Thunder honor fallen teammate with emotional playoff victory over Perry-Lecompton

It was a night where football meant so much more than wins and losses in Seneca.

Before the Nemaha Central Thunder took the field Friday night, the community paused to remember one of its own, Daniel "Danny" Childress, who passed away earlier in the week at the age of 19 following a courageous battle with brain cancer.

During a moment of silence in his honor, the Nemaha Central cheerleaders formed the number 61 with their pom-poms, paying tribute to the number Childress proudly wore as a member of the Thunder football team.

Childress, a 2026 Nemaha Central graduate, was a two-year starting offensive lineman and member of three state championship teams. His determination and courage throughout his battle with cancer inspired teammates and communities across northeast Kansas.

And on an emotional Friday night, the Thunder responded with inspired football, rolling past Perry-Lecompton 34-0 in the opening round of the Class 3A playoffs.

Junior Sullivan Haverkamp led the way offensively, rushing for 158 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season total to 12 rushing scores.

For his outstanding performance, Haverkamp was named the **Citizens State Bank and Trust Company of Hiawatha Player to Bank On.**

The Thunder continued their late-season surge, picking up their fifth consecutive victory while recording their third straight shutout.

After dropping three consecutive games earlier in the season, Nemaha Central has turned things around in impressive fashion, outscoring its last five opponents 220-13.

Friday night's victory improves the Thunder to 6-3 on the season and sends them into the regional round of the Class 3A playoffs.

Nemaha Central will now face a tough road test against undefeated Wellsville, which improved to 9-0 following a 68-6 victory over Atchison in its playoff opener.

The Thunder and Eagles will square off next Friday, with a spot in the sectional round on the line.

But Friday night in Seneca wasn't just about advancing in the playoffs. It was about honoring a teammate, remembering a friend, and showing that the Thunder brotherhood extends far beyond the football field.