The defending 2A State Champs continued their winning streak into 2023 and posted a statement win at home in week one while dominating Holton 31-6. Nemaha Central backed their #1 state ranking and showcased new sophomore quarterback Carter Hajek, who ran for 163 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns while adding a 30-yard TD pass in the final four minutes of the game to Sam Nordhus. 

The Thunder scored a touchdown in each of the first three quarters and added successful two-point conversions each time, turning a 16-0 halftime lead into a 24-0 advantage on the opening possession of the third quarter. Hajek completed passes to Carter Rottinghaus and Cooper Kramer for the first two conversions than ran in the third off the swinging gate formation. Hajek finished with 27 total carries on the night and was 3-7 pass, despite going 0-3 with an interception in the first half. Jonah Deters added 40 yards on 13 rushing attempts. 

The Nemaha defense was even better though holding Holton to just 161 total yards of offense, all on the ground. Holton had 10 first down and moved across mid-field several times but could not sustain and finish drives. The only Wildcat score came in the fourth quarter after the defense stopped Nemaha on 4th down and short and Holton took advantage of a 25-yard short field with sophomore Cael Frazier scoring his first varsity touchdown on a five-yard-run. Frazier took over at fullback after Logan Altenburg was injured with an apparent broken arm in the second half.

Making the move from offensive line, Abbott Hundley looked good in his new runningback role leading the team with 14 carries for 95 yards. Kyler Jackson added 35 yards on 9 carries and Frazier finished the night with 7 totes for 31 yards and his score. Holton was 0-3 passing including an interception thrown by Eli Hallauer which sandwiched a pair of Nemaha turnovers in the second quarter. Holton also hurt themselves with 8 penalties, most of which were mental pre-snap mistakes. 

Holton, who was ranked #3 to start the season in Class 3A after their state runner-up finish will travel to play another ranked Big 7 team facing #2 Sabetha next week, who shutout Perry Lecompton 30-0 to start the year.  Nemaha Central goes to Royal Valley, who lost a close 14-13 league battle with Hiawatha on opening night.