BDS ready to compete for state title in packed D2 field

SHICKLEY, NE — After a run to the Class D2 Semifinals a year ago, head coach Mark Rotter and perennial contender BDS is ready for another go at a state championship.

"Kids are working hard," Rotter said. "We have a decent core of players that have returned from last year. They've been very dedicated and they're very eager to get games going again."

The Eagles have made the state playoffs every year since the co-op between Bruning-Davenport and Shickley began in 2010. To continue that streak, they’ll have to contend with a crowded field.

"We know we need to be better if to do what we want to do because D2 is just absolutely stacked," Rotter said.

Eight teams that made the Class D1 playoffs last year are in Class D2 this year. That includes 6 of 8 quarterfinalists and the D1 state champion from last year Howells-Dodge. Senior running back and linebacker Easton Weber says the Eagles are up for the challenge.

All eight teams that made the playoff quarterfinals in Class D2 last year are back in Class D2 this season. 

"There's just a whole bunch of teams that are bringing back good people, good players and, hopefully, we're bringing back some good players too that can compete and hopefully get us to where we want to be at the end of the season," Weber said.

BDS will also look to start a new streak after their 50 game regular game win streak was snapped last year.

"We're bringing back some solid players that have some experience under their belts they didn't have last year," Weber said. "I think it's very possible we could get back on track."

After starting 3-3 a year ago, BDS rattled off five wins in a row before losing in the semifinals. Weber says experience gained during the season helped down the stretch.

"A lot of things just started clicking," Weber said. "They started understanding their assignments and getting a better feel for it. I'm hoping we can build on that and not have that early season inexperience we had last year."

Now they look to carry that momentum into 2022.

"We did feel like we got better as the season went," Rotter said. "We did make a good run in the playoffs, but those lopsided losses have really stuck in these guys' heads and we hope they're ready to go for this year."

BDS opens the 2022 season August 26 at home against High Plains Community. That game will be broadcast on Ol' Red 99.5.