wawrow and Joe Reedy contributed.

NFL does major juggling of schedule due to coronavirus

10.9.2020 NPHS Football @ Lincoln East LIVESTREAM

At the Board of Directors meeting earlier this week the NSAA made some changes to state competition schedules. Most notably the changes to Wrestling and Volleyball.&nbsp; Wrestling will be adding a whole new day:&nbsp;

Meanwhile, for Volleyball it will all happen at Pinnacle bank arena still but again expanding their time there:&nbsp;

At the Board of Directors meeting earlier this week the NSAA made some changes to state competition schedules. Most notably the changes to Wrestling and Volleyball.&nbsp; Wrestling will be adding a whole new day:&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UPDATE: NSAA changes State Wrestling Championship schedule. Stay tuned for more information. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nebpreps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nebpreps</a> <a href="https://t.co/3xyJy8zjpT">pic.twitter.com/3xyJy8zjpT</a>&mdash; NSAA (@nsaahome) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsaahome/status/1314263709389402119?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Meanwhile, for Volleyball it will all happen at Pinnacle bank arena still but again expanding their time there:&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The NSAA Board of Directors voted 8-0 FOR playing 1st Round, Semis &amp; Finals of the 2020 NSAA State Volleyball Championships at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The updated schedule will be available soon. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nebpreps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nebpreps</a>&mdash; NSAA (@nsaahome) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsaahome/status/1314205916145700870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">State volleyball will be played in its entirety at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Three classes on Wednesday, other three on Thursday, semifinals on Friday, finals on Saturday.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nebpreps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nebpreps</a>&mdash; Stu Pospisil (@stuOWH) <a href="https://twitter.com/stuOWH/status/1314206118248284161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

NSAA Changes State Wrestling and Volleyball Schedules

By Jake Hasenauer - NPHS Cross Country&nbsp;

The regular season finished off Thursday in Sidney, Nebraska for the North Platte Cross Country teams.  I was very proud of how all of our runners competed.  The course was what I would call a "true" cross country course, as all the athletes ran through gravel, dirt, grass, and pasture land.  On a hot October day, both North Platte Cross Country teams showed a lot of grit and both came away with the championship.  This was the fifth invitational win for both the guys and girls teams this season.  

Both varsity squads battled well against the eight other schools in the meet.  It is always fun to compete against schools in Western Nebraska. They have talent, grit, and are tough competitors.  The race went out quick on both sides.  The varsity girls hung tough and all of our top six girls finished in the top thirteen.  Leading the way for the Bulldogs was Zarah Blaesi in second, followed by: Nelia Rivas (6th), Evelyn Blaesi (7th), Lexi Hoatson (8th), Baylee Evarts (10th), and Jenessa Arnold (13th).  The boys followed suit, by having several runners place high in the meet.  The varsity boys were led by Evan Caudy, with a first place finish, followed by: Jonah San Miguel (4th), Rian Teets (6th), Aaron Franz (7th), and Tom Moss (12th).  

Both of our junior varsity programs had great performances to cap off their seasons.  The junior varsity girls were led by Boston Pettera with a first place finish, followed by Shelby Steele with a third place finish.  The junior varsity boys finished first as a team.  This was the sixth invite out of seven meets that the junior varsity boys have finished first this season.  They were led by Trenton Golter with a first place finish, Ben Steele (2nd), Ainsley Schroeder (4th), Rayce Moerke (5th), Gabe Jenny (7th) and Oban Sandavol (11th).  

Our boys and girls varsity teams will compete at the district meet this coming Thursday (10/15) in Lincoln, Nebraska at Pioneers Park.  

