FORT CALHOUN, NE (2023 AUGUST 25) Last year’s electrifying face-off between Fort Calhoun and Nebraska City remains etched in the memories of many. An inaugural Pioneer Bowl that saw the Pioneers clinch a 27-12 victory against their rivals, with highlight moments like Grayson Bouwman’s 89-yard touchdown. Fast forward a year, and the winds of change are sweeping through Fort Calhoun. At the forefront of that change is a man no stranger to the pressures of football leadership: Coach Zach Byrd.
Byrd reflects on that pivotal game, “Last year we had some big plays in the 2nd quarter that got the offense going. Both teams seemed to be getting a feel for each other in the first game. Grayson Bouwman made an immediate impact to start the 2nd quarter which gave the team some confidence.” He acknowledges the game’s turning points, observing, “Late in the game we were able to force Nebraska City into a catch-up mode, and we capitalized by forcing some turnovers to keep them from getting back in the game.”
From an offensive coordinator at Bennington to now taking the reins at Fort Calhoun, Byrd’s journey is imbued with a sense of destiny. “This is my first year as head coach at Fort Calhoun. I was the OC at Bennington the past 3 years,” he mentions, signifying his readiness to build upon the legacy of the last season.
Transitioning into a new role and adapting to the distinct rhythms of Fort Calhoun’s gameplay, Byrd is forthright about the transformations he’s initiating, “As the new head coach, we have reworked our offense. Many things will be similar… but our base plays and of course the terminology is different. The boys have done a really good job of picking up on the terminology.”
This year’s match-up against Nebraska City promises a renewal of old rivalries, with Byrd keenly aware of the challenges ahead, especially against a formidable runner in the opposing camp. “I know they are returning a good, young runner in the backfield. It will be important for us to make sure we are rallying to the ball and don’t allow him to get into the open field.”
Honestly we’ve just been looking at it as another game and really not trying to make a big deal about it. Our focus has primarily been on controlling the things we can control and preparing ourselves to be at our best come Friday night. I think what helps in this situation is we essentially have 3 weeks of practice and by now we’re ready to go out and compete against someone else.
Fort Calhoun Head Coach Zach Byrd on the Game Versus Nebraska City
Beyond the tactics and formations, there’s a personal touch that Byrd brings, emphasizing growth, both on and off the field. Looking ahead to the next game, Byrd pinpoints his players to watch, “We’ll start sophomore Adam Elofson tonight as QB. On the defensive side, I expect Levi Lasher (junior) to be a leader for us.”
As Fort Calhoun and Nebraska City gear up for another face-off, the anticipation is palpable. With Coach Byrd at the helm, the Pioneers are ready, not just for another game, but a new chapter in their storied rivalry. “Our focus has primarily been on controlling the things we can control and preparing ourselves to be at our best come Friday night,” Byrd asserts with determination.
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