Mitchell Henry

A resounding boom has been rolling out of Seneca all year as the Nemaha Central Thunder has rolled to a 11-0 record and are into the Sectional round of the playoffs after a 2-0 week last week with a pair of playoff wins. The Thunder rolled past Pleasant Ridge in the first round 61-6 and then went on the road and beat the #1 Silver Lake Eagles 21-14 in the Regional round of the playoffs.

The continued impact of several players that’s been a trend all year for the Thunder was the theme again for Nemaha Central as multiple guys contributed in both playoff victories. One of those guys that made a big impact in both games was junior, Mitchell Henry who was impactful in all facets of the game.

In the first round contest against Pleasant Ridge, Henry was all over the field making plays everywhere catching two passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns, rushing for 53 yards on three carries and added an electric 60-yard punt return touchdown, while making plays on defense.

In Regionals the tough task of #1 and unbeaten Silver Lake stood in the way but the Thunder was up for the challenge and despite being outgained in the game Nemaha Central was victorious, using a strong defensive showing. Henry played a big part in that defensive showing as the Eagles turned over the ball three times and Mitchell intercepted two passes including ending a Silver Lake potential scoring drive just before the half with a redzone interception. On top of the strong defensive presence the junior provided with his teammates he ran the ball nine times for 24 yards with a touchdown.

On the year Mitchell has been a jack of all trades for the Thunder doing a bit of everything as he leads the team in receiving with 420 yards on 24 receptions with three touchdowns, while rushing for 406 yards on 46 carries for an 8.8 yards per carry average with five touchdowns and has added 5-9 passing for 72 yards and a touchdown. Defensively Henry has anchored a cornerback position throughout the year recording 51 tackles with four pass defenses and two interceptions. Henry’s impact also extends to special teams as the primary returner and has ran back four punts back for touchdowns.

The Thunder are riding high after the win over Silver Lake and have their sights set on continuing the season in the 3A playoffs with Henry helping lead the way on a truly balance team full of playmakers.