<a href="https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/171675/results">You can see the individual results here</a>

By Jake Hasenauer - NPHS Cross Country&nbsp;The regular season finished off Thursday in Sidney, Nebraska for the North Platte Cross Country teams. I was very proud of how all of our runners competed. The course was what I would call a "true" cross country course, as all the athletes ran through gravel, dirt, grass, and pasture land. On a hot October day, both North Platte Cross Country teams showed a lot of grit and both came away with the championship. This was the fifth invitational win for both the guys and girls teams this season. Both varsity squads battled well against the eight other schools in the meet. It is always fun to compete against schools in Western Nebraska. They have talent, grit, and are tough competitors. The race went out quick on both sides. The varsity girls hung tough and all of our top six girls finished in the top thirteen. Leading the way for the Bulldogs was Zarah Blaesi in second, followed by: Nelia Rivas (6th), Evelyn Blaesi (7th), Lexi Hoatson (8th), Baylee Evarts (10th), and Jenessa Arnold (13th). The boys followed suit, by having several runners place high in the meet. The varsity boys were led by Evan Caudy, with a first place finish, followed by: Jonah San Miguel (4th), Rian Teets (6th), Aaron Franz (7th), and Tom Moss (12th). Both of our junior varsity programs had great performances to cap off their seasons. The junior varsity girls were led by Boston Pettera with a first place finish, followed by Shelby Steele with a third place finish. The junior varsity boys finished first as a team. This was the sixth invite out of seven meets that the junior varsity boys have finished first this season. They were led by Trenton Golter with a first place finish, Ben Steele (2nd), Ainsley Schroeder (4th), Rayce Moerke (5th), Gabe Jenny (7th) and Oban Sandavol (11th). Our boys and girls varsity teams will compete at the district meet this coming Thursday (10/15) in Lincoln, Nebraska at Pioneers Park. <a href="https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/171675/results">You can see the individual results here</a>

NPHS Cross Country: Results and Recap from Sidney Cross Country Invite

10.8.2020 NPHS Softball Districts Day 2 LIVESTREAM

No one really expected the NFL to make it through an entire season unscathed. The insidious nature of the coronavirus dictated that there would eventually be a crisis for a league trying desperately to play without a bubble.

Still, for a few weeks it looked like the NFL’s gamble would pay off. Teams were playing games, players were staying safe, and the biggest issue seemed to be how many fans should be allowed inside stadiums to watch.

Suddenly, that’s all changed. The Tennessee Titans have been decimated by the virus, Cam Newton has added a mask to his fashion accessories and players around the league are warily on the lookout for dangers that can’t be seen.

Now the NFL’s day of reckoning is coming. It’s not a stretch to say the remainder of the season hangs in the balance over the next few weeks.

A league accustomed to dominating any crisis in the past is finding out what those in the White House should already know: You can’t bully COVID-19.

``We’re fighting an uphill battle,” Buffalo coach Sean McDermott acknowledged while waiting for word on whether his team will go to Tennessee for a scheduled Sunday game. ``I think we know that there’s a challenge because of how easily this thing spreads.’’

That challenge became evident when several Titans tested positive last week — and the positives kept coming. By Wednesday the total was up to 22, including 11 players, and there seemed to be little chance Tennessee would be hosting the Bills on Sunday as scheduled.

The Patriots also canceled practice in the wake of Newton’s positive test and another for Stephon Gilmore, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The Raiders also reported a positive test in Las Vegas.

And around the league Wednesday, the talk was about health, not football. In Kansas City, Patrick Mahomes was asked to explain why he and Gilmore shared a bro hug after the Chiefs beat the Patriots.

“Obviously knowing that I went up to him after the game and gave him a high-five, like I have all my career and not thinking about it — it was a mental lapse,” Mahomes said.

Unfortunately, those kinds of lapses have been common in the first weeks of the season. Players have interacted with other teams, gone maskless to an event in Las Vegas, and not always followed the strict protocol put in place in hopes of getting the season in.

And even after being fined $100,000 for not wearing his mask on the sidelines, Raiders coach Jon Gruden kept taking it down again in Sunday’s loss at home to Buffalo.

The NFL is now threatening violators with everything it has left in the punishment bag — including suspensions and the loss of draft picks. But the cases are beginning to add up, and the logistics to keep playing the season are getting tougher.

``Everybody’s confidence level is probably a little less than a few weeks ago. Two weeks ago everybody was riding high,” said Miami quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. ``It’s amazing to see what happened in Tennessee so quickly.”

Indeed, the Titans were on a roll to begin the season, winning their first three games. But Sunday’s game against the Steelers was rescheduled and so, likely, will be the game with the Bills.

The Patriots, meanwhile, were already facing a short week after having their game with the Chiefs moved to Monday. But is it fair to ask them to play at home Sunday against Denver after having to cancel practice and being without Newton and Gilmore?

