Way Too Early Preview: Creighton Prep
Overview:
With Tim Johnk taking the reins, 2017 looked like it’d be a rebuilding year for the Creighton Prep Junior Jays. But nothing seemed to slow them down. The 2017 NSAA Class A state tournament semifinalists finished the season with a 9-3 record, following a heartbreaking loss at Kearney. It was the school’s 23rd straight postseason appearance.
Key Player(s) Lost:
Grant Matthies, TE: The Northwest Missouri State commit led Prep’s receiving core in the 2017 season with 443 yards on 28 receptions, equalling 37 yards per game.
Key Players Returning:
Reid Burke, QB: As a 6-foot, 165 pound quarterback, the sophomore played in nine games for the Junior Jays last season. He earned 1,058 passing yards on 69 completions for 117.6 yards per game. Burke also passed for 13 touchdowns.
Luke Sims, RB: Sims, a 6-foot-1, 230 pound power halfback rushed for 1,005 yards on 147 carries for 83.8 per game. That’s good for 6.8 yards per carry.
Way Too Early Season Prediction:
Johnk’s Junior Jays will open the year against defending state champion Omaha North. They’ll conclude the 2018 regular season with perennial former Class B powerhouse Elkhorn South, and will also take on a Lincoln High team that was 8-2 last year. At most, I see Prep escaping their grueling schedule with three losses, but there’s possibly potential for a one loss regular season or better.