The Nemaha Central Thunder used a big second half on Friday night to get past Sabetha 24-7 to claim both the District and Big 7 League Titles. 

The Bluejays controlled the line of scrimmage in the first half as they held one of the best offenses in the state out of the endzone. 

Sabetha's lone touchdown was early in the second quarter as Jonathan Renyer capped off an 85-yard drive with a two yard touchdown. 

Nemaha Central was able to move the ball in the first half but couldn't find any points. Sabetha's defense stuffed the Thunder at the one yard line on multiple plays to close out the first half. 

The second half was a much different story as the Thunder took control of the game in the third quarter. Nemaha Central had three drives and three touchdowns. 

Gavin Cain found Aidan Broxterman on a 16-yard touchdown pass early in the third and gave them an 8-7 lead after the two-point conversion. 

Thunder would add another touchdown in the third quarter as Cooper Hajek found the endzone from six yards out to give the Thunder a 16-7 lead. 

Brayden Uphaus found the endzone one more time for the Thunder in the fourth quarter as he capped off a 46-yard drive with a three yard touchdown run. 

Hajek finished the game with 38 carries and 140 yards and a touchdown. Uphaus finished 10 of 23 passing for 175 yards with one rushing touchdown as he was named KNZA's "Player to Bank on." 

Gavin Cain added three receptions for 84 yards and a passing touchdown. 

Sabetha was led in the game by Matthew Garber who finished nine of 14 passing for 120 yards. Renyer was the leading rusher with nine carries for 54 yards and a touchdown, he added four receptions for 34 yards.  

The win for the Thunder also gave them a perfect regular season as they finished 8-0. Nemaha Central's playoff run begins next week as they will host Pleasant Ridge. 

Sabetha finishes the regular season at 6-2 with their only losses to top tier teams in Nemaha Central and Holton. The Bluejays will host ACCHS in the first round of the playoffs.