Cougars Shine In Classic; Kalkowksi Named Best Teammate

A pair of Niobrara/Verdigre teammates played in Saturday’s Northeast Nebraska All-Star Classic - and one was even named the best teammate for the Red Team.

Ben Johnson and Cade Kalkowski represented the Cougars in the game. Although the White Team won the fourth annual game 49-14 on a boiling Veterans Memorial Field, which saw on-field temperatures feel like 105 degrees, Kalkowski still went home with a plaque.

The recent Niobrara High School graduate was named “Best Teammate” for the Red squad. Kalkowski was also one of the team captains and part of the coin flip that featured three-time Super Bowl champion Russ Hochstein of the New England Patriots.

Kalkowski was all smiles when he received the award prior to the start of the game. 

“I always tried to bring everyone together the best I could,” Kalkowski said after the game. 

Defensively, the White Team held the red offense scoreless in the second half as they evened the series at 2-2.

“We could have executed on offense a little bit better, but it was still an all-star game and a lot of fun,” Kalkowski said. 

Six awards were given out to players before and after the game. Niobrara/Verdigre’s Cade Kalkowski and Battle Creek’s Drew Lanman earned “Best Teammate Awards.” Top offensive players awards were given to Gunner Fuelberth of Norfolk (White) and  Taggert Bailey of Pierce (Red). Defensively, Clearwater-Orchard’s Andy Kerkman (White) Creighton’s Lane Walton (Red) earned top honors.

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