Matt Baumgartner

After dropping two of their first three games to begin the 2018 season, the Nemaha Central Thunder football team was looking for someone to step up offensively and lead a team that was looking to replace several key players off last season Big 7 championship squad.

For the Thunder and head coach Warren Seitz they got the leadership they needed from senior Matt Baumgartner, who has been a key piece in Nemaha Central’s four consecutive wins.

Baumgartner delivered a career night Friday in the Thunder’s 50-0 win over ACCHS, as the 6’4’’ tight end caught five passes for 153 yards and three touchdowns.

It marked the second straight game that Baumgartner has recorded three touchdowns, and the third game he has recorded multiple touchdown receptions.

On the season he leads the team receiving with 630 yards on just 27 receptions, averaging over 23 yards per reception to go along with 11 touchdowns.

Last season Baumgartner was named a first team all-Big 7 League selection at tight end, as the Thunder went 10-1 with an undefeated league title before falling to Silver Lake in the regional round of the 3A playoffs.

Baumgartner has the Thunder off to a 5-2 start this season and in a spot to wrap up a district title Friday night with a win over Maur Hill-Mount Academy at home with live coverage on 92.1 KMZA.