It’s not, of course, and too many situations like that will threaten to make a mockery of the season.

Testing numbers released by the NFL are impressive with some 35,000 tests a week for players and other team personnel. But while the number of positives is low, the trend is upward.

``It takes one guy to go to the grocery store and it’s as simple as that sometimes,” Bills quarterback Josh Allen said. ``You don’t ever suspect anybody to have it in the facility. But you’ve got to hope that guys are wearing their masks, the contact tracers are working.’’

By TIM DAHLBERG - Associated PressNo one really expected the NFL to make it through an entire season unscathed. The insidious nature of the coronavirus dictated that there would eventually be a crisis for a league trying desperately to play without a bubble.Still, for a few weeks it looked like the NFL’s gamble would pay off. Teams were playing games, players were staying safe, and the biggest issue seemed to be how many fans should be allowed inside stadiums to watch.Suddenly, that’s all changed. The Tennessee Titans have been decimated by the virus, Cam Newton has added a mask to his fashion accessories and players around the league are warily on the lookout for dangers that can’t be seen.Now the NFL’s day of reckoning is coming. It’s not a stretch to say the remainder of the season hangs in the balance over the next few weeks.A league accustomed to dominating any crisis in the past is finding out what those in the White House should already know: You can’t bully COVID-19.``We’re fighting an uphill battle,” Buffalo coach Sean McDermott acknowledged while waiting for word on whether his team will go to Tennessee for a scheduled Sunday game. ``I think we know that there’s a challenge because of how easily this thing spreads.’’That challenge became evident when several Titans tested positive last week — and the positives kept coming. By Wednesday the total was up to 22, including 11 players, and there seemed to be little chance Tennessee would be hosting the Bills on Sunday as scheduled.The Patriots also canceled practice in the wake of Newton’s positive test and another for Stephon Gilmore, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The Raiders also reported a positive test in Las Vegas.And around the league Wednesday, the talk was about health, not football. In Kansas City, Patrick Mahomes was asked to explain why he and Gilmore shared a bro hug after the Chiefs beat the Patriots.“Obviously knowing that I went up to him after the game and gave him a high-five, like I have all my career and not thinking about it — it was a mental lapse,” Mahomes said.Unfortunately, those kinds of lapses have been common in the first weeks of the season. Players have interacted with other teams, gone maskless to an event in Las Vegas, and not always followed the strict protocol put in place in hopes of getting the season in.And even after being fined $100,000 for not wearing his mask on the sidelines, Raiders coach Jon Gruden kept taking it down again in Sunday’s loss at home to Buffalo.The NFL is now threatening violators with everything it has left in the punishment bag — including suspensions and the loss of draft picks. But the cases are beginning to add up, and the logistics to keep playing the season are getting tougher.``Everybody’s confidence level is probably a little less than a few weeks ago. Two weeks ago everybody was riding high,” said Miami quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. ``It’s amazing to see what happened in Tennessee so quickly.”Indeed, the Titans were on a roll to begin the season, winning their first three games. But Sunday’s game against the Steelers was rescheduled and so, likely, will be the game with the Bills.The Patriots, meanwhile, were already facing a short week after having their game with the Chiefs moved to Monday. But is it fair to ask them to play at home Sunday against Denver after having to cancel practice and being without Newton and Gilmore?It’s not, of course, and too many situations like that will threaten to make a mockery of the season.Testing numbers released by the NFL are impressive with some 35,000 tests a week for players and other team personnel. But while the number of positives is low, the trend is upward.``It takes one guy to go to the grocery store and it’s as simple as that sometimes,” Bills quarterback Josh Allen said. ``You don’t ever suspect anybody to have it in the facility. But you’ve got to hope that guys are wearing their masks, the contact tracers are working.’’That’s the hope, and through four weeks of the season it looked like that might be enough. Now, though, the virus is not only in play but crossing the 50-yard-line.Things could get so bad that there’s a possibility, NFL chief medical officer Allen Sills acknowledged Wednesday, the season could be paused or even suspended.The NFL will continue to fight on, at least for the moment. The league will play as many games as it can this weekend and hope it can play next.As always, though, the virus will have the last say.