Lo-Ma hopes to maintain momentum after losing Brix and others

The 6-foot-1, 300-pound freshman lineman was an All-American in high school who led Matt Straight’s Logan-Magnolia team to a 9-2 record and a trip to the quarterfinals of the Class A state playoffs.

Brix was also a powerhouse on the defensive line, with 16.5 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks. On offense, he accounted for 3,424 yards and 40 touchdowns on the ground.

Brix earned a four-star rating in all major recruiting rankings and favored the Huskers over offers from Alabama, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Oregon, among others, and the state’s two Division I schools, Iowa and Iowa State.

Straight knows they lost a great graduating class this year, but hopes to build on last year’s success.

“Although we lost a great senior class, we hope to keep the momentum going this season,” the Panthers head coach said. “We lost some toughness and great leadership with the graduating seniors. Our senior class this season is talented, but low in numbers. Juniors will have to step up to fill some of the holes we may have.”

The leaders include Will Anderson, Drake Geith, Kalab Kuhl and Wes Vana.

“They are skilled and I have confidence they will be great leaders this season,” Straight said.

Gone from last year’s rushing attack were 406 carries, 2,435 yards and 31 touchdowns thanks to Evan Roden and Calvin Collins, but Anderson returns with 131 carries for 889 yards and six touchdowns, while Geith added 68 yards and three touchdowns.

Kuhl returns to the quarterback position, but threw just 44 passes last year.

Rex Meeker’s team-high 78.5 tackles (44 solo) also disappeared when he graduated, but Carson Edney and Adam Roden are two juniors who combined for 71.5 tackles.

Vana made 33.5 tackles and one interception.

The Panthers open the 2024 season at home against Missouri Valley on August 30.