Sports

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Updated State Football and Volleyball Rankings

News Staff
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
FOOTBALLClass Eight-Man D-1 1. Johnson-Brock (6-0), 12. Sandy Creek (5-1), 23. Stanton (6-0), 34. Ravenna (6-0), 45. Crofton (5-1), 56. Hartington-Newcastle (6-0), 67. Exeter-Milligan-Friend (5-1), 78. Sutton (4-2), 99. Ponca (4-2), RV10.
After having their 11 match win streak snapped last week the Osceola Bulldogs are facing some adversity for the first time this year. Osceola will look to bounce back this week with a triangular at BDS and a home triangular with Newman Grove/ St. Ed and Nebraska Christian. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

After having their 11 match win streak snapped last week the Osceola Bulldogs are facing some adversity for the first time this year. Osceola will look to bounce back this week with a triangular at BDS and a home triangular with Newman Grove/ St. Ed and Nebraska Christian. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

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Osceola Drops Pair of Matches to Tough D-1 Schools

Ken Kush
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
OSCEOLA- There is a saying that “What doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger.”The Osceola Bulldogs faced a huge week as they hosted the D-1 Exeter-Milligan/Friend Bobcats and the D1 No. 4 Riverside Chargers.Unfortunately for the Bulldogs they dropped a five set thriller to the Bobcats and two...
Sophomore Taya Hans (7) is on the attack as the McCool Junction Mustangs employ a single block at the net. High Plains swept past McCool Junction in CRC regular season play. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow

Sophomore Taya Hans (7) is on the attack as the McCool Junction Mustangs employ a single block at the net. High Plains swept past McCool Junction in CRC regular season play. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow

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Storm Volley Records CRC Win Over MCJ

Beth Sparrow
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
MCCOOL JUNCTION The Storm had just one game last week, playing at McCool Junction.The Storm won in three sets, 25-10, 26-24 and 25-12.The first set the Storm took the lead and McCool called timeout at 9-3. High Plains won the set 25-10 after the Mustangs hit a kill in the net.
Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.

Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.

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PCN Athletes of the Week for October 1, 2026

News Staff
Friday, October 2, 2026
Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week. Athletes of the Week are brought to you by these fine sponsors.

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From the Corn Rows/Stalks

Husker Football
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Husker Kool-Aid, Jury is Still OutI was asked just recently why I choose not to comment on Husker football very often in my columns.I guess I hadn’t really given it that much attention until this question came my way.So here are my thoughts on what we have seen so far this year and what I see...
The Cross County Cougars front line of Benson Seim (34), Bode Berggren (24) and Krayton Schoch (77) provide blocking for the Cougars back at Tekemah Herman on Friday night. PCN photo by Trevor Blevins.

The Cross County Cougars front line of Benson Seim (34), Bode Berggren (24) and Krayton Schoch (77) provide blocking for the Cougars back at Tekemah Herman on Friday night. PCN photo by Trevor Blevins.

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DeLaet’s Interception Seals Road Win for Cougars

Trevor Blevins
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
TEKAMAH- Last Friday night the Cross County Cougars (2-3) traveled north to Tekamah-Herman to take on the Tigers.In less than ideal field conditions the Cougars would come away with a hard fought 14-6 win in their first game of D1-3 district play.It was clear from onset that points were going to be...
Shelby-RC’s Brea Schaefer looks for the tip winner in action against the High Plains Storm last week. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

Shelby-RC’s Brea Schaefer looks for the tip winner in action against the High Plains Storm last week. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

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Shelby-RC Volleyball Goes 6-1 and Improves to 14-3

Beth Sparrow
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Shelby-Rising City played in two triangulars and a tournament during a busy homecoming week. They went 6-1 with their only loss to C-1 Central City (15-6 record).vs. Neb. Luth. 2-0Shelby-Rising City beat Nebraska Lutheran in two sets, 25-8 and 25-9. Kierslyn Cattau led with 10 kills.
The Blue River Panthers last loss came in the opening tournament of the year at North Bend to GACC, a team they had defeated the second game of the season. The Panthers are on a 12-game win streak. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

The Blue River Panthers last loss came in the opening tournament of the year at North Bend to GACC, a team they had defeated the second game of the season. The Panthers are on a 12-game win streak. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

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Blue River Win Streak Reaches A Dozen

Ken Kush
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
WILBER- The game on Monday night against the Wilber Clatonia Wolverines had originally been scheduled to be played in David City, but the wet fields prompted officials to move the game to Wilber.The move never phased the Blue River Panthers as senior pitcher Abby Lindsley continued her banner...
Above- High Plains sophomore Taya Hans looks for the tip winner against the Dorchester defense.

Above- High Plains sophomore Taya Hans looks for the tip winner against the Dorchester defense.

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High Plains Has Busy Week-Goes 2-5

Beth Sparrow
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
High Plains Defeats Newman Grove /St. Ed and East ButlerThe Storm went 2-5 on the week after playing in two triangulars and a Saturday tournament. Their wins were against NG/SE and East Butler.They lost to Elba, Dorchester, Shelby-Rising City, Lincoln Christian and Lawrence Nelson.
High Plains senior Aaron Brown takes the hand-off from senior QB Carson Swedenburg. Brown ran for two scores, caught a TD pass and was named Homecoming King. PCN photo by Travis Lane

High Plains senior Aaron Brown takes the hand-off from senior QB Carson Swedenburg. Brown ran for two scores, caught a TD pass and was named Homecoming King. PCN photo by Travis Lane

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Storm Ropes in GI Lutheran Lightning in 48-6 Win

Ken Kush
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
CLARKS- Senior Aaron Brown ran for 126 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns and following the game was announced the High Plains 2026 Homecoming King as the Storm rolled over Grand Island Lutheran 44-8.High Plains improved to 3-1 with the win as they will travel next Friday night to Silver Lake...