Game 11 Preview: Lopers Host Mules in 2025 Finale

Football 11/14/2025 10:00:00 AM

Game 11 Preview: Lopers Host Mules in 2025 Finale

Keanrey, Neb. – The Nebraska Kearney football team closes out the 2025 regular season this Saturday against Central Missouri at Ron & Carol Cope Stadium at Foster Field.

The game kicks off at noon with "Senior Day" festivities happening during pre-game. Fans can listen to The River 93.1/106. FM, watch via the MIAA Network and News Channel Nebraska (check local listings) or follow along via live stats.

UNK (6-4) and UCM (4-6) are currently in a four-way tie for fourth place in the league standings (4-4) along with Emporia State and Fort Hays State. The Mules lead the all-time series by an 11-2 margin with the Lopers having to vacate 2021 and 2022 wins due to NCAA rules. Last year, Central Mo won 36-35 as UNK almost rallied from a 27-7 deficit. Zane Schawang

Former Loper head coach Josh Lamberson has a squad coming off a 48-35 loss to nationally ranked Pittsburg State last Saturday. After going 9-3 last season and winning the Heritage Bowl, the Mules began in the Top 25 but suffered early losses to both Delta (Miss.) State and Colorado State-Pueblo.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Donovyn Omolo is up to 2,890 yards of offense and 21 touchdowns (team-best seven rushing and 21 passing). Missing the Missouri Western game due to injury, he left last weekend's game as well with redshirt sophomore Mac Harper taking over. FCS transfer Jordan Pachot started against the Griffons and promptly threw for 401 yards and three scores.

These QB's have All-MIAA receivers Hogan Wasson (80 receptions, 982 yards, six TD's) and Jack Pospisil to throw to as well as NW Missouri transfer Jake Weber (41 receptions, 387 yards, one TD). Besides Omolo, back Keyon Butler has reached the end zone six times behind a veteran line. Finally on offense, UCM converts 49% on third down and 53% on fourth down to average 32 points a week.

Eight juniors and seniors start on a defense allowing 32 points and 427 yards per game. The Mules have forced 18 turnovers including 11 fumble recoveries. Linebackers Garrett Hormann (72) and Drew Kaufmann (66) rank 1-2 in tackles with corner Trey Patrick having an all-around stat line; 35 tackles, eight pass breakups, three interceptions and two forced fumbles. On special teams, redshirt sophomore Will Peacock is one of the MIAA's best, currently 38 for 38 on PAT's and 11 of 14 on field goal attempts.

After a well-deserved bye, UNK enters the final weekend of the regular season tied for sixth nationally in four down percentage defense (27%), tied for ninth in turnovers gained (24), and tied for 15th in INT's (13). They also lead the league in sacks (27), fewest rushing scores allowed (eight) and red zone defense (69%).

Corners Ife Current (Kennedale, Texas) and Ja'Mareion Gipson (Houston) are tied for the MIAA lead in picks with four apiece. The pair combines for 75 tackles and 12 pass breakups as well. Up front, end Xavier Morrow (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) had 10.5 tackles for loss, including 4.0 sacks, with fellow end Josh Davies-Balogun (Richmond, Texas) at 6.5 TFL's and 3.0 sacks. Finally, backer Parker Wise (Kearney) has a team-best 61 tackles with safety CJ Kuehl (Indianola, Ia.) at 59.

The offense is coming off running for 230 yards and four TD's vs. Central Oklahoma. Back Stone Wilson (Dodge City, Kan.) led the way by having 100 yards and four TD's with Jahmez Ross (Omaha Westside) and QB Abram Scholting (Pierce) both having 16 carries in the game. In the air, UNL transfer Dae'vonn Hall (Bellevue West) has had three TD grabs over the last four games. Junior Jaden Jude (Athens, Ala.) has four to lead the team and rank among the MIAA leaders.

UNK starts 2026 with a Aug. 27 (Thurs.) home game vs. Wayne State. Time is to be determined.

Graduates/Seniors Walking (23) … 12 defense, 9 offense 2 specialists
--            Caleb Freeland – DL & Student Asst. Coach
1             Jude Joseph - S
2             Josh Davies-Balogun - DE
3             Zane Schawang - WR/PR
6             Xavier Morrow - DE
7             Stephon Tolon - S
8             C.J. Horton - TE
13           Jovan Marsh - CB
22           Isaiah Harris - RB
30           Mufasa Stallings - FB
34           Cole Bauer - LS
42           Anthony Sabatka – TE
45           CJ Kuehl – S
48           Jack Johnson - DE
46           Nolan Wetovick - LB
61           Shayne Brennen - OL
72           Wyatt Marr – OL
74           Jack Nickolisen - DL
78           Matthew Beyer - OL
86           Isaac Herbek - WR
91           Wayne Tei-Kirby - DL
93           James Murphy - DL
96           Kyle Failing - K

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Players Mentioned

#78 Matthew Beyer: OL; 6' 3"; Redshirt Senior

#2 Josh Davies-Balogun: DL; 6' 4"; Senior

#96 Kyle Failing: K; 6' 2"; Graduate Student

#22 Isaiah Harris: RB; 5' 8"; Senior

#86 Isaac Herbek: WR; 6' 3"; Senior

#8 C.J. Horton: TE; 6' 5"; Redshirt Senior

#45 CJ Kuehl: S; 6' 1"; Graduate Student

#6 Xavier Morrow: DE; 6' 3"; Redshirt Senior

#74 Jack Nickolisen: DL; 6' 3"; Redshirt Senior

#3 Zane Schawang: WR; 5' 11"; Redshirt Senior

Players Mentioned

#78 Matthew Beyer
: 6' 3"; Redshirt Senior
: OL

#2 Josh Davies-Balogun
: 6' 4"; Senior
: DL

#96 Kyle Failing
: 6' 2"; Graduate Student
: K

#22 Isaiah Harris
: 5' 8"; Senior
: RB

#86 Isaac Herbek
: 6' 3"; Senior
: WR

#8 C.J. Horton
: 6' 5"; Redshirt Senior
: TE

#45 CJ Kuehl
: 6' 1"; Graduate Student
: S

#6 Xavier Morrow
: 6' 3"; Redshirt Senior
: DE

#74 Jack Nickolisen
: 6' 3"; Redshirt Senior
: DL

#3 Zane Schawang
: 5' 11"; Redshirt Senior
: WR