The Antler football team will have to tough out a rough schedule in the 24-25 season. They have what is considered to be the hardest schedule in Class B, but are seemingly optimistic about their odds. 

Elkhorn High will have three Thursday games to start the season, as well as new competition from former Class A schools, Gretna and Gretna East. The addition of these schools will increase competition throughout Class B, making the Antlers’ shot for state a little more difficult. In the past few years, Gretna has gotten far in the state tournament, making their reputation strong.

“We have the toughest schedule in Class B, in my opinion. I think that when the state gave us that schedule, there was a lot of confidence that Elkhorn was going to be good this year,” head coach Daniel Feickert said, “They want to see what we’re made of, so we’re ready for it.” 

The increase in Thursday games due to sharing a field has also affected those involved with the football team. Many students and teachers are up late after the games, which makes Fridays at school a lot harder. 

“It changes the practice schedule, mainly. The biggest thing for me is I always stay up after the games and watch film, then I had Saturdays to kind of rest, and now I don’t. It wears on me,” assistant coach John Bacus said. 

The EMC Conference as well as Class B in general has continued to get more difficult as players get better and teams move from Class A to Class B. The biggest difference is having the Gretna schools in Class B starting this year. 

“Every team in this conference is tough now. There’s no easy games,” Bacus said. 

In response to this tough schedule, the team has to work a little harder to become stronger and more prepared for the upcoming battles. Yet, they still have faith in their ability to have a good outcome of the season. 

“It’s a tough schedule, but we can win all those games I believe,” senior Kayd Matthews said.