The Nemaha Central football team locked up their fourth straight trip to the 2A State Championship game next weekend in Hutchinson with a thrilling 22-19 win over Osage City in the Sub-State title game. 

The Thunder (12-0) never trailed in the game at any point but they were threatened by the Indians (10-2) all night. 

Carter Hajek had another big night for the Thunder as he got the scoring started in the first quarter with a one yard run to give NC an early 7-0 lead. 

They would more than double that lead up in the second quarter when Hajek found Kamden Schmitz on a five yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-goal as they would extend it to 15-0 after a successful two-point conversion. 

Osage City's defense came up with a big stop on fourth-and-one and then would take advantage of a short field as they would get on the board with an 11 yard run from Reed Silver as they would cut it to 15-7. 

After an NC punt, Osage City would drive 70 yards in under two minutes to cut the deficit to 15-13 before halftime as Dylan Theel would score on a five yard run. Theel busted a 49 yard run on that drive to set up goal-to-go territory. 

The second play of the third quarter for Nemaha Central was Hajek going the distance with a 71 yard touchdown run to make the score 22-13.

Osage City's first drive of the second half was a great response as they also got a long touchdown run by Theel from 50 yards out to cut it to 22-19 after a failed two-point conversion. 

Defense for both teams would be the story the rest of the game and more on the side of the Thunder. 

Caleb Strathman would get a huge interception in the endzone late in the third quarter as the Indians looked to be on the verge of taking their first lead of the game. 

Osage City drove the field in the final seven minutes with another opportunity to rip the upset in Seneca but a trick play inside the five yard line turned into a fumble and another turnover as the Thunder defense held strong in the biggest moment which led to the win. 

Hajek finished with 280 rushing yards and three total touchdowns (2 rush, 1 pass) while the defense forced four turnovers. They got interceptions by Jayden Seitz, Sullivan Haverkamp, and Strathman plus the fumble recovery in the final seconds. 

Osage City was right there and had multiple opportunities as they played a tremendous game as it was their deepest run and best season in school history. 

The Indians were led by Theel with 180 rushing yards and two touchdowns while Silver finished with 121 rushing yards and a touchdown. 

Nemaha Central will get the highly anticipated rematch with #1 ranked Southeast of Saline next Saturday (11/29) at 12 PM in Hutchinson. The Trojans beat the Thunder last season in the state title game and these two teams have been the top two teams in 2A all season long. 

We'll have a live pregame show with Jake and Boz on site getting you ready for pregame at 11:30 AM on Kanzaland Country 92.1 KMZA and 103.9 KNZA. 

**Photo Credit: Dari Hilbert**