Nemaha Central cruised to an easy 36-13 home regional win against Rossville to keep their perfect season intact.

The Thunder defense came to play as they forced five consecutive three-and-outs to start the game. The offense was able to capitalize with three rushing touchdowns from senior running back Cooper Hajek, including his third being an explosive 32-yard house call.

During Rossville’s fourth drive of the game, junior defensive tackle Holden Bass blocked a punt to set them up at the Bulldogs’ 42-yard line. Nemaha Central took advantage with a 12-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Brayden Uphaus to senior wide receiver Gavin Cain to go up 24-0 with 1:26 left in the half.

However, Rossville would get its first points of the game on a Hail Mary play from junior quarterback Camden Horak to his younger brother sophomore Tayson Horak to go into the second half trailing 24-7.

Out of the break, Nemaha Central took their time on a drive that took up 6:44 of game clock. Freshman running back Carter Hajek scored from the five-yard line to go up 30-7 with 5:16 remaining in the third quarter to get Rossville up against the ropes.

The Bulldogs’ offense continued to struggle against the Thunder’s stout defense as Nemaha Central got a stop-and-score with a one-yard rushing touchdown from Uphaus to put the game away.

Bass added two sacks in the second half making him the Farmers State Bank Player to Bank On.

The Thunder advance to the sectionals and will travel to southeastern Kansas to take on the Humboldt Cubs (8-2) who are the third seed out of District 2.