We opened our Thursday Night Lights coverage with a matchup between two familiar foes in Bennington and Elkhorn North in their new home of Class A. Both squads feature very talented rosters with great players at all levels of the field. As part of my game coverage, I will feature each team and highlight some of my top Elkhorn North standouts from Thursday night.
Game Recap:
The budding rivalry between Bennington and Elkhorn North had its first edition as Class A members after moving up from B. Despite the new class, expectations remain the same for these two powerhouse programs, with championship gold in sight. The game began with a few possession exchanges between the Badgers and Wolves as both squads worked through all the changes from the offseason. The scoring opened up when Bennington’s Dominic Driggs jumped a route for an interception and returned it all the way for the pick-six. Elkhorn North answered right back with a touchdown run from senior Andersen Taylor. Bennington’s Ty Bouaphakeo would then give the Badgers a two-touchdown lead after running in a pair of scores. The Wolves threatened to rally right back after QB Austin McMurtry found Fresno State commit Zach Wolfe for a 70+ yard touchdown and an interception by Vinnie DiPrima. However, Wayne State commit Will Gutz took over the show and went on to score the next three touchdowns for the Badgers. Bennington’s defense clamped down on the Wolves’ offense to close out the game, ending with a 42-13 final score.
Team MVP:
Zach Wolfe | 2027 | DL/TE | Fresno State Commit | (@Zach_Wolfe18)
Senior Zach Wolfe showed us why he is bound to play FBS ball for the Fresno State Bulldogs with an electric two-way performance. Zach’s big play on offense came in the form of a 79-yard catch and run for a touchdown, ending the night with 107 total receiving yards. Wolfe is committed to play defensive end at the next level, and he gave the Bulldog faithful a lot to look forward to. The biggest thing that stood out about Zach’s game is how fast his get-off is, flashing a lightning-quick first step that helps him beat blockers immediately coming off the ball. Great bend coming off the edge with the closing speed to hawk down ball carriers in the backfield, shown with his 1.5 sacks. They got a good one coming to Fresno!
Notable Standouts:
Andersen Taylor | 2027 | RB | 5’10” 185 lbs | (@AndersenTaylo21)
Senior Andersen Taylor was a close second for team MVP after being the early spark on offense and the main enforcer on defense. Andersen ended his night with 13 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown while also leading the team in tackles with 12, adding a half TFL and half sack to his totals. Andersen brings a physical running style to the field, excelling as a downhill runner who can chip away at defenses. He plays with a strong, balanced base that allows him to absorb contact and keep his legs pumping to stay upright. Andersen showed that he can also get shifty when he needs to, as shown on his TD run where he made some subtle cuts to emerge out of traffic and race to the end zone. Defensively, Andersen loves getting right into the thick of the action as he is quick to read his keys and trigger downhill when he keys in on the run. Despite not being the biggest ‘backer, he does a great job wrapping up and using good form to ensure the stop
Preston Niles | 2027 | OL | 5’10” 245 lbs | (@PrestonNiles27)
Helping pave the way for Taylor was center Preston Niles, who held up well against a tough Bennington front. Although Preston would be considered “undersized,” he more than makes up for that by being technical in the trenches and knowing how to use his leverage. Niles does a great job keeping his base and pads low to win the leverage battle, then uses his strength to stand them up and drive them out of the lane. On plays where he did give up some initial ground, Niles still maintained his balance and reset his feet while staying engaged with his defender. He stood out as a run blocker, able to climb up and seal off second-level defenders. Tough, gritty center with a great motor!
Noah Ford | 2027 | DB | 6’3″ 200 lbs | (@NoahFord27)
Senior Noah Ford continues to show why he’s one of the top uncommitted DB prospects in the state following a productive opening night. Ford finished Week 1 with 11 tackles as one of the Wolves’ starting safeties. Right off the bat, Noah has a solid frame for the safety position at 6’3″ and 200 pounds, with great length and athleticism to go with his frame. He plays safety like a linebacker, willing to step up to stack the box, with a quick trigger to break downhill and physical at the point of contact. You can also comfortably send him on pass coverage assignments as he’s shown he can cover the slot, has the range to erase deep balls, and is willing to challenge receivers at the catch point. I can definitely see Noah at safety or nickel at the next level, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he also gets looks at linebacker—versatile and athletic! Strong start to what should be a big year for Noah!
Colin Acker | 2027 | WR/DB | 5’10” 175 lbs | (@colin_acker13)
Senior Colin Acker looks primed to have a strong senior year as he continues to develop into a reliable target on offense and a DB who can give receivers fits. Acker ended the night with three catches for 37 yards on offense and three tackles on defense. Looking past the stat sheet, you see a receiver who can win his matchups with sharp route running and the ability to separate at the top of the route. He showed some nice catch-and-run after the catch with some nice chunk gains on a couple of his receptions, displaying nice twitch and burst as he turned upfield. On defense, Colin shows nice agility and change of direction as he travels with receivers or breaks on the ball. Someone who could help bolster a WR or DB room at the next level!
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