It was an exciting and memorable day in Elkhorn Valley football history as they inaugurated their new sports complex with an impressive 50 to 13 victory. The Falcons have started the 2026 season with a perfect 2- 0 record for the first time since 2020 when they started the season with three straight wins.
The excitement level was high for both the players and the fans but after a touchback on the opening kickoff, things looked a little precarious as Twin River looked ready to spoil the day. On the Titans first play from the line of scrimmage their quarterback rolled to the right and then threw back to a wide open receiver on a short swing pass who took the ball 65 yards and a touchdown.
Elkhorn Valley was not to be outdone, as on their second offensive play, quarterback Keaton Werner faked the pitch and raced his way to the endzone and a failed PAT the Falcons trailed 7 to 6.
Neither team scored the during the remainder the first quarter as both defenses buckled down.
Coach Black was complimentary of the entire team and their performance. He did share some concerns about the heat saying, “I was a little concerned with the heat. We knew it was going to be hot, so we practiced in the heat all week. We wanted them to be well conditioned for the situation. I feel that our conditioning settled in and as the game went on I feel we were the team that got stronger.”
The Falcon defense was strong all day and dominated the line of scrimmage the entire game. The defense recorded 5 tackles for loss, a quarterback sack and a pass deflection by the defensive line. That defensive domination also produced two pass interceptions, a fumble recovery and multiple knock downs on defended passes.
While the defense was holding the Titans scoreless after their opening play, the offense started clicking in the second quarter scoring 16 points, followed up by a 20 point outburst in the third quarter started off by a 73 yard kickoff return on the third quarter kickoff by Brendan Krick Coach Black is encouraged by the development that the team has shown. He mentioned several individuals that he felt stood out with their performances but started by sharing, “Hats off to all of the boys today, they played a really good game. We love getting the win, but as a coach we just have to ready to take it one game at a time.”
Coach Black did talk about some special performances. “ We have some guys who are really coming on strong. Landon Meyer and Jack Qualset both played well on both sides of the ball. Landon made some big catches and tackles and had an interception. Jack played a huge game. He anchored our O-line at the center position against an opponent who was bigger and defensively he was just flying around everywhere,” said coach. He went on to say, “Kellan Wilken and Kale Hasebroock are two more that just went out and did their jobs, playing really fundamentally sound.”
Coach Black summed things up by saying, “ We are all just excited to keep the season rolling. We are looking forward to playing next week. Hopefully if we play well we can get another win and hopefully the evenings will cool down a little bit.”
Brendan Krick led the offensive output and showed his versatility by scoring three touchdowns, one rushing, one receiving and one on a kickoff return. Krick also led the team in rushing.
The defense had several standouts with Landon Meyer six tackles and an intercepted pass.
Elkhorn Valley will travel to Creighton, Friday, September 11, in what should be a great game with both teams coming off of big victories.
Twin River 7 0 0 6 — 13 Elkhorn Valley 6 16 20 8 — 50 PASSING: Keaton Werner 6-14 112 RUSHING: Keaton Werner 10 54 2, Kellan Wilken 6 37 1, Brendan Krick 9 82 1, Sawyer Tegler 3 -1, Davis Rutjens 4 8 1, Maddox Schaffer 6 38 Totals: 38 -218 RECEIVING: Brendan Krick 2 60, Landon Meyer 2 17, Maddox Schaffer 1 4, Logan Black 2 35 Totals: 7 116 TACKLES: Keaton Werner 3, Chase Schwartz 4, Kohl Rutjens 3, Kellan Wilken 4, Jack Qualset 3, Landon Meyer 6, Brecken Penne 1, Davis Rutjens 2, Blake Rutjens 1, Maddox Schaffer 2, Kale Hasebrook 3, Emmett Thies 1, Ethan Rutjens 2, Nathan Gilman 4, Tyler Suckstorf 2, Maverick Afrank 1, Logan Black 5
