We finally made it to the start of the season as we were greeted by a Week 0 rivalry match between the Lincoln Standing Bear Grizzlies and the Lincoln Northwest Falcons.
Game Breakdown:
Our Week 0 game of the week was the cross-town rivalry matchup between the Standing Bear Grizzlies and Northwest Falcons. The game started with the Grizzlies offense driving down the field on their first drive and finishing with a goal-line touchdown by senior DeAndre Hill. The Grizzlies then kept their foot on the gas as they would go on to score 21 unanswered points to take a 28-0 lead at halftime. Standing Bear RB DeAndre Hill’s scoring hat trick and their tireless pass rush proved to be the difference in this matchup. Even with a late touchdown from Lincoln Northwest, the Grizzlies were able to respond right back with a pair of second-half rushing touchdowns (Hill and Behmer). Once the opening night dust settled, the Grizzlies were victorious with a final score of 42-6.
Here are the Standing Bear prospects who had notable performances:
Player of the Game:
DeAndre Hill | 2027 | RB
Senior RB DeAndre Hill takes home the first “Player of the Game” honors of the season after a very impressive performance out of the gate. DeAndre ended his night with 15 carries for 147 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Despite being a smaller back, Hill showed the toughness to battle through contact, displaying great strength and contact balance in his base. DeAndre’s vision lets him quickly find opening lanes, and he has the quick twitch to cut back and hit them with great burst. He is a threat to take any run to the house, especially if you let him outrace everybody to the corner. Already surpassed his rushing TD total from last season— primed for a big year!
Notable Standouts:
Chase Loecker | 2027 | QB/ATH | 6’3″ 205 lbs | (@chaseloeck)
Senior Chase Loecker had a solid night in his first start at QB for the Grizzlies. Although the stats don’t pop off the page, they paint a picture of efficiency: 12 of 15 completed passes for 71 yards and a touchdown, with the only negative mark being a late interception. Chase wasn’t asked to do too much in his first start, but he did enough by making smart reads, taking his checkdowns, and showing that he can extend plays outside of the pocket. His touchdown to Hart had great placement and timing, arriving in his TE’s hands just as two defenders were trying to close on the ball. Loecker also punched in a QB sneak at the goal line for a rushing touchdown. Overall, a great athlete who could make some noise as the Grizzlies’ starting QB!
Paul Hart | 2028 | TE/LB | 6’4″ 220 lbs | (@PaulHart2028)
Rising 2028 prospect Paul Hart had a strong showing on both sides of the ball at TE and linebacker. With the rushing attack taking control, Paul saw limited targets in the passing game but did haul in a 23-yard reception for a touchdown. Paul stands out physically right away with a next-level size at 6’4″ and 220 pounds, with solid length to his frame. Hart’s mix of size and athleticism makes for a ton of mismatches, with him being too strong for DBs and too quick for LBs. Underrated speed that can sneak past you and stretch the field vertically. Defensively, Paul showed great range from the inside linebacker spot with a quick trigger downhill and lateral quickness to go from sideline to sideline. It’s clear to see why D1 programs like Louisville, Purdue, Toledo, South Dakota State, and Lindenwood have already extended offers to the Grizzlies prospect!
Calvin Koch | 2027 | DL/OL | 6’3″ 260 lbs | (@CalKoch70)
Senior Calvin Koch put together a dominant performance on both the offensive and defensive line from start to finish. On the offensive side, Calvin was at the forefront of the rushing attack, proving to be very effective as a lead blocker who can pull and climb to the second level with ease. He packs a mean punch with heavy hands and the power to stun his opponents on contact. Looks to finish his blocks. On defense, Calvin plays with great leverage and a powerful leg drive that can move blockers off their spot. Buy stock now!
Kaedyn Luebbe | 2028 | LB | 6’5″ 200 lbs | (@LuebbeKaedyn)
The Grizzlies might be in the running for one of the top 2028 classes in the state, with another junior prospect who continues to produce on the field: Kaedyn Luebbe. Kaedyn stands out immediately with his 6’5″, 200-pound, lengthy frame and physicality on the field. He is a versatile player with a well-rounded skill set that lets him go from rushing near the LOS to an S/LB hybrid role in coverage, and he can help defend the run by beating his perimeter blocks. Two fumble recoveries for Luebbe. Lots of upside here!
Zach Ball | 2028 | EDGE | 6’3′ 200 lbs
Junior Zach Ball really caught my attention as a huge contributor to the pass rush’s impressive effort. I don’t have official stats from Zach’s performance, but it seems like he was in the QB’s face every time he lined up to rush. He is very effective as an OLB/EDGE rusher, using his quick first step and strong lower body to explode through his opponent on contact. Zach tracks the ball very well with the lateral quickness and non-stop motor to work his way to the ball carrier. Zach had a hand in poking the ball loose for the game’s first turnover. Ball showed the ability to help set the edge against the run and can consistently disengage from blocks at the LOS. Could be the start to a huge breakout season